Key Update

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has overhauled regulations for bottled water, directing states and union territories to conduct mandatory inspections of packaging facilities before issuing licences.  FSSAI recently classified packaged drinking water as a “high-risk” food category. By doing so, the authority placed it alongside milk, dairy products, meat, eggs, and ready-to-eat foods. Under the revised Risk-Based Inspection Scheme, companies must now follow stricter hygiene protocols and submit to tighter regulatory oversight.

FSSAI Makes Inspections and Audits Compulsory

FSSAI now requires all new bottled water units to undergo inspections before receiving licences. The regulator also mandates existing licence holders to complete annual third-party audits and face regular risk-based inspections. These steps aim to enforce continuous compliance with updated safety and quality standards. By tightening checks, FSSAI seeks to eliminate regulatory loopholes and strengthen consumer protection in the rapidly expanding bottled water sector.

FSSAI Removes BIS Certificate Requirement

In October 2024, the government eliminated the need for manufacturers to submit Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certificates when applying for FSSAI licences. Until then, BIS conducted primary inspections and played a key role in certifying compliance. With this change, FSSAI has assumed full responsibility for inspecting and licensing bottled water units, thereby simplifying the compliance process and centralising regulatory control.

Rules Cover All Bottled Water Brands

FSSAI’s updated regulations apply to all players in the industry—from small regional producers to major brands like Bisleri, Kinley (Coca-Cola), Aquafina (PepsiCo), and Himalayan (Tata). India’s bottled water market, currently valued at $9.5 billion for 2024–25, supports over 200 brands. Market analysts project this figure to reach $29.7 billion by 2033, highlighting the need for robust safety standards and clearer regulatory mechanisms.

Source: Livemint