India is the top 2nd largest food producer in the world, making India the highest consumer of food and food contributor too. However, the degraded quality of food can cause serious harm. For this concern, the Bureau of Indian Standards, also known as BIS, has introduced the ISI Mark Certification for Food Products. Under the ISI Mark Certification scheme, more than 346+ products need an ISI Mark Certification Compulsory. With the ISI Mark, the manufacturer cannot manufacture & sell food products in India. Any manufacturers or importers who want to get their food product registered under the ISI Certification Scheme of BIS need to follow pre-defined procedures by the authority that comprise-
- Testing of Food Product samples
- Filling of Application Form;
- Inspection and Verification; and
- Application Scrutiny.
Overview of the BIS
The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), empowered under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016[1], operates product certification schemes from which it grants licenses to manufacturers covering practically all industrial disciplines from agriculture and textiles to electronics. The BIS is functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The BIS Certification allows the licensees to use the ISI Mark that has become synonymous with a quality product for the Indian & neighbouring markets for over 55 years.
Objective of obtaining ISI Mark Certification for Food Products
- Give a guarantee of safety and quality of the food product.
- Reducing wastage of resources and thereby minimising the costs of production;
- Reduce the rejection of food products.
- This increases consumers satisfaction & strengthens the business ;
- Confirming delivery of the high-quality product to customers;
- It gives better growth prospects to the business.
Documents needed for Obtaining ISI Mark Certification for Food Products
Following are the vital documents that are required to obtain ISI Mark Certification for Food Products in India:
- Address proof of the manufacturing premises;
- Copy of Certification of Registration;
- Copy of Trademark Registration Certificate;
- Layout plan of the factory premises.
- Copy of bank statement of the company;
- Flow chart of the manufacturing process;
- Information regarding the raw material being used;
- The drawing of food product or ingredient;
- Copy of the test report of product sample by the BIS authorised lab;
- Packaging details such as the Size & quality of the product, storage facility, etc.
- Details of equipment used for testing of the product;
- Copy of Certificate by the regulatory authority;
- Proof of Indian residency;
- Newly convenient bills such as water tax receipts, electricity bills, gas bills, etc.;
Process to Obtain ISI Mark Certification for Food Products
Following are the steps for getting ISI Mark Certification for Food Products in India:
- Step 1: Select the Product Standard Code: The first step is to choose the food product quality that complies with the BIS’s norms. The applicant needs to choose an ISI Standard code for their food product.
- Step 2: Fill out the Application: After selecting the standard code, apply for ISI Mark Certification and submit all the essential documents. In addition, the applicant must pay the prescribed registration fees for the Audit (Inspection of factory premises).
- Step 3: Inspection of the Factory Premises by the BIS: After filling out the application, the BIS official and Inspection teams shall go to the factory premise of the applicant and inspect the quality control & manufacturing process.
- Step 4: Submit Test Report of Product Sample: It is compulsory to submit a food product sample report from the quality control & manufacturing process.
- Step 5: After all the procedure is completed, the BIS issues an ISI Mark Certification for Food Products. Getting the ISI Mark Certificate takes 30 days from the date of application.
Benefits of ISI Mark Certification
Following are the advantages of getting ISI Mark Certification for products:
- The ISI Mark Certificate protects against penalties for not certifying the food products.
- The certified food product provides customers with a sense of security and safety, thus ensuring easy acceptance.
- Efficiently market approval as a food product is tested & certified.
- It gives an easy market assessment.
- The ISI Mark Certificate proves which food product has been certified and tested as per prescribed acceptance.
- It gives competitive benefits over competitors.
- Confirm the unbeaten quality standards.
Validity of the ISI Mark Certification
ISI Certification is valid for one year; then, it can be further renewed by applying for renewal and submitting the audit renewal fees. A practising CA needs to investigate the application for the renewal.
Penalty for misusing the ISI Certification
If the manufacturer or importer of any food products counterfeits or imitates registered ISI Mark, this will subject the manufacturer or importer to Rs.50000/- and imprisonment for one year.
Conclusion
To assure adherence to the standards, obtaining an ISI Mark Certification for Food Products involves several actions, such as food product analysis, understanding of Indian Standards, and more.
Read our Article:What are the Documents Required for ISI Certification?
