FSSAI Replaces BIS Rule for Packaged Drinking Water

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed to remove the requirement for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for packaged drinking water from January 1. This will reduce paperwork and dual approvals for manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu, it will also bring in stricter testing rules and tighter compliance requirements.

At the same time, consumer groups are asking the government to increase the number of approved testing labs so quality can be monitored properly and consistently. In a recent order, the FSSAI has outlined a testing framework for packaged and mineral drinking water and instructed manufacturers to follow the new testing system starting January 1.

There are around 1,600 packaged drinking water manufacturing units across the state. Since the FSSAI is set to replace the mandatory BIS mark, nearly 40% of these units have not renewed their BIS certification.

Manufacturers have pointed out that the new FSSAI testing system will increase operating costs, as it requires more frequent and detailed testing, including microbiological checks. A. Shakespeare, founder-president of the Greater Tamil Nadu Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers Association, warned that under the new rules, manufacturers could face legal action or even cancellation of their licences if their products fail to meet quality standards.

The number of new companies entering the market has dropped by 20% in recent years due to rising competition, even though demand for packaged drinking water remains strong at around five crore litres per day across the state. Chennai and nearby areas alone account for nearly three crore litres of this daily consumption.

Manufacturers have also urged authorities to introduce strict testing rules for non-carbonated water-based drinks, including herbal water. Consumer groups believe that the new testing rules should help improve quality and control unauthorised units. T. Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre, said this can work effectively only if there are more testing laboratories across local bodies, a simpler licensing process, and regular third-party inspections of manufacturing units, so that Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) rules are properly enforced and not only limited to paperwork.

Health officials said the new testing system will cover all types of packaged water, which are classified as high-risk food products. They explained that manufacturers must get quality tests done through private agencies or laboratories approved by the Quality Council of India, while food safety officials will also carry out quality checks during inspections.

Meanwhile, BIS is still receiving applications for standards certification, though in smaller numbers. Officials added that BIS has its own market surveillance system and will act  against any misuse of the ISI mark.