Reverse Osmosis (RO)-based water purifiers have become an essential part of many households, offering a reliable solution for clean drinking water. However, recent reports highlight a concerning issue: despite the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) making certification mandatory for these products since April, only one out of 250 identified manufacturers in Tamil Nadu has applied for a license.
The BIS, a statutory body, is urging manufacturers to obtain licenses promptly, collaborating with industry associations in the southern region to enforce compliance. This move is in response to the growing demand for water purification devices and the challenges associated with filtering groundwater sources, which many households still rely on.
BIS officials stress the need for a set of requirements governing the design and performance of RO-based water treatment systems. These standards aim to ensure product quality and specify criteria for testing materials. Given the technology’s proven reliability in removing various contaminants, numerous manufacturers and assemblers, including those in the unorganized sector, have entered the market.
The BIS introduced the IS:16240 standard for RO-based water treatment systems for drinking purposes, making it mandatory from April 4 this year. However, as of now, only 14 manufacturers, mainly major brands, have obtained licenses in India. Shockingly, among the 12 applications received nationwide for product quality certification, only one originated from Madurai.
Notably, the BIS standards encompass the entire product, while Tamil Nadu alone boasts about 750 manufacturers of components used in assembling RO water purifiers. In the coming three to four months, approximately 250 complete device manufacturers in the state are expected to fall under the BIS certification umbrella. Many manufacturers have recently been educated on the application process, testing methods, and equipment required for testing. Presently, quality testing for RO-based water products can only be performed in five laboratories across the country.
Consumers are encouraged to seek the ISI mark when purchasing RO-based water treatment systems and can report complaints regarding ISI-marked products through the BIS Care mobile application. The BIS is also collaborating with nodal agencies like the State Pollution Control Board and Central Pollution Board to monitor compliance with these guidelines.
In conclusion, the move to make BIS certification mandatory for RO-based water purifiers is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water for consumers across India. The certification will not only promote trust in these essential products but also enhance the industry’s accountability in delivering safe and reliable water purification solutions.