BIS Mark for Packaged Water Replaced with Compulsory Testing Scheme

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued an order directing all Food Business Operators (FBOs) to strictly comply with the compulsory testing scheme for Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) and Mineral Water (MW), with effect from 1 January 2026. This scheme has been introduced to ensure the safety and regulatory compliance of packaged water products in the Indian market. Notably, the earlier requirement of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011 was withdrawn pursuant to a notification dated 17 October 2024.

In accordance with Regulation 2.2.8 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR), the testing scheme prescribes detailed levels of regulatory control. Manufacturers are required to maintain comprehensive testing records, document batch-wise consumption of added minerals, conduct testing of source water, and take immediate corrective action in the event of non-compliance with microbiological standards. The scheme further mandates compliance with packaging regulations applicable to plastic containers, pouches, glass bottles, paper-based cartons, aluminium cans, and reused containers. Additionally, stringent hygienic conditions must be maintained during the collection, processing, handling, and storage of water.

Although the mandatory requirement for a BIS licence has been removed, packaged drinking water and mineral water have been reclassified as “high-risk” food categories, thereby attracting enhanced compliance obligations, including mandatory third-party audits.

These regulatory measures assume significance in light of recent findings, where nearly two-thirds of water samples collected in Karnataka were reportedly contaminated with pesticide residues, fluoride, and excessive total dissolved solids, including calcium and magnesium. Further, the packaged water market in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% between 2025 and 2035. Given the widespread perception of bottled water as a safer alternative, the introduction of the compulsory testing scheme is a critical step toward safeguarding consumer health and reinforcing trust in both products and manufacturers.