BIS Certification for Food Businesses

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is a quality assurance system that verifies your food products meet all Indian Standard (IS) specifications. The BIS mark is a symbol of trust, confirming that your products comply with safety, hygiene, and performance requirements set by the Indian government.For food businesses, BIS certification serves as a gateway to market credibility — ensuring that your products meet both FSSAI and BIS compliance norms.

Ensure Quality, Compliance & Consumer Trust with MyFoodExpert

Obtaining BIS certification is a crucial step for food manufacturers and processors who aim to deliver safe, high-quality products that meet Indian and international standards.
At MyFoodExpert, we assist food businesses in securing BIS certification efficiently — ensuring product quality, market access, and compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations.

 

BIS certification process for food businesses in India ensuring product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

To ensure your food products meet the BIS certification standards, MyFoodExpert provides end-to-end testing and quality assessment services designed specifically for the food industry in India. Our expert-led testing support helps food manufacturers, processors, and exporters maintain product safety, purity, and compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Our BIS Testing & Quality Services Include:

  • Food product lab testing as per BIS and FSSAI specifications
  • Nutritional analysis and composition verification for labeling compliance
  • Shelf-life and stability studies for packaged and processed foods
  • Water quality testing for packaged drinking water and beverage industries
  • Contaminant and heavy metal detection to ensure food safety
  • Export-oriented testing for global market approvals and certifications
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What is BIS ?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is the National Standards Body of India, functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, established through the BIS Act, 2016.
It is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enforcing Indian Standards (IS) that ensure product quality, safety, and reliability across industries — with a strong focus on the food sector.

Role of BIS in the Food Industry

The food industry in India is one of the fastest-growing sectors, demanding high levels of safety, hygiene, and quality assurance.
Here’s how BIS plays a critical role in maintaining these standards:

Standardization & Quality Control: BIS formulates and updates Indian Standards (IS) for a wide range of food products — including packaged drinking water, milk products, edible oils, cereals, and processed foods.

Certification & Inspection: Through its ISI mark certification, BIS verifies that food products conform to the established standards, ensuring consumer safety and consistent quality.

Testing & Laboratory Support: BIS-approved laboratories conduct systematic product testing and quality audits to ensure compliance with national standards.

Consumer Confidence: The ISI mark, granted by BIS, acts as a symbol of trust, assuring consumers that the food they purchase meets India’s highest safety and quality benchmarks.

Why BIS is Needed in the Food Sector

BIS certification is not just a legal requirement — it’s a foundation for consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and brand credibility.
Food businesses need BIS certification for several key reasons:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Many food products such as packaged drinking water, milk powder, and infant food require mandatory BIS certification as per Indian regulations.

2. Market Access & Export Readiness: BIS-certified food products meet international safety norms, helping businesses enter domestic and global markets.

3.Quality Assurance: Regular testing, audits, and inspections ensure that every certified product meets defined food safety parameters.

4.Consumer Protection: The BIS mark safeguards consumers from substandard or adulterated products, promoting public health and trust.

5.Business Reputation: Brands with BIS-certified food products demonstrate a strong commitment to quality and regulatory integrity.

    ‘The Backbone of Food Quality & Safety in India’

By integrating scientific testing, standard formulation, and regulatory oversight, BIS ensures that the Indian food sector aligns with global benchmarks.The BIS certification mark (ISI mark) stands as a guarantee of purity, safety, and consistency — building lasting confidence among consumers and regulators alike.

Documents Required for BIS Registration and Certification

To obtain a BIS Certificate and License for your food business, applicants must submit a complete set of documents as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines. These documents validate the manufacturer’s credentials, product conformity, and testing compliance, ensuring that the food product meets all BIS and FSSAI regulatory standards.A BIS-recognized laboratory test report is mandatory for all certification applications. Every document must be in the prescribed BIS format, properly signed and stamped by authorized signatories or representatives.

Key Documents Required for BIS Certification

Here’s the complete checklist of documents required to apply for BIS registration or BIS license in India:

1.Business License of the Manufacturing Unit (in English and local language)-Confirms the legal existence and operational scope of the food business.

2.Scope of the Business License (in English and local language)-Defines the product categories and food processing activities covered.

3.ISO Certificate of the Manufacturer-Demonstrates the implementation of a recognized quality management system (QMS).

4.Authorization Letter-Required if the BIS application is signed by someone other than the factory head.

5.Trademark Certificate-Proves ownership or registration of the brand name under which the product is marketed.

6.Trademark Authorization Letter-Needed when the brand is not owned by the manufacturer, authorizing its use for BIS registration.

7.Nomination Letter for Authorized Indian Representative (AIR)-Mandatory for foreign manufacturers, appointing an Indian representative to handle BIS correspondence.

8.Testing Documents from BIS-Recognized Laboratory-Includes product test reports verifying conformity with applicable Indian Standards (IS codes).

9.Filled CDF (Compliance Data Form) and CCL (Critical Component List)-Details product materials, specifications, and component compliance requirements.

10.Technical Specification Sheet or Product Manual-Provides detailed information about product design, usage, and operational parameters.

 

Benefits of BIS Certification for Food Businesses

Obtaining BIS certification for food businesses is not just about compliance — it’s a strategic investment in quality assurance, market credibility, and brand growth.The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification serves as an official endorsement from the Government of India, confirming that your food products meet the highest national standards for quality, purity, and safety.

  • Ensures 100% Regulatory Compliance
    BIS certification ensures that your food products adhere to Indian quality and safety standards, helping you avoid legal penalties, product bans, and regulatory disputes under FSSAI and BIS norms.
  • Builds Consumer Trust & Brand Credibility
    The BIS (ISI) mark on food packaging assures customers that your products have passed stringent laboratory testing and inspection, reinforcing your brand as safe, authentic, and reliable.
  • Expands Domestic & International Market Reach
    BIS certification simplifies market entry within India and internationally. Many countries recognize or accept BIS standards, helping food businesses gain easier access to export markets and trade opportunities.
  • Qualifies for Government Tenders & Contracts
    Many public sector organizations and government procurement tenders require BIS-certified products. With a valid BIS license, your business becomes eligible to participate in these high-value supply contracts.
  • Demonstrates Commitment to Quality Management
    BIS certification reflects your organization’s commitment to quality control and standardization, showing customers and partners that your food manufacturing process meets global best practices.
  • Reduces Product Failures & Recalls
    Regular testing, inspection, and compliance audits under BIS certification help minimize the risks of product failures, consumer complaints, and costly recalls, ensuring business continuity and consumer safety.
  • Boosts Competitive Advantage
    In today’s competitive market, having BIS-certified food products differentiates your brand from non-certified competitors, enhancing market reputation and consumer preference.
  • Improves Operational Efficiency & Standardization
    The BIS certification process encourages manufacturers to streamline their production, packaging, and quality assurance protocols, leading to more consistent output and fewer non-conformities.
  • Supports Export Readiness & International Recognition
    For food exporters, BIS certification acts as a gateway to international trade, aligning your product standards with global food safety frameworks such as ISO and Codex Alimentarius.

 

BIS certification for food businesses in India — highlighting BIS certification requirements for compliance, quality assurance, and regulatory approval.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with BIS Standards

Failure to comply with BIS certification and labeling standards can lead to severe legal, financial, and reputational penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
For food businesses, non-compliance not only disrupts operations but can also result in product recalls, loss of licenses, and permanent damage to brand reputation.

  • Heavy Monetary Penalties
    Businesses that violate BIS certification regulations face an initial fine of ₹2 lakh, which can increase to ten times the value of the non-compliant goods in repeated or severe cases.These financial penalties are designed to deter manufacturers and importers from neglecting quality standards or misusing the ISI mark.
  • Imprisonment for Serious Offenses
    In cases where violations endanger public health and consumer safety, the BIS Act empowers courts to impose imprisonment of up to two years on responsible individuals, including factory heads or authorized signatories.
  • Seizure and Ban on Non-Compliant Products
    BIS has the authority to prohibit, seize, or recall non-compliant food products from the market. This enforcement action often causes operational downtime, financial losses, and supply chain disruption.
  • Suspension or Cancellation of BIS License
    Repeated non-compliance, falsification of reports, or failure to maintain BIS-approved quality systems can result in suspension or permanent cancellation of certification.
    Once revoked, the company loses legal authorization to use the ISI mark, severely affecting market access and credibility.
  • Consumer Protection Act Penalties
    Consumers harmed or deceived by substandard products have the right to file complaints under the Consumer Protection Act, leading to compensation claims, public litigation, and irreversible brand damage.

Other Serious Consequences of BIS Violation

  • Market Access Restrictions: Non-certified manufacturers may face export barriers and rejection from retail chains, government contracts, and global buyers.
  • Business Blacklisting: BIS may list repeat violators as “non-compliant manufacturers”, barring them from future certifications.
  • Loss of Consumer Trust: The absence of the ISI mark can drastically reduce consumer confidence, especially for packaged food, bottled water, and processed products where quality assurance is critical.
  • Increased Inspection Frequency: Non-compliant factories are often subjected to frequent surprise audits and sampling, increasing compliance costs and operational pressure.

How MyFoodExpert Helps You Avoid BIS Non-Compliance?

At MyFoodExpert, our compliance professionals ensure your products always meet the BIS quality and labeling requirements.
We assist food manufacturers with:

  • End-to-end BIS certification support
  • Documentation, testing, and audit readiness
  • Renewal and periodic compliance maintenance
  • Product recall prevention and risk assessment

With expert guidance, your business stays 100% BIS-compliant, legally secure, and market-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – BIS Certification for Food Products

1. What is BIS certification?

BIS certification is an official mark of quality and safety compliance issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.
For food items, it verifies that the product meets the Indian quality and safety benchmarks (IS standards).

  • Food items listed as mandatory under BIS notification must have certification before sale or distribution.
  • For other food products, voluntary BIS certification enhances credibility, builds consumer trust, and opens export opportunities.

2. The government requires BIS certification only for certain products within the specified food category?

No. BIS certification is mandatory only for selected food categories that the government specifically lists through official notifications.
Examples include:

  • Packaged drinking water and mineral water
  • Infant milk food and formula
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
    While certification remains voluntary for most food products, it is highly recommended as it strengthens brand reputation, customer confidence, and global market acceptance.

3. Can both Indian and foreign food manufacturers apply for BIS certification?

Yes. Both Indian and foreign manufacturers are eligible to apply for BIS certification.
Foreign producers, however, must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) who will handle BIS compliance, documentation, and coordination with authorities in India.
This ensures smooth communication and regulatory adherence for international brands entering the Indian market.

4. How long does it take to obtain BIS certification?

The BIS certification process typically takes 30 to 60 days depending on the product category, laboratory testing requirements, and completeness of documentation.
Delays may occur if:

  • The testing laboratory requests additional samples, or
  • Documents need correction or translation (in the case of foreign manufacturers).
    Proper guidance from compliance experts can significantly reduce processing time.

5. What documents are required for BIS registration?

A complete BIS application includes the following key documents:

  • Business license or company registration certificate
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management certificate (if applicable)
  • Product test report from a BIS-recognized laboratory
  • Authorization letter and power of attorney (especially for foreign entities)
  • Trademark registration documents
  • Technical specifications, manufacturing process details, and factory layout

6. What is the validity period of a BIS certificate?

A BIS license remains valid for two years from the date of issuance.After two years, it can be renewed upon successful product re-evaluation and verification that the manufacturer continues to meet BIS-prescribed standards.Renewal ensures continued right to use the ISI mark on your packaging.

7. Does one BIS license cover multiple products or brands?

No. One BIS license applies only to a single product and its specific brand combination.
If a company manufactures multiple products or uses several brand names, each requires a separate BIS license to ensure traceability and standard compliance.

8. What are the consequences of selling food products without BIS certification?

Selling or marketing food items listed as mandatory under BIS regulations without certification is a serious offense.Consequences include:

  • Heavy fines starting at ₹2 lakh
  • Imprisonment up to two years under the BIS Act, 2016
  • Product seizure, recall, or ban from market
  • Cancellation of business license and manufacturing permissions
    In addition, such violations may lead to Consumer Protection Act penalties and irreversible brand reputation loss.

9. Can I use the ISI mark after getting BIS certification?

Yes. After obtaining the BIS certification, the manufacturer earns the right to use the ISI mark on product packaging and labeling.
The ISI mark is a symbol of trust, safety, and quality compliance that communicates to consumers that the product meets Indian standards and has been laboratory tested and verified by BIS.

10. Do export food products require BIS certification?

Export food products require BIS certification only under two conditions:

  • When the importing country specifically demands BIS-certified products, or
  • When the product is also sold in the Indian market and falls under the mandatory BIS product list.

For exporters, BIS certification helps achieve mutual recognition with foreign quality systems, facilitating smooth customs clearance and trade approvals.

11. Why is BIS certification important for food products in India?

BIS certification ensures that food products meet the Indian quality and safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It helps maintain product consistency, prevents substandard goods from entering the market, and builds consumer confidence through the ISI mark, which is a symbol of trust and reliability.

12. What types of food products require mandatory BIS certification?

Food categories that typically require mandatory BIS certification include packaged drinking water, infant milk food, condensed milk, milk powder, edible salt, wheat flour, and bakery products. The mandatory list is periodically updated by FSSAI and BIS based on public health risk assessments.

13. Can BIS certification improve export opportunities for Indian food businesses?

Yes. BIS certification enhances export credibility by demonstrating compliance with Indian and international quality standards. Many global importers and regulatory authorities recognize BIS-certified products, making it easier for Indian manufacturers to access foreign markets and meet export documentation requirements.

14. Is BIS certification applicable for startups and small food businesses?

Absolutely. Even small and medium-scale food enterprises can benefit from BIS registration. It builds early brand credibility, supports compliance readiness, and makes them eligible for government schemes, e-marketplaces, and supply contracts that require BIS-certified suppliers.

15. How does BIS certification differ from FSSAI licensing?

While FSSAI licensing ensures food safety and hygiene compliance under the Food Safety and Standards Act, BIS certification verifies that the product itself meets specific Indian Standard (IS) quality benchmarks. In short, FSSAI governs “how food is made,” while BIS ensures “the quality of the final product.”

16. What are the steps involved in getting BIS certification for food products?

The BIS certification process includes:

  • Submitting an online application with product and brand details.
  • Conducting product testing in a BIS-approved laboratory.
  • Submitting the test reports and supporting documents.
  • Factory inspection by BIS officials (if required).
  • Grant of BIS license after verification and compliance.

17. Can foreign food manufacturers apply for BIS certification in India?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers can apply through an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) as per BIS guidelines. The AIR coordinates all documentation, testing, and communication with BIS on behalf of the overseas company to ensure compliance with Indian standards.

18. What is the cost of BIS certification for food businesses?

The BIS certification cost depends on the product category, testing charges, application fees, and audit requirements. Typically, the total cost ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000. Working with MyFoodExpert helps minimize errors and ensures cost-effective and timely BIS registration.

19. What happens if a BIS-certified product fails quality checks later?

If a BIS-certified food product fails to meet the required quality parameters during surveillance testing or inspection, BIS can suspend or cancel the certification. Manufacturers are required to take corrective action, withdraw the affected products, and reapply for reinstatement after compliance is restored.

20. Can I display the ISI mark without BIS certification?

No. Displaying the ISI mark without obtaining a valid BIS license is a legal offense under the BIS Act, 2016. It may lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, and permanent blacklisting of the brand or manufacturer.