BIS Mark has been introduced under the legislative Act of Parliament, Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1987 for voluntary standardization and certification systems in the food sector. BIS is involved in numerous activities such as standards formulation, certification of products, hallmarking, testing as well as calibration scheme and many more.
The scheme is voluntary, and the government introduced this in public interest and made compulsory certification of specific quality standards from time to time. Even overseas applicants can also apply for BIS certification by applying under Foreign Manufacturing Certification Scheme (FMCS).
The Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011 had stated compulsory certification under the BIS Act for the following products, which includes
Infant Formula (IS14433)
Milk Cereal based weaning food (IS11556)
Follow up a formula (IS15757)
Packaged drinking water (IS14543)
Packaged mineral water (IS13428)
Milk powder (IS1165)
Skimmed milk powder (IS13334)
Partly skimmed milk powder (IS14542)
Condensed milk partially skimmed and skimmed condensed milk (IS1166)
The various certification schemes under this are:
1. Normal Procedure for Domestic Manufacturers - Under the normal scheme, the certification is obtained for domestic products. An application, along with requisite fees and documents, is submitted to the BIS officer.
After the submission of documents, an evaluation is made by the BIS officer; the samples are tested along with independent testing. If the samples are accepted as per the reports of the examination generated the certification is granted within 4months of submission of application.
2. Simplified Procedure for Domestic Manufacturers- In case of a simplified scheme, the applicant himself submits the test reports along with the application to the BIS officer. The test is conducted in a lab certified by BIS authority.
If the test reports obtained is satisfactory, the verification is granted within 30days. Verification may be conducted in the factory premise.
3. Tatkal scheme- Under the Tatkal scheme again, the required documents and fee is submitted by the applicant, but the processing time is 30days, and the certification is granted on a priority basis.
4. Eco mark scheme- In eco mark scheme the scheme is concerned with eco-friendly products are to have complied with additional requirements as stated in the Indian Standards towards qualifying for the ECO mark. The process for grant of license is however much same as that of Domestic Manufacturer's scheme.
8. Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme – In the Foreign manufacturing certification scheme, an overseas applicant or an international manufacturer can apply for the license, and the certification is granted within 6 months.
The BIS certification is valid for 2years and could be renewed within the prescribed time limit. To apply for renewal, one needs to apply 1month before the expiry of the certification.
To summarize this, BIS mark was introduced in processed food products to comply with specific manufacturing and packaging requirements. The presence of the BIS mark in a product ensures conformity to the specification of quality, labeling, and manufacturing requirements.
The certification could be obtained under schemes such as the normal scheme, specified scheme, Tatkal, eco mark scheme and foreign manufacturing scheme. The certifications stand valid for about 2years from the date of obtaining the certification. The certification can be renewed provided an application is filed with the BIS officer with requisite fee and documents 1month before the expiry. Renewing does not require going through the testing again, but the officer may conduct verification of the factory premises.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it mandatory to obtain a BIS mark?
No, it is voluntary to obtain BIS mark, but the government has made it the mandatory requirement for some products from time to time such as infant formula, milk powder, skimmed milk powder, condensed milk, etc.
2. What is the processing time for the grant of certification for a domestic manufacturer?
It varies according to the scheme chosen such as in the normal scheme certification is granted within 4months while simplified scheme certification is granted within 30days, a tatkal scheme it is priority-based, etc.
3. Is BIS certification provided according to the location?
Yes, it is location-specific a unique registration number is provided, which represents a single manufacturer in a location.
4. What is the validity of the certification?
The certification is valid up to 2years from the grant of accreditation.
5. Is the certification renewable if yes then how can it be renewed?
Yes, it can be renewed provided an application for renewal is presented to the BIS officer 1month before the expiry of the certification.
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