India’s food and beverage industry is booming, but with rapid growth comes the critical need for quality and safety assurance. Enter the BIS certificate, a government-backed mark of trust that guarantees your products meet rigorous Indian standards. Whether you are launching a new beverage or scaling your food branch, understanding BIS certification is the key to unlocking consumer confidence, regulatory approval, and market success. Let’s explore why this certification is important and how you can obtain it for your food and beverage business.

What Is BIS Certification?

India’s official standards organisation is the Bureau of Indian Standards. Responsible for quality standards for products and services through multiple sectors. BIS certification is important for businesses that want to make sure that their products meet the quality, safety, and performance standards required by Indian law.

The certification process includes testing and inspecting, certifying products to ensure they comply with the Indian Standards set by the BIS. This certification increases consumer trust and helps businesses expand their market reach by proving their commitment to quality.

Why Is BIS Certification For Food and Beverages Important?

BIS certificate for Food and Beverages important for several key reasons:

• Consumer Confidence: BIS certification assures consumers that food and beverage products have been tested for safety and quality, building trust and brand loyalty.
• Regulatory Compliance: Certain food products, such as packaged drinking water and mineral water, and mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to have a BIS certificate in addition to the FSSAI license.
• Market Competitiveness: The ISI mark differentiates certified products from non-certified ones, enhancing market visibility and credibility.
• Legal Protection: BIS certification helps businesses avoid penalties, legal claims, and market exclusion due to non-compliance with Indian standards.
• Global Acceptance: BIS-certified products are more readily accepted in international markets, facilitating export opportunities.

What are the Required Documents to get a BIS Certificate for Food and Beverages?

To get BIS Certificate for food and Beverages, the following documents are usually required:

1. Application Form: The application form, normally known as Form-V, needs to be filled out with correct and complete information.
2. Test Reports: Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories for the relevant food products need to be submitted. These reports should show that the products meet the specified Indian Standards.
3. Manufacturing Unit Information: Details about the manufacturing unit, such as the address, layout plan, and production capacity, should be provided.
4. List of Equipment: A list of equipment and machinery used in the manufacturing process, along with their technical specifications, should be included.
5. Quality Management System: Documentation related to the implementation as a quality management system, certification for any other relevant quality assurance program, may be required.
6. Labelling Information: Details regarding the labelling of the food products, including the product name, ingredients, nutritional information, and any specific labelling requirements,  should be provided.
7. Product Sample: Sample of the food products, as specified by the BIS, may need to be submitted for testing and evaluation. 

Read More: Documents Required For BIS Registration

Procedure For Obtaining BIS Certificate For Food And Beverages

The process of obtaining BIS certificate for food and beverages is as follows:

1. Application Submission: Food Business Operating must submit Form V along with required documents like manufacturing process details, machinery list, in-house and third-party test reports, and proof of address.
2. Documents Review: BIS examines the application and supporting documents.
3. Factory Inspection: BIS arranges a factory visit to verify manufacturing processes and collect product samples for independent laboratory testing 
4. Testing and Evaluation: The collected samples are tested for compliance with relevant Indian Standards.
5. Grants of License: If the products meet all requirements, BIS issues a license (Form-VIII) allowing the use of the ISI mark. The license is valid for a minimum of one year and can be renewed for up to five years.

Read More: Process for getting BIS for Certification

The Time Needed To Get The BIS Certification For Food And Beverages

The BIS certificate for Food and beverage product process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeframe covers the submission and verification of documents, product sample testing in BIS-approved labs, and a factory inspection by BIS officials. In some cases, if all documentation is complete and the products meet the standards, the certification can be granted faster, sometimes within 30 days under a simplified procedure. However, manufacturers should generally plan for up to four months to complete the entire process smoothly.

Conclusion 

BIS certification is not just a regulatory requirement but a mark of quality and safety for food and beverage businesses in India. It builds consumer trust, ensures legal compliance, and enhances market opportunities both domestically and internationally. For any food business aiming for growth and credibility, obtaining BIS certification is a crucial step toward long-term success.