To sell packaged drinking water in bottles, jars, or pouches in India, it is mandatory to obtain an ISI license issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). There are many procedures that must be followed under the BIS, including inspection of facilities, testing of water samples in an independent lab, and obtaining an official license number before commercial production can begin. Bottled water in India is classified into two categories - packaged natural mineral water and packaged drinking water - which have different standards and requirements regarding source water composition.

1. ALL ABOUT ISI
If you decide to sell Packaged Drinking Water [Mineral Water] in Bottles , Jars , Pouches ;
then it is mandatory to get ISI License issued by the BIS. (http://www.bis.org.in/index.asp)
There are many procedures to be observed under the BIS. Whereas , you can refer the
following Frequently Asked Questions :(The Content has been taken from Site India Water portal & the Queries question answers
have been supplied by Suresh Allu of Avirodha Consulting Services.)
Q :-
Is Bottled Water market in India is regulated?
A :-
Yes, it is compulsory for all the manufacturers who intend to set up the processing
unit, to obtain the ISI mark from Bureau of India Standards.
Q :-
Can one apply for the ISI mark and commence the production?
A :-
No. Unless the inspection is done by the staff, tests carried out in an independent
lab and official confirmation and license number is obtained, unit can’t commence
commercial production.
Q :-
Is in-house lab compulsory?
A :-
Yes, such Lab should be equipped to carry out all physical, chemical and micro
biological tests prescribed as per IS : 3025, and has to be conducted by expert
chemist / micro biologist.
Q :-
What are the categories of bottled water in India ?
A :-
Only Two. Packaged Natural Mineral Water governed under IS: 13428 and Packaged
Drinking Water governed under. IS: 14543
Q :-
What is the basic difference between Natural Mineral Water and Packaged
Drinking Water?
A :-
If the water is drawn from natural source, confirms to composition listed under IS:
13428, and is bottled WITHOUT ALTERING the composition, falls under Natural
Mineral Water. In packaged drinking water, any of the processes of filtration /
disinfection listed under IS: 14543 can be utilized, altering the composition of
subject water & finally, bottling it. After employing processes listed under IS:
14543, my water composition confirms to Natural Mineral Water specifications.
Which category my water would fall in? IS: 14543
http://mineralwaterprojectinformation.org/

2. Q:-
What is STOP MARKING?
A :-
Bureau of Indian standards, during their routine / sudden inspection of the unit,
may find irregularities in connection with composition, hygienic conditions, filling
procedures etc. It may issue an order revoking the license temporarily, signifying
stopping the production and usage of ISI mark on the product. The license is
restored after satisfactory compliance of conditions.
Q :-
What are the pre requisites of putting an ISI complying unit?
A :-
The standards published for bottled water [both categories] clearly mention the
filtration processes, hygienic conditions, lighting, labeling regulation etc. It also list
the relevant testing standards [IS 3025] required for methods of testing.
Q :-
What is BIS, ISI and PFA?
A :-
BIS: Bureau of Indian standards is a premier organization engaged in setting
standards for various products and services. ISI: Indian Standard Institution is the
former name of BIS but till date ISI is the MARK given by this organization. PFA:
Governed under Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954, this agency safeguards
the interests of the consumers through constant check on the food and beverage
sector.
Q :-
Can one mention composition of water if the brand falls under the category of
IS: 14543?
A :-
No. Since it involves altering the composition of source water and it is at times,
difficult to maintain the same, furnishing of such composition is not allowed.
Q :-
Are there any standard volumes of water prescribed?
A :-
Yes. As per notification issued by the ministry of consumer affairs on Feb28, 2001,
amending Standards of weights and Measures [Packaged Commodities] Rules 1977,
it is mandatory now for bottled water to be sold only in prescribed standard. These
are 100 ml / 150 ml / 200 ml / 250 ml / 300 ml / 330ml [ only in cans ], 500ml /
750 ml / 1 liter / 1.5 liter / 2,3,4,5 liters and thereafter , in multiples of 5 liters.
Q :-
What is CGWA?
A :-
Under Ministry of Water Resources, Central Ground Water Authority [CGWA]
regulates the use of ground water. Under power conferred to them under section 5
of Environment [protection] Act, 1986, CGWA has directed all processing units of
bottled water to get their bore well registered with them. The same has to be
applied under prescribed Performa.
Q :-
Which central agency’s certification is necessary for commencing fruit juice / soft
drink?
http://mineralwaterprojectinformation.org/

3. A :-
It is mandatory to obtain FPO mark, under FRUIT PRODUCTS ORDER 1955, and
comes under ministry of food processing industry. Now the FPO has gone & a new
mark has come called : F.S.S.A.I.
Q :-
Is it necessary to obtain BIS or FPO for manufacturing aerated water?
A :-
No, currently these certificates are not applicable.
Q :-
Is it permissible to run a soft drink unit and bottled water unit from same
premises ?
A :-
No. Since ingredients to be utilized in soft drink [sugar and flavor] are likely to
contaminate surrounding and equipment, it is neither advisable nor permissible to
operate the same units at one place.
Q :-
What action is likely if product – bottled water or soft drink fails the permitted
arameters?
A :-
The action under PFA Act 1954 may be invoked and may result in stop marking for
bottled water, invariably leading to temporary closure of unit. Soft drink unit may
also fact closure owing to such slip-up.
[The Content has been taken from Site India Water portal & the Queries question
answers have been supplied by Suresh Allu of Avirodha Consulting Services.] Here
are their contact details :-
Suresh Allu. [Hyderabad]
+91 94911 03999.
www.avirodha.org
http://mineralwaterprojectinformation.org/