On June 3, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2024. This regulation aims to ensure that all bottled water dispensers manufactured, imported, or sold in India meet rigorous quality standards, enhancing consumer safety and product reliability. 

If you are involved in the production, sale, or import of bottled water dispensers, this order directly impacts your operations. Implemented after consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), this regulation aligns with the BIS Act, 2016, prioritizing public interest. 

Key Provisions of the Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2024 

1. Title and Implementation Timeline 

This order is officially known as the Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The following timelines apply for mandatory compliance: 

   • For medium and large-scale enterprises, the regulation became effective on July 1, 2024. 

   • Small enterprises are required to comply by October 1, 2024. 

   • Micro enterprises have until January 1, 2025, to meet the requirements. 

2. Mandatory BIS Certification 

Under this order, all bottled water dispensers must conform to Indian Standard IS 17681:2022 and display the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) to signify compliance. 

   • Manufacturers must acquire a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to use the ISI Mark, ensuring their products adhere to the prescribed quality benchmarks. 

   • This requirement only applies to bottled water dispensers manufactured for the domestic market; products intended solely for export are exempt from this rule. 

3. BIS as the Certifying Authority 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and enforcement authority for this order. BIS is responsible for ensuring that manufacturers comply with the required standards and that only certified products carrying the BIS Standard Mark are sold in India.  

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Any violation of the Bottled Water Dispensers (Quality Control) Order, 2024 can result in strict penalties. Offenders will be penalized according to the provisions set forth in the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This regulation is designed to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards, discouraging any attempts to circumvent the requirements. 

This order is a significant move towards safeguarding the quality and safety of bottled water dispensers in India, benefiting both consumers and industry participants by adhering to consistent standards. 

Implementation Dates: - Date of implementation for General (other than Micro and Small Enterprises): 1st, July 2024.

- Date of implementation for Small Enterprises: 1st October, 2024.

- Date of implementation for Micro Enterprises: 1st January 2025.

BIS Certification for Bottled Water Dispensers IS 17681: 2022