BIS and FSSAI: How Food Product Compliance Works in India

BIS and FSSAI: How Food Product Compliance Works in India

BIS and FSSAI: How Food Product Compliance Works in India

Food products in India sit at the intersection of two major regulatory frameworks — BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). Understanding how they interact is essential for food manufacturers and importers.

The Two Regulators

FSSAI

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the primary food regulator under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. FSSAI regulates:

  • Food safety standards (what can be in food, at what levels)
  • Food labelling and packaging requirements
  • Food business operator (FBO) licensing and registration
  • Import of food products

BIS

BIS covers food products through quality standards and ISI mark certification. BIS focus is on product composition, quality parameters, and packaging material safety — distinct from FSSAI's food safety focus.

Products Requiring Both BIS and FSSAI Compliance

  • Packaged drinking water: IS 14543 (BIS) + FSSAI water standards
  • Milk and dairy products: BIS Scheme IX + FSSAI dairy regulations
  • Edible oils: BIS IS standards + FSSAI labelling
  • Mineral water: IS 13428 (BIS) + FSSAI mineral water standards
  • Food contact materials: BIS material standards + FSSAI food contact regulations

Import Scenario: Both Apply

Imported food products must comply with FSSAI import regulations (FSSAI import licence, lab testing at port) AND if the product falls under a BIS mandatory scheme, BIS certification is also required. Both regulators coordinate at ports of entry.

Enforcement Coordination

BIS and FSSAI increasingly coordinate enforcement — joint raids on food products have become more common. A product that fails FSSAI standards may also be referred to BIS if it bears ISI marking, and vice versa.

Key Distinction

FSSAI licence does not replace BIS certification and BIS ISI mark does not replace FSSAI licence. They are complementary, not substitutes. A food business must satisfy both regulators independently.

Practical Guidance

Food manufacturers should map each product against both FSSAI and BIS requirements at the product development stage — not after launch. Contact us for a compliance assessment.