BIS Certification and ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water: A Complete Guide by EVTL India

Introduction

BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water and ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water are mandatory requirements in India to ensure water quality and consumer safety. With increasing concerns about water contamination, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established strict guidelines to regulate the quality of packaged drinking water. Obtaining these certifications is essential for manufacturers to legally sell their products in the Indian market. In this guide, EVTL India explains the importance of BIS certification and ISI mark, the process of obtaining them, and how businesses can ensure compliance effortlessly.

What is BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water?

BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water ensures that the water being sold in bottles, jars, and pouches complies with the Indian Standard IS 14543. This standard specifies safety parameters related to microbial contamination, toxic substances, and permissible minerals to maintain the purity of drinking water.

Any manufacturer producing packaged drinking water must obtain BIS certification before launching their product in the market. Without certification, selling packaged drinking water is illegal in India, and businesses may face penalties and product bans.

What is ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water?

The ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water is a quality assurance mark provided by BIS. This mark signifies that the product adheres to the highest safety and quality standards under IS 14543. Consumers recognize the ISI mark as a symbol of trust, ensuring that the water they consume is free from contaminants and safe for drinking.

Both BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water and ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water are interlinked. Without BIS certification, a manufacturer cannot obtain the ISI mark for their product.

Why is BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water Important?

1. Legal Compliance

BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water is mandatory for all manufacturers to legally operate in India. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, business shutdowns, and legal consequences.

2. Ensuring Consumer Safety

The certification ensures that packaged drinking water is free from harmful bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals, making it safe for human consumption.

3. Market Credibility

Having the ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water enhances brand credibility, as consumers prefer certified products over uncertified alternatives.

4. Avoiding Product Recalls

Selling packaged drinking water without BIS certification can lead to product recalls, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage.

5. Facilitating Business Growth

A BIS-certified product gains trust in the market, leading to higher sales, better market penetration, and business expansion.

Who Needs BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water?

• Manufacturers of packaged drinking water

• Suppliers and distributors of bottled water

• Importers of packaged drinking water in India

• Retailers selling branded packaged water

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain BIS Certification and ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water

1. Set Up a Water Treatment Plant

To meet BIS standards, manufacturers must establish a water treatment facility equipped with filtration, reverse osmosis, and UV treatment systems.

2. Apply for BIS Certification

Manufacturers need to submit an application for BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water along with necessary documents, including:

• Business registration details

• Manufacturing unit address

• Test reports from an NABL-accredited lab

• Details of the water purification process

3. Factory Inspection by BIS Officials

BIS authorities will conduct an on-site inspection to verify compliance with IS 14543 standards. They will examine the water source, filtration systems, and quality control measures.

4. Product Testing in BIS-Recognized Laboratories

Samples of packaged drinking water are sent to BIS-accredited labs for testing to ensure they meet the safety and purity requirements.

5. Issuance of BIS Certification and ISI Mark

If the product passes all tests and inspections, BIS issues the certification, and the manufacturer is allowed to use the ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water.

6. Ongoing Compliance and Renewal

BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water must be renewed periodically. Manufacturers must continue following quality standards to retain their certification and ISI mark.

Challenges in Obtaining BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water

1. Strict Quality Standards

Meeting all safety and purity standards set by BIS can be challenging for manufacturers who do not have proper filtration systems.

2. Lengthy Approval Process

The certification process involves multiple inspections and laboratory tests, leading to a longer approval timeline.

3. High Testing Costs

Testing water samples in BIS-recognized labs can be expensive, especially for small-scale businesses.

4. Regulatory Compliance Maintenance

Even after obtaining BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water, manufacturers must continuously comply with regulations to avoid certification revocation.

How EVTL India Simplifies BIS Certification and ISI Mark Process

EVTL India provides expert consultation and hassle-free services for obtaining BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water and ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water. Our services include:

• End-to-End Assistance: From document preparation to certification approval

• Regulatory Compliance Guidance: Ensuring manufacturers meet all BIS standards

• Laboratory Testing Support: Coordination with NABL-accredited labs for quicker testing

• Factory Inspection Preparation: Helping businesses meet inspection requirements

• Faster Certification Processing: Reducing approval delays with expert intervention

Conclusion

BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water and ISI Mark for Packaged Drinking Water are crucial for ensuring water safety, legal compliance, and consumer trust. Without these certifications, manufacturers cannot legally sell packaged drinking water in India. While the certification process can be complex, EVTL India simplifies it with expert guidance and end-to-end support. Contact EVTL India today to get your packaged drinking water BIS-certified and ISI-marked without any hassle.