BIS Marking for Drinking Water Packaging: Ensuring Safety and Quality

Published on: April 21, 2025

In a country like India, where safe drinking water is a primary health concern, the quality and safety of packaged drinking water cannot be compromised. With an increasing demand for packaged water, ensuring that it meets stringent quality standards becomes crucial. This is where Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification comes into play. BIS marking for drinking water packaging assures consumers that the water they are consuming has passed rigorous quality checks and complies with national safety standards.

In this blog, we will dive deep into what BIS certification means for packaged drinking water, why it is mandatory, and how Ascent Inspecta can be your trusted partner in achieving BIS certification seamlessly.

What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, responsible for the development and maintenance of quality standards for various products and services. BIS certification is a third-party guarantee of quality, safety, and reliability.

For packaged drinking water, BIS certification is mandatory under IS 14543:2016. Without this certification, manufacturers are not legally allowed to sell packaged drinking water in the Indian market.

Why is BIS Certification Important for Packaged Drinking Water?

• → Consumer Safety: Waterborne diseases are a major concern in India. BIS ensures the water is free from harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
• → Quality Assurance: BIS-certified water is regularly tested and monitored to meet stringent quality standards related to taste, odor, color, and chemical composition.
• → Legal Compliance: As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), no packaged water can be sold without BIS certification. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, shutdowns, or legal action.
• → Market Access: Many retail chains, institutions, and public sector undertakings only deal with BIS-certified suppliers. Hence, having BIS marking gives you a competitive edge.
• → Brand Trust: The BIS mark enhances the credibility of your brand. Consumers are more likely to trust and buy products that are certified and quality-assured.

Key Requirements for BIS Certification of Packaged Drinking Water

• → Water Source: Whether it is borewell, river, or municipal water, the source must be tested and treated adequately.
• → Treatment Facilities: The unit must have proper filtration, disinfection (UV/Ozone), reverse osmosis, and storage systems.
• → Laboratory Setup: A fully functional lab with trained staff and calibrated instruments to test physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters.
• → Qualified Personnel: At least one chemist and one microbiologist with relevant qualifications must be employed.
• → Packaging: Bottles or jars used must be of food-grade quality and sanitized properly before use.
• → Hygiene & Infrastructure: Clean and well-maintained facilities that meet the hygiene standards outlined by BIS.

Step-by-Step Process of Getting BIS Certification for Packaged Drinking Water

1. Application Submission: Fill out the application form on the BIS portal and submit required documents.
2. Document Verification: BIS officials review your submission for correctness and completeness.
3. Plant Inspection: A BIS officer visits your manufacturing facility to inspect the premises, processes, and testing facilities.
4. Sample Testing: Water samples are collected and tested in BIS-approved labs.
5. Grant of License: If the product meets all required standards, BIS grants a license, allowing you to use the BIS standard mark.
6. Ongoing Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic audits and product tests to ensure continued compliance.

Challenges Faced by Manufacturers

• → Delay due to improper documentation
• → Unawareness of technical specifications
• → Inadequate infrastructure or test equipment
• → Untrained staff unable to handle BIS inspections
• → Non-compliance with quality management requirements

These challenges can lead to rejection, delays, or additional costs. That’s where having a knowledgeable and experienced partner can make all the difference.

Why Choose Ascent Inspecta for BIS Certification?

• ✅ End-to-End Support: From documentation to final BIS audit clearance, we manage the entire certification journey for you.
• ✅ Technical Expertise: Our team of industry experts ensures that your plant complies with every requirement of IS 14543.
• ✅ Infrastructure Planning & Setup: We assist with layout planning, machinery selection, lab setup, and SOP development tailored to BIS standards.
• ✅ Mock Audits & Training: We prepare your team for the actual BIS inspection through internal audits and training.
• ✅ Speed and Efficiency: Our team works on tight timelines to ensure quick license approval without compromising compliance.
• ✅ Pan-India Presence: We serve clients across India, from metro cities to remote towns.
• ✅ Post-Certification Assistance: Continued support with surveillance audits, renewals, and updates in regulatory standards.

Client Success Story: A Case in Point

One of our clients, a startup bottled water company in Maharashtra, approached us after facing repeated rejections from BIS due to non-compliance and poor documentation. With Ascent Inspecta’s guidance, they revamped their operations, passed the inspection in a single attempt, and secured BIS certification within just 45 days. Today, their brand is listed in leading retail stores across Western India.

Conclusion

BIS marking is more than just a regulatory requirement — it's a symbol of trust and a passport to market legitimacy in the packaged drinking water industry. While the certification process can be rigorous, it is entirely achievable with the right guidance and expertise.

Need Help with BIS Certification?
Ascent Inspecta is here to help you at every step of the journey. Whether you're setting up a new plant or upgrading an existing one, our team ensures your brand meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Contact us today for expert assistance on BIS certification for packaged drinking water.