What Is BIS Certification For The Food Industry?

The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations encompass provisions that prohibit and restrict the manufacturing, storage, or sale of specific food products. These regulations mandate that certain food items must bear the (bis certification mark Bureau of Indian Standards), in addition to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration/license number, to be legally manufactured or sold.

About BIS & its Act

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is an organization established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, of 2016. It operates various product certification schemes that grant licenses to manufacturers across a wide range of industries, including agriculture, textiles, and electronics. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution exercises administrative control over BIS operations.

The certification provided by BIS enables licensees to use the well-known ISI mark. This mark has gained recognition as a symbol of quality products in the Indian market and neighboring regions for more than 55 years.

What is bis certification? : Meaning

BIS Certification serves as a third-party assurance of the quality, safety, and reliability of products for customers. To safeguard consumer health, BIS Certificate has been made mandatory for specific products.

This certification is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the guidance and supervision of the Government of India. It ensures that products meet the required standards and adhere to the necessary regulations.

After getting the BIS Certificate, the holders of the certificate may apply an ISI Mark to their goods, which will guarantee the “Quality” of the goods bearing the mark.

BIS Certificate for FSSAI Products

The BIS’s scheme for product certification is optional. However, the Indian government has mandated certification of bis for a variety of products through various quality control directives that have been issued periodically following numerous Acts and Regulations.

On receipt of an application, the BIS issues licenses; nevertheless, the enforcement of the mandatory BIS Certificate is handled by the authorities informed for quality control directives, with the FSSAI serving as one such authority for food goods. As a result, FSSAI has mandated through the Regulations that Food Business Operators (FBOs) engaged in the production, sale, storage, or display of the following food products display the BIS certificate mark:

• 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).
• Condensed milk sweetened (IS 12176).
• Condensed milk, both skimmed and partially skimmed (IS 1166).

According to a regulation from the FSSAI, starting on April 1, 2021, FBOs engaged in the production of packaged drinking water and mineral water must also apply for a BIS license. The FSSAI established the process for reviewing applications for the issuance of FSSAI licenses to FBOs that produce packaged drinking water and mineral water.

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What benefits of BIS certification for the food industry?

Certification of bis offers several significant benefits to the food industry. Here are some key advantages:

1. Assurance of Quality and Safety: BIS certificate assures consumers that the food products they purchase meet stringent quality and safety standards. It ensures that the food has undergone thorough testing and analysis, adhering to specified guidelines and requirements. This certification helps in building trust and confidence among consumers, leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.
2. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Certificate of bis ensures compliance with regulatory requirements set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This is particularly important in the food industry, where adherence to quality standards and safety regulations is crucial. By obtaining BIS registration & Certificate food manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to meeting these regulatory obligations, avoiding penalties or legal complications.
3. Market Competitiveness: Certification of BIS gives food industry players a competitive edge in the market. The certification mark signifies that their products meet recognized quality benchmarks, differentiating them from non-certified competitors. This can lead to increased market visibility, enhanced brand reputation, and a higher likelihood of securing business opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
4. Consumer Confidence and Trust: BIS registration instills confidence and trust in consumers. The certification mark on food products assures consumers that the product has been tested and verified for its quality, safety, and compliance with established standards. This trust translates into repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth recommendations, benefiting the food industry by fostering a loyal customer base.
5. Access to Government Tenders and Contracts: BIS certification is often a prerequisite for participating in government tenders and contracts. Government agencies and institutions frequently require suppliers to hold BIS certificates to ensure the procurement of quality food products. Obtaining BIS registration & certification expands opportunities for food industry businesses to engage in government contracts, boosting their growth and revenue potential.

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BIS Certificate Procedure for Food Products

According to Scheme-I of Schedule II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, the food products listed in the Regulations that need BIS certification must submit an application for a BIS license. Along with the documentation listed in Form-V, the FBOs must submit it to the BIS. To grant a BIS license, the BIS will adhere to any or all of the following procedures:

Procedure 1-

• Along with the form, the FBO must submit the food product’s test results from an independent laboratory.
• To confirm the production process and gather samples for independent laboratory testing, the BIS will organize a factory visit.
• Without waiting for a sample test report, BIS will issue the license, and will then review it after it has been received.

Procedure 2 –

• When the applicant has comprehensive testing facilities available, the BIS will schedule a factory visit for product testing and monitoring of the production process in the factory.
• Based on the sample testing conducted at the factory, the BIS license will be granted.

Procedure 3 –

• The BIS will set up a visit to the factory to collect the sample for testing in a separate laboratory and to verify the production process.
• After the proof of conformance is presented in the test report for this sample, the BIS will give a license.

Upon receiving the application (Form-V), the BIS will review it to ensure that all the required documents have been submitted. If the application is complete and accurate, the BIS will coordinate with the applicant to arrange a visit to their factory. The BIS will then assess the report from the factory visit, as well as the test results of the food products.
Once the BIS is satisfied that the Food Business Operator (FBO) has the necessary infrastructure for producing high-quality products and that the test results comply with the relevant Indian Standards, they will issue a license in Form-VIII, granting permission to use the BIS registration & certificate mark. This license, which allows the use of the Standard Mark (IS), is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years. FBOs have the option to renew the license for an additional one-year period, up to a maximum of five years.

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What are the Required Documents to Get a BIS Certificate for Food Products?

To obtain a BIS certificate for food products, the following documents are typically required:

1. Application Form: The application form, commonly known as Form-V, needs to be filled out with accurate and complete information.
2. Test Reports: Test reports from BIS-recognized laboratories for the relevant food products need to be submitted. These reports should demonstrate 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 of a quality management system, such as ISO 9001 certification or any other relevant quality assurance program, may be required.
6. Labeling Information: Details regarding the labeling of the food products, including the product name, ingredients, nutritional information, and any specific labeling requirements, should be provided.
7. Product Samples: Samples of the food products, as specified by the BIS, may need to be submitted for testing and evaluation.

The time needed to get the bis certificate for food products

The time required to obtain a Certificate of bis may vary depending on the circumstances. We, a reputable BIS registration & certificate consultant, typically take around 20 to 30 working days to process the certification application, provided that all the submitted information is accurate.
However, it is important to note that the government recommends manufacturers obtain BIS approval by having their products thoroughly inspected in BIS-licensed in-house laboratories. This process may extend the time required for certification issuance to approximately 30-45 days. This additional time is necessary until the candidates establish their own laboratories in compliance with BIS requirements.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, BIS certification for the food industry is a significant step toward ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India. It assures consumers while promoting competitiveness and credibility within the food industry. By adhering to the standards set by BIS, manufacturers can build a reputation for excellence and contribute to the overall growth and development of the food sector.