Packaged Drinking Water No Longer Requires BIS Certification, FSSAI License Now Mandatory
The Indian regulatory landscape for packaged drinking water has undergone a significant shift, as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification is no longer mandatory. Instead, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) license has become the primary requirement for manufacturers and sellers of packaged drinking water. This regulatory change aims to streamline compliance, ensure better food safety standards, and eliminate redundancies in certification requirements.
Regulatory Changes: A Shift from BIS to FSSAI
Earlier, manufacturers of packaged drinking water had to obtain BIS certification under IS 14543:2016 (for packaged drinking water) and IS 13428:2005 (for packaged natural mineral water). This was in addition to obtaining an FSSAI license under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The dual certification process posed challenges for businesses, leading to regulatory overlaps, increased compliance costs, and delays in approvals.
With the latest amendment, packaged drinking water manufacturers are now required to obtain only the FSSAI license, which simplifies the approval process and aligns the regulation with food safety norms. The move is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining stringent safety and quality standards.
Understanding the Role of FSSAI in Packaged Drinking Water Regulation
FSSAI, the apex food regulatory authority in India, oversees the safety, hygiene, and quality of food products. Under the revised framework, FSSAI ensures that packaged drinking water meets essential safety parameters, including microbiological and chemical quality standards. The FSSAI license serves as a comprehensive authorization for businesses, covering manufacturing, storage, distribution, and sale of packaged drinking water.
Key Responsibilities of FSSAI in Regulating Packaged Drinking Water:
- Setting Safety Standards: FSSAI mandates that packaged drinking water must be free from contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals.
- Regular Quality Testing: Manufacturers must conduct periodic testing and maintain quality control records.
- Ensuring Hygiene and Sanitation: Production facilities must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
- Consumer Awareness and Labeling: FSSAI prescribes specific labeling requirements, including details about mineral composition, pH level, and expiry date.
Implications for the Packaged Drinking Water Industry
1. Simplified Compliance Process
The removal of the BIS certification requirement reduces the regulatory burden on businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the packaged drinking water sector. Obtaining a single license under FSSAI streamlines documentation, audits, and renewal processes, making it easier for new entrants to establish their businesses.
2. Enhanced Food Safety and Consumer Protection
FSSAI’s stringent food safety guidelines ensure that consumers receive safe and hygienic drinking water. The revised regulations emphasize microbiological testing, ensuring that packaged water is free from harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Additionally, the focus on transparency in labeling empowers consumers to make informed choices.
3. Cost Reduction for Businesses
Previously, manufacturers had to bear the cost of both BIS certification and FSSAI licensing, leading to financial strain. With BIS certification no longer required, businesses can save on compliance costs, which can be redirected towards improving infrastructure, quality control, and product innovation.
4. Market Expansion and Ease of Doing Business
The new regulation facilitates a more business-friendly environment by eliminating bureaucratic delays associated with dual certifications. This is expected to encourage new investments and market expansion in the packaged drinking water industry, benefiting both domestic and international players.
Process for Obtaining an FSSAI License for Packaged Drinking Water
Manufacturers must adhere to specific procedures to obtain an FSSAI license for packaged drinking water. The process includes:
Step 1: Determine the Type of FSSAI License Required
FSSAI licenses are categorized based on business size and turnover:
- FSSAI Registration (Basic License): For businesses with an annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
- State FSSAI License: For businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
- Central FSSAI License: For businesses with an annual turnover above ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states.
Step 2: Documentation Requirements
The following documents are required to apply for an FSSAI license:
- Business incorporation certificate
- Water quality test report from an NABL-accredited laboratory
- Layout plan of the manufacturing facility
- List of machinery and processing equipment
- Details of water treatment process
- Food safety management plan
- Proof of address and identity of the proprietor/company
Step 3: Online Application Submission
Applicants must submit their license applications via the FSSAI Food Licensing and Registration System (FLRS) portal. The application includes business details, product category (packaged drinking water), and relevant documents.
Step 4: Inspection and Approval
FSSAI conducts a site inspection to verify compliance with hygiene, safety, and quality standards. If all conditions are met, the license is granted, typically within 30-60 days.
Challenges and Concerns
1. Ensuring Stringent Quality Control
While the transition from BIS to FSSAI simplifies compliance, it raises concerns about maintaining the same level of quality control. BIS certification involved rigorous testing and periodic inspections, which ensured that products met established safety standards. The onus is now on FSSAI to enforce equally stringent monitoring and testing mechanisms.
2. Need for Better Consumer Awareness
Consumers are accustomed to seeing the BIS mark as a quality assurance symbol on packaged drinking water. The regulatory shift necessitates increased consumer education to build trust in FSSAI’s certification standards.
3. Addressing Counterfeit and Non-Compliant Products
With a single regulatory authority overseeing packaged drinking water, there is a need for stricter surveillance to prevent counterfeit or substandard products from entering the market. FSSAI must enhance enforcement mechanisms to identify and penalize non-compliant businesses.
Conclusion
The decision to make FSSAI licensing mandatory while removing the BIS certification requirement marks a transformative shift in India’s packaged drinking water regulations. The move aims to simplify compliance, reduce costs for businesses, and enhance food safety. However, its success depends on FSSAI’s ability to maintain strict quality control, conduct regular inspections, and create consumer awareness about the new standards.
Manufacturers must adapt to this change by ensuring compliance with FSSAI guidelines, investing in robust quality control mechanisms, and focusing on transparent labeling to gain consumer trust. As the industry evolves under the new regulatory framework, it presents opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved consumer safety in the packaged drinking water sector.