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BIS Certification for Drinking Water in India – IS 10500 & IS 14543 Standards
BIS Certification

Wed, Nov 12 2025

Raju Karn

BIS Certification for Drinking Water in India – IS 10500:2012 & IS 14543:2016

To ensure the safety and quality of packaged and drinking water in India, BIS Certification is mandatory under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. Whether you’re a bottled water manufacturer, supplier, or startup entering the FMCG sector, obtaining BIS Certification as per IS 10500 and IS 14543 standards ensures your water meets all safety and purity parameters. In this blog, learn everything about BIS for drinking water — from standards and process to documentation, fees, and how PSR Compliance can help you get certified quickly.

What is BIS Certification for Drinking Water?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certification ensures that packaged and potable drinking water complies with India’s safety, hygiene and quality benchmarks. For packaged drinking water (excluding mineral water), IS 14543 applies, while for potable water supplied by local bodies, IS 10500 is followed.

Without this certification, manufacturing or selling packaged water in India is prohibited under the BIS Act, 2016.

Indian Standards for Drinking Water (IS 10500 & IS 14543)

IS 10500:2012 – For Potable Water

This standard specifies acceptable limits for physical, chemical, and biological parameters to ensure water is safe for human consumption.

Key Parameters include:

• pH value

• Total dissolved solids (TDS)

• Turbidity

• Fluoride, Nitrate, Iron levels

• Bacteriological contaminants (E. coli, Coliforms)

IS 14543:2016 – For Packaged Drinking Water

Applicable to bottled or canned water manufacturers, ensuring purity, safety, and proper labeling.

Key parameters tested:

• Microbiological quality

• Chemical composition

• Packaging material safety

Why is BIS Certification Mandatory for Drinking Water?

BIS Certification ensures that the water available for public consumption is free from harmful substances and meets health standards.

Benefits include:

✅ Builds consumer trust and brand reputation

✅ Enables legal manufacturing and marketing

✅ Ensures consistent quality and safety

✅ Helps in government tenders and exports

Process to Get BIS Certification for Drinking Water

Step-by-Step Guide:

→ Application Filing: Submit Form VI with necessary details of the manufacturing unit.

→ Product Testing: Send water samples to BIS-recognized labs for IS 14543/IS 10500 parameters.

→ Inspection by BIS Officer: Site visit and plant verification.

→ License Grant: Once approved, BIS issues the CM/L (Certification Mark License) for your product.

Documents Required for BIS Certification

• Factory license or company registration

• Test report from BIS-approved lab

• Water source details

• Product label & design

• Quality control records

• Layout plan of the factory

• ID proof of applicant

BIS Testing Parameters for Potable Water

BIS mandates testing for:

Physical properties: Colour, taste, odour, pH, turbidity

Chemical properties: TDS, fluoride, nitrate, arsenic, heavy metals

Microbiological: Total coliforms, E. coli, pathogens

These parameters ensure compliance with Indian standards for drinking water quality under IS 10500.

Validity, Renewal & Compliance Requirements

The BIS license for packaged or drinking water is valid for two years, after which it must be renewed. License renewal requires submission of updated test reports and continued compliance with BIS norms.

How PSR Compliance Can Help

At PSR Compliance, we help manufacturers and suppliers obtain BIS Certification for drinking water under IS 14543 and IS 10500 standards — quickly and smoothly.

Our Services Include:

➤ End-to-end consultation and document preparation

➤ Lab testing assistance from BIS-approved labs

➤ Application filing and coordination with BIS

➤ License renewal and compliance support

FAQs on BIS for Drinking Water

Q1. What are BIS standards for drinking water?

A1. BIS follows IS 10500:2012 for potable water and IS 14543:2016 for packaged drinking water to ensure safety and purity.

Q2. Who needs BIS Certification for drinking water?

A2. All manufacturers, bottlers, and suppliers of packaged drinking water or water purification units in India.

Q3. How long does it take to get BIS Certification?

A3. Typically, it takes 30–45 days, depending on document readiness and lab results.

Q4. What is the BIS Certification fee?

A4. Fees vary based on the product, testing, and unit size, typically ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹75,000.

Q5. Is renewal mandatory for BIS Certification?

A5. Yes, renewal is required every two years to maintain compliance.

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