In a significant update to regulations concerning the packaged drinking water sector in India, the government has announced an important change: the requirement for Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification has been removed. Now, manufacturers must acquire a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license to ensure the safety and quality of their bottled water products. This decision follows an FSSAI notification issued on October 17, 2024, which aims to simplify and strengthen the regulation of packaged water.
Overview of the New Regulations
Under the revised guidelines, packaged drinking water manufacturers are no longer required to seek BIS certification to market their products. BIS, which had previously served as a quality control standard, has now been replaced by an FSSAI Food Safety License or Registration. Manufacturers can conveniently obtain this license through the official FSSAI portal, providing a simpler method for businesses to comply with food safety standards. This change is designed to ease the compliance process for manufacturers while ensuring the safety and quality of the products.
FSSAI Testing Requirement
A crucial element of the new regulations is the mandatory testing of packaged drinking water. To ensure that the products meet safety standards, manufacturers will need to send each batch of water for testing in an FSSAI-approved laboratory. These tests are carried out to ensure that the water is free from harmful chemicals, pathogens, and contaminants. This requirement ensures that consumers receive safe and high-quality water.
New Labeling Standards
In addition to the changes in certification, the government has introduced updated labeling standards for packaged drinking water. These labels must include the following details to provide transparency and essential product information:
- Product name (e.g., packaged drinking water)
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- Brand name (if applicable)
- Lot or batch number
- Packaging date
- Best Before date
- FSSAI logo along with the license/registration number
These new labeling guidelines are intended to enhance consumer trust, enabling buyers to verify that the product meets required safety standards.
Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
Manufacturers who fail to meet the updated regulatory requirements will face legal consequences under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Non-compliance could lead to penalties or even suspension of their manufacturing license, which would prevent them from selling their products in the Indian market. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to stay compliant with these new guidelines to avoid legal ramifications.
Why Is This Change Significant?
This regulatory shift is part of an effort to simplify the regulatory environment for packaged drinking water manufacturers while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. The switch from BIS certification to FSSAI registration aims to streamline the approval process and improve the monitoring of water quality in the country. The FSSAI will now be centralizing oversight, making it more efficient for businesses to comply with regulations.
From a consumer perspective, this change brings positive benefits. The mandatory testing and updated labeling guidelines ensure that packaged drinking water remains safe for consumption, giving consumers more confidence in the products they purchase. As the demand for bottled water continues to rise, these regulatory updates provide a much-needed framework to guarantee product safety.
Impact on the Packaged Water Industry
For the packaged drinking water industry, the government’s new rules underscore a heightened focus on food safety and quality. Manufacturers will now need to prioritize obtaining their FSSAI license and ensure that each product batch undergoes testing and complies with new labeling requirements.
While the removal of BIS certification may appear to be a significant adjustment, obtaining an FSSAI license is a relatively simple process via the FSSAI online portal. This shift is expected to reduce the administrative burden on smaller manufacturers who previously found the BIS certification process cumbersome.
Conclusion
The changes introduced in the certification and regulation of packaged drinking water in India represent a forward-thinking step toward streamlining regulatory processes while maintaining high-quality standards. With the introduction of the FSSAI license, mandatory testing, and updated labeling requirements, consumers can rest assured that the packaged drinking water they consume is safe and of superior quality. For businesses in the packaged water industry, it is crucial to stay informed about these regulations and ensure compliance to continue operating in the market.
At Electronics India, we remain committed to keeping you updated on the latest regulatory developments and their impact on businesses across various sectors, including food and beverage.