The Indian regulatory framework for food products has witnessed a major change with the de-notification of certain food products from mandatory BIS certification. One of the most significant updates is regarding Packaged Drinking Water and Packaged Natural Mineral Water.
Previously, manufacturers were required to obtain mandatory India BIS certification for these products. However, the requirement has now been withdrawn, and the products are primarily regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
This blog explains the latest update, its impact on manufacturers, and what businesses need to do moving forward with the help of experienced BIS certification consultants in India and compliance experts offering BIS services and EPR consulting services in India.
What Was the Earlier Requirement?
Earlier, manufacturers of:
- Packaged Drinking Water under IS 14543
- Packaged Natural Mineral Water under IS 13428
were required to obtain:
- BIS Certification (ISI Mark License)
- FSSAI License
This meant companies had to comply with both BIS quality standards and FSSAI food safety regulations before selling products in the Indian market. Many businesses relied on a BIS registration consultant in India to manage the compliance process efficiently.
Latest Update: BIS Requirement Withdrawn
As per the latest regulatory changes, certain food products have been de-notified from compulsory BIS certification, including:
| IS Standard | Product |
| IS 13428 | Packaged Natural Mineral Water |
| IS 14543 | Packaged Drinking Water (Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water) |
This means obtaining mandatory BIS product certification for these products is no longer compulsory.
The update comes under the amendment issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Products De-notified from Mandatory BIS Certification
Apart from drinking water products, the following products were also de-notified:
- Infant milk substitutes
- Food for special medical purpose intended for infants
- Partly skimmed milk powder
This change reduces duplicate compliance requirements for food manufacturers and simplifies regulatory procedures previously handled under India BIS certification processes.
What Does This Mean for Manufacturers?
Manufacturers of packaged drinking water now primarily need to focus on:
FSSAI Compliance
Businesses must obtain:
- FSSAI Central License
- Product approvals as applicable
- Food safety compliance
- Lab testing as per FSSAI standards
- Hygiene and manufacturing compliance
BIS Certification No Longer Mandatory
Manufacturers are no longer required to:
- Obtain mandatory ISI license for IS 14543 or IS 13428
- Undergo BIS factory inspections for these products
- Maintain BIS surveillance compliance
However, businesses may still seek guidance from BIS certification consultants in India for understanding broader compliance obligations and related BIS services .
Why Was BIS Certification Withdrawn?
The government’s objective behind this move is believed to be:
- Simplification of compliance procedures
- Removal of duplicate regulatory requirements
- Reducing compliance burden on food businesses
- Centralizing food product regulation under FSSAI
Since packaged drinking water is already regulated extensively under food safety laws, the authorities streamlined the regulatory framework.
Is BIS Completely Removed?
The products have been de-notified from compulsory BIS certification, meaning the mandatory requirement has been withdrawn.
However, businesses should still:
- Maintain product quality standards
- Follow FSSAI packaging and labeling regulations
- Ensure water quality testing regularly
- Comply with hygiene and manufacturing norms
Companies working with a BIS registration consultant in India can also evaluate whether any voluntary BIS product certification may still benefit their brand positioning.
Important Considerations for Manufacturers
Even though BIS certification is withdrawn, packaged drinking water manufacturers must still ensure:
- Source water quality compliance
- Microbiological safety
- Chemical testing
- Proper filtration and purification systems
- Traceability and batch records
FSSAI inspections and food safety audits continue to remain important. Businesses may also require EPR consulting services in India for managing packaging-related environmental compliance obligations.
Regulatory Notification
The amendment was published by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in October 2024 under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) First Amendment Regulations, 2024.
The withdrawal of mandatory BIS certification for packaged drinking water and natural mineral water marks a major regulatory shift in India’s food compliance sector.
Now, manufacturers primarily need to comply with FSSAI regulations instead of maintaining dual compliance under both BIS and FSSAI.
For businesses, this can help:
- Reduce certification costs
- Simplify approvals
- Minimize compliance timelines
- Improve operational efficiency
However, maintaining food safety and product quality remains critical, as FSSAI regulations continue to apply strictly to packaged drinking water products in India.
Businesses can still benefit from professional BIS services, expert guidance from BIS certification consultants in India, and EPR consulting services in India to ensure complete regulatory compliance across operations.
