What is the role of BIS in food industry?

The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Sales Restrictions) Regulations cover rules that forbid and limit the production, retention, or vending of certain food items. These regulations require particular food products to display the (BIS certification mark), along with the registration/license number from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), to be lawfully produced or marketed.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) was founded as per the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. BIS administers certification schemes for various industries, extending licenses to manufacturers across a wide spectrum of fields, ranging from agriculture to electronics.

Operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, BIS certification empowers license holders to display the ISI (Indian Standards Institution) mark, signifying products of standard and quality for more than 55 years, both in the domestic and international markets.

BIS Certification functions as an independent validation of product quality, safety, and dependability, assuring customers of their purchases. To ensure consumer well-being, the BIS Certificate is obligatory for certain products.

Upon obtaining the BIS Certificate, certificate holders have the privilege of affixing an ISI Mark to their merchandise. This emblem acts as a guarantee of the "Quality" associated with the marked goods.

BIS Certification for FSSAI Regulated Products

The product certification scheme overseen by the BIS operates on voluntarily. Nevertheless, the Indian Government has, in the interest of public welfare, made BIS certification mandatory for specific products through various quality control orders issued periodically under different Acts and Regulations.

While the BIS grants licenses upon receiving applications, the enforcement of compulsory BIS Certification is the responsibility of authorities designated for overseeing quality control orders. Among these, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) holds authority over food products. Consequently, the FSSAI, through its Regulations, has established the requirement for Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in manufacturing, selling, storing, or showcasing certain food products to bear the BIS certification mark.

These food products include items such as milk cereal-based weaning food (IS 1656), infant formula (IS 14433), follow-up formula (IS 15757), processed cereal-based weaning food (IS 11536), packaged mineral water (IS 13428), packaged drinking water (IS 14543), milk powder (IS 1165), skimmed milk powder (IS 13334), partly skimmed milk powder (IS 14542), and condensed milk varieties.

To this end, the FSSAI issued an order stipulating that FBOs engaged in manufacturing mineral water and packaged drinking water must secure a BIS license while applying for their FSSAI license, effective from 1 April 2021. The FSSAI has outlined a procedure for assessing applications for FSSAI licenses from FBOs producing packaged mineral water and drinking water.

This procedure mandates the inclusion of a copy of the BIS license or a letter indicating the application for the BIS license in the online FoSCoS system while applying for the FSSAI license. FBOs are also required to submit the BIS license document during the renewal of their FSSAI license. The issuance of this order by the FSSAI stems from concerns raised about numerous FBOs in the mineral water and packaged drinking water sector operating without proper BIS certification marks.

Benefits of BIS Certification for the Food Industry

BIS certification provides a range of substantial advantages to the food industry. Here are some key benefits:

ü Quality and Safety Assurance: BIS certification assures consumers that the food products they purchase adhere to stringent quality and safety standards. It guarantees that thorough testing and analysis have been conducted, aligning with specified guidelines. These fosters trust and confidence among consumers, resulting in increased sales and enduring customer loyalty.

ü Regulatory Compliance: BIS certification ensures compliance with the regulatory requirements established by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This is particularly critical in the food industry, where maintaining quality standards and adhering to safety regulations is paramount. By obtaining BIS registration and certification, food manufacturers demonstrate their dedication to fulfilling these regulatory responsibilities, mitigating the risk of penalties or legal entanglements.

ü Enhanced Market Competitiveness: BIS certification grants a competitive advantage to players in the food industry. The certification mark signifies that their products meet recognized quality benchmarks, setting them apart from uncertified competitors. This distinction can result in heightened market visibility, improved brand reputation, and an increased likelihood of securing business opportunities both domestically and on the global stage.

ü Consumer Confidence and Trust: BIS registration fosters a sense of confidence and trust among consumers. The certification mark on food items reassures consumers that the product has undergone rigorous testing and validation for quality, safety, and conformity with established standards. This trust translates into repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth endorsements, benefiting the food industry by cultivating a steadfast customer base.

ü Access to Government Tenders and Contracts: BIS certification frequently serves as a prerequisite for participation in government tenders and contracts. Government bodies and institutions often mandate that suppliers possess BIS certificates to ensure the procurement of high-quality food products. Acquiring BIS registration and certification opens up avenues for food industry enterprises to engage in government contracts, amplifying their growth prospects and revenue potential.

In essence, BIS certification fortifies the food industry by underscoring its commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory adherence. This certification empowers food businesses to excel in the competitive market landscape, foster consumer trust, and capitalize on diverse business opportunities, ultimately driving sustainable growth.

Documents Needed for Obtaining a BIS Certificate for Food Products

To secure a BIS certificate for food products, the following essential documents are typically necessary:

Application Form (Form-V): A duly completed application form containing accurate and comprehensive information is a primary requirement.

Test Reports: Test reports generated by BIS-recognized laboratories are crucial. These reports should demonstrate the alignment of the food products with the specific Indian Standards prescribed by the BIS.

Manufacturing Unit Details: Furnishing comprehensive details about the manufacturing unit is essential. This includes the address, layout plan, and production capacity of the facility.

Equipment List: A comprehensive list of the equipment and machinery employed in the manufacturing process, along with their technical specifications, should be included.

 

Quality Management System Documentation: If applicable, documentation regarding the implementation of a quality management system, such as ISO 9001 certification or other pertinent quality assurance programs, may be necessary.

Labelling Information: Providing detailed labeling information is essential. This encompasses product name, ingredient listing, nutritional facts, and any specific labeling prerequisites mandated by the BIS.

Product Samples: Submission of samples of the food products, as specified by the BIS, is often required. These samples are subjected to testing and assessment to ascertain compliance with standards.

BIS Certification Process for Food Products

Food products falling within the purview of the Regulations, necessitating BIS certification, must adhere to the BIS license application procedure outlined in Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS(Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. For this purpose, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to complete Form-V and furnish the relevant documents stipulated in the form. Subsequently, the BIS employs one or more of the following procedures to grant the BIS license:

Procedure 1:

·        FBO submits the food product's third-party laboratory test report along with the form.

·        BIS conducts a factory visit to verify the production process and collects samples for third-party laboratory testing.

·        BIS grants the license before waiting for the sample test report and later reviews the license upon receipt of the test report.

Procedure 2:

·        BIS arranges a factory visit for product testing and production process verification when the applicant possesses comprehensive testing facilities.

·        BIS issues the license based on sample testing conducted within the factory.

Procedure 3:

·        BIS visits the factory to collect samples for testing in a third-party laboratory and for production process verification.

·        BIS grants the license after confirming conformity through the test report of the collected sample.

Upon receiving the application (Form-V), the BIS examines whether all requisite documents have been submitted. A factory visit is scheduled in consultation with the applicant once the application is complete and accurate. The BIS evaluates the factory visit report and the test outcomes of the food products.

Upon confirming that the FBO possesses the necessary infrastructure for producing quality goods and that the test results align with the relevant Indian Standards, the BIS issues a license in Form-VIII for using the BIS certification mark. The license to use the Standard Mark (IS) is granted for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. FBOs have the option to renew the license for an additional year or up to a maximum of five years.

The duration required for obtaining the BIS certificate for food products

The duration necessary for acquiring a BIS certificate for food products can differ based on various factors. As a respected consultant specializing in BIS registration and certification, we generally allocate approximately 20 to 30 working days for the processing of certification applications, contingent upon the precision of the provided information.

Nevertheless, it's essential to acknowledge that the government recommends manufacturers attain BIS approval through meticulous scrutiny of their products within BIS-sanctioned in-house laboratories. This procedural aspect might elongate the certification issuance timeline to roughly 30-45 days. This additional duration becomes requisite until applicants establish their laboratories by BIS stipulations.

Conclusion

In summary, BIS certification holds substantial importance for the food industry in India, acting as a pivotal measure to guarantee the safety and quality of food products. It not only instills confidence in consumers but also fosters competitiveness and enhances credibility within the food sector. By embracing the standards established by BIS, manufacturers have the opportunity to cultivate a reputation for excellence, thereby playing a crucial role in the advancement and prosperity of the food industry as a whole.

Please engage with the experts at Brand Liasion to gain deeper insights into the Bureau of Indian Standards and its relevance in connection with FSSAI.