The Government of Uttar Pradesh has introduced stricter regulatory requirements for manufacturers of packaged drinking water and packaged mineral water. Through an order dated 13 October 2026, the Office of the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA), Uttar Pradesh, has directed manufacturing units to obtain Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification within the prescribed timelines.
Under the order, new manufacturing licences or registrations will only be issued after the respective unit obtains BIS certification. Existing manufacturing units, including centrally licensed units operating in Uttar Pradesh, must obtain certification by 31 March 2027.
This regulatory development is important for water bottling plants, packaged water manufacturers, quality assurance teams and regulatory compliance professionals operating in Uttar Pradesh.
1. Overview of the Uttar Pradesh FSDA Order
The order bears reference number FSDA / Food / 2026-27 / 4963, dated 13 October 2026. It follows enforcement activities conducted over the preceding year at manufacturing units producing packaged drinking water and packaged mineral water across the state.
According to the order, inspections identified concerns involving sanitation, hygiene, water purification systems, testing documentation and finished-product quality. The FSDA introduced the BIS certification requirement to strengthen quality control and consumer protection.
2. What Did the Inspections Reveal?
The order reports the following findings from enforcement activities across Uttar Pradesh:
The order identifies sanitation and hygiene deficiencies under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.
Reported concerns included missing water-source test reports, inadequate filtration systems, deficiencies in UV treatment and ozonation facilities, and manual handling practices.
Microbiological and Mineral Quality Concerns
The order states that unsafe samples contained microorganisms such as E. coli, coliform bacteria, yeast and mould. These findings were cited as indicators of concerns with water purification and the storage of treated water.
Substandard samples were reported to contain lower-than-normal quantities of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These findings highlight the importance of effective water treatment, hygienic manufacturing conditions, appropriate testing and documented quality-control procedures.
3. Key BIS Certification Requirements
A. New Manufacturing Units
New licences or registrations for manufacturing packaged drinking water and packaged mineral water will only be issued after the respective manufacturing unit obtains BIS certification. Businesses planning a new water bottling plant in Uttar Pradesh should assess certification requirements before applying for the relevant food business licence or registration.
B. Existing Manufacturing Units
Manufacturing units already operating in Uttar Pradesh must obtain BIS certification by 31 March 2027. According to the order, units that fail to secure certification by the deadline will face suspension of their licences or registrations, and manufacturing operations will remain shut until BIS certification is obtained.
C. Centrally Licensed Units
The order explicitly extends the requirement to centrally licensed manufacturing units operating within Uttar Pradesh. Businesses holding a central FSSAI licence should review their compliance status and plan the certification process within the prescribed timeframe.
4. Which BIS Standards May Apply?
The applicable Indian Standard depends on the product being manufactured:
- IS 14543: Packaged drinking water, excluding packaged natural mineral water.
- IS 13428: Packaged natural mineral water.
Manufacturers should confirm the applicable standard, product classification, current standard revisions and certification scope with the Bureau of Indian Standards before applying. Product classification is important because packaged drinking water and packaged natural mineral water are distinct categories with different applicable standards.
5. BIS Certification and FSSAI Licensing: What Is the Difference?
BIS certification and FSSAI licensing serve different regulatory purposes. BIS certification assesses conformity with the applicable Indian Standard and relevant certification requirements. FSSAI licensing and food safety compliance concern the legal operation of a food business and compliance with applicable food safety legislation and regulations.
Businesses should distinguish this state-specific direction from the earlier national regulatory position and assess the requirements applicable to their operations. Obtaining a BIS certificate should not be treated as a substitute for an FSSAI licence or compliance with applicable sanitation, hygiene, testing and manufacturing requirements.
6. Compliance Checklist for Packaged Water Manufacturers
Manufacturers should begin reviewing their compliance position well before the March 2027 deadline.
- Confirm product classification: Determine whether the product is packaged drinking water or packaged natural mineral water.
- Identify the applicable BIS standard: Review IS 14543 or IS 13428, as applicable, including current requirements.
- Review manufacturing infrastructure: Assess purification, filtration, UV treatment, ozonation, storage and hygienic handling arrangements.
- Check water-source documentation: Ensure relevant source-water testing records and supporting documents are available.
- Review quality-control procedures: Verify appropriate testing, sampling and recordkeeping processes.
- Assess FSSAI compliance: Review the applicable licence or registration and food safety requirements.
- Prepare the BIS application: Confirm the applicable certification scheme, documentation, testing and inspection requirements with BIS.
- Plan for the deadline: Allow time for application review, testing, inspection and resolution of deficiencies.
- Maintain records: Organise certificates, test reports, manufacturing records and corrective-action documentation.
This checklist is a planning guide. Exact documentation and testing requirements depend on the product, certification scope and applicable regulatory provisions.
7. What Happens If a Unit Fails to Obtain BIS Certification?
The FSDA order specifies that existing manufacturing units must obtain BIS certification by 31 March 2027. According to the order, units that fail to obtain certification will have their licences or registrations suspended, with manufacturing operations remaining closed until certification is secured.
For manufacturers, delayed preparation could affect production continuity, supply commitments, distribution arrangements and business operations. Early assessment can help businesses identify infrastructure gaps, organise documentation and plan the certification process before the deadline.
8. How ACPL Can Support BIS and Regulatory Compliance
ACPL Group provides regulatory consulting support for businesses navigating product approvals, certification requirements and food regulatory compliance.
For packaged drinking water and packaged mineral water manufacturers, ACPL can assist with:
- Preliminary regulatory assessment and applicable-standard identification.
- BIS certification process guidance.
- Documentation readiness and application preparation support.
- Review of manufacturing and quality-control documentation.
- Coordination guidance for relevant testing and inspection requirements.
- FSSAI licensing and food regulatory compliance support.
- Compliance planning for new and existing manufacturing units.
The scope of support depends on the product, facility, applicable standard and the manufacturer's current compliance status. Certification decisions remain with the competent certification authority.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification mandatory for packaged water manufacturers in Uttar Pradesh?
The Uttar Pradesh FSDA order dated 13 October 2026 directs packaged drinking water and packaged mineral water manufacturing units in the state to comply with the specified BIS certification requirements.
What is the deadline for existing packaged water manufacturing units?
According to the order, existing manufacturing units, including centrally licensed units operating in Uttar Pradesh, must obtain BIS certification by 31 March 2027.
Do new water bottling plants need BIS certification before obtaining a licence?
The order states that new licences or registrations for the relevant manufacturing units will only be issued after the respective unit obtains BIS certification.
Does the order cover centrally licensed manufacturing units?
Yes. The order explicitly includes centrally licensed manufacturing units operating within Uttar Pradesh.
Which BIS standard applies to packaged drinking water?
IS 14543 applies to packaged drinking water, excluding packaged natural mineral water. Manufacturers should confirm the current applicable requirements with BIS.
Which BIS standard applies to packaged natural mineral water?
IS 13428 is the relevant Indian Standard for packaged natural mineral water. Manufacturers should verify current requirements before applying.
Does BIS certification replace an FSSAI licence?
No. Manufacturers must continue to comply with applicable FSSAI licensing or registration requirements and other relevant food safety provisions.
What happens if certification is not obtained by the deadline?
The order states that non-compliant units will have their licences or registrations suspended, and manufacturing operations will remain shut until BIS certification is obtained.
Can ACPL help with BIS certification?
ACPL can provide regulatory consulting support, including preliminary assessment, documentation readiness and guidance on the applicable certification process. The final certification decision rests with BIS.
Conclusion
The Uttar Pradesh FSDA order dated 13 October 2026 introduces a significant compliance requirement for packaged drinking water and packaged mineral water manufacturers operating in the state.
With new units required to obtain BIS certification before licensing and existing units required to comply by 31 March 2027, businesses should review product classification, manufacturing practices, documentation and certification readiness without delay.
A structured compliance plan can help manufacturers identify gaps, prepare documentation and reduce the risk of disruption to their operations. For support with BIS certification and food regulatory compliance, contact ACPL Group.
Regulatory disclaimer: This article is an informational summary of the Uttar Pradesh FSDA order supplied for this content. Manufacturers should consult the complete official order, current BIS requirements and applicable FSSAI provisions before making compliance decisions. This article does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of certification.