Packaged Drinking Water (Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water) is purified, bottled water that has been treated to meet high standards of purity, ensuring it is free from contaminants and safe for consumption. This type of drinking water undergoes rigorous purification processes, such as filtration, reverse osmosis, and ozonization, making it suitable for daily hydration needs and convenient for on-the-go consumption.
Packaged drinking water is widely available in different sizes, making it ideal for individuals, households, and businesses alike, while meeting strict quality and safety benchmarks for packaged water.
Introduction
BIS certification for Packaged
Drinking Water (Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water) is a mandatory
quality assurance measure that verifies the water's compliance with health and
safety standards as per Indian Standard IS 14543. According to the Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notification issued on August 31,
2022, under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales)
First Amendment Regulations, 2022, manufacturers must obtain BIS certification
to use the ISI Mark on packaged drinking water products sold in India. This
regulation ensures all packaged drinking water meets essential quality and
safety requirements, protecting consumers and promoting consistency across the
industry.
Why
is BIS Certification Necessary for Packaged Drinking Water (Other than Packaged
Natural Mineral Water)?
BIS certification is essential for Packaged Drinking Water (Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water) to guarantee product safety, quality, and consistency. Certification ensures the water is free from contaminants, meets purity standards, and adheres to the Indian Standard IS 14543 requirements, thus safeguarding consumer health. With the FSSAI's mandate from August 31, 2022, under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) First Amendment Regulations, manufacturers must have BIS certification to sell packaged drinking water in India. This requirement reinforces public trust in packaged drinking water, while non-compliance may result in strict penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Overview
of Indian Standard IS 14543
Indian Standard IS 14543 outlines
the quality requirements for Packaged Drinking Water (Other than Packaged
Natural Mineral Water), covering parameters such as microbiological safety,
total dissolved solids, and chemical composition. This standard mandates
regular testing and stringent quality checks, ensuring water purity and safety
for consumers. Under IS 14543, packaged drinking water must be free from
harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Compliance with IS
14543, now mandatory due to the FSSAI’s 2022 amendment regulation, provides
consumers with confidence in the quality of packaged drinking water, aligning
with safety standards enforced by BIS certification.
The BIS certification process for
Packaged Drinking Water (Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water) involves
multiple steps, designed to thoroughly evaluate a product's compliance with the
required standards. Here is a general overview of the certification process:
1. Application Submission: Manufacturers must submit an application form along
with required documentation to BIS.
2. Documentation Review: BIS reviews the submitted documents to ensure
completeness and correctness.
3. Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the
manufacturing facility to assess the production process and quality control
measures.
4. Sample Testing: Product samples are taken and tested in BIS-approved
laboratories to verify compliance with Indian standards.
5. Certification Grant: Upon successful completion of the inspection and
testing, BIS grants certification, allowing the manufacturer to use the BIS
mark on their products.
To apply for BIS certification,
manufacturers need to submit the following documents:
● Application
form
● Manufacturing
process details
● Quality
control plan
● Test
reports from BIS-approved laboratories
● Factory
layout and equipment details
● Proof
of business registration
● Product
specifications and technical details
● Declaration of conformity to Indian standards
Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.
BIS certification for Packaged
Drinking Water (Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water) is essential to
ensure adherence to quality and safety standards as per IS 14543. By complying
with the mentioned Quality control order, certified products provide reliable
performance, enhance consumer safety, and reinforce the credibility of
manufacturers in the Indian market.
Navigating the BIS
certification process can be challenging, especially for small and medium-sized
enterprises. EVTL India is a leading consultancy firm dedicated to assisting
manufacturers in obtaining BIS certification (ISI Mark) efficiently. With
expertise in managing BIS portal submissions, documentation, and regulatory
fees, EVTL India ensures a smooth and successful certification process. By
choosing EVTL India, manufacturers can enhance their product's marketability
both in India and internationally, securing a competitive edge. Additionally,
EVTL India provides ongoing support post-certification, helping manufacturers
maintain compliance with BIS standards and renew their licenses as needed.