Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The DoT issued notifications of three TEC specifications for telecom equipment on 3 August 2026, and they were published in the Gazette of India on 6 August 2026. If your organization is engaged in the manufacture, import, or sale of IoT gateways, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) customer-premises equipment, or underground telecom cables, the new notification directly impacts the technical standard for TEC certification of your products. In simple terms, a "TEC standard" is a technical rulebook. It specifies exactly which performance, safety, and quality requirements a piece of telecom equipment must meet before it can be tested, certified, and legally sold, imported, or deployed on an Indian telecom network. When DoT "notifies" a standard, that rulebook becomes the official reference point that testing labs and certification authorities use to check your product. Without a notified standard, a product category can sit in a grey zone where certification is slow, inconsistent, or simply not possible. For businesses, the practical takeaway is simple: if you make or import IoT gateways, FWA CPE, or the specific underground cable construction covered here, you need to confirm your certification paperwork references the correct, current standard number. Getting this wrong even on a technicality like an outdated standard reference can mean delayed shipments, held-up customs clearance, or a rejected certification application. Getting your documentation, testing plan, and certification strategy right the first time is exactly where experienced regulatory compliance support, such as Corpseed's TEC/MTCTE certification assistance, can save real time, cost, and back-and-forth with authorities. Key Highlights Issued under Section 19 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023), read with Rule 5 of the Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. Three standards have been formally notified for telecommunication equipment. Standard 1: TEC 33011:2026 Test Guide for IoT Gateway. Standard 2: TEC 21141:2026 Test Guide for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Customer Premises Equipment. Standard 3: TEC 68090:2026 Generic Requirements for Solid Polythene Insulated, Fully Jelly-Filled, Polythene-Sheathed Underground Telecom Cables. The standards take effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, i.e., 6 August 2026. This notification does not impose any additional time limit for compliance beyond the effective date noted above. These standards form part of India's wider certification regime (MTCTE), which applies to telecom equipment manufactured, imported, or used in India. Organizations that are already certified for comparable products are advised to confirm whether their existing standard reference remains relevant. The Regulatory Framework Applicable Act: The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which is the primary legislative framework governing telecom networks, spectrum, and telecom equipment in India. This Act largely replaces the colonial-era Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, as the cornerstone for telecommunication regulation. Applicable Regulations: Telecommunications (Framework to Notify Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025. These regulations have been notified to establish a systematic approach to setting technical standards and ensuring compliance through conformity assessment. The regulations cover all stakeholders in the telecoms equipment chain: manufacturers, importers, laboratories, telecoms operators, and, by extension, consumers of such equipment. The regulations have formally repealed the previous Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017, which had governed the testing and certification of telecoms equipment for nearly a decade. However, the standards and certification criteria remain valid until a fresh notification under Section 19 of the Act repeals them, which is essentially what this 3 August 2026 notification does. Notifying Authority: Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical wing of the Department of Telecommunications, originally established in 1991 to develop and maintain technical standards for telecom equipment and networks in India. TEC also acts as the Designating Authority, appointing accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), the labs authorised to test equipment and issuing the final TEC certificate once a lab's test report confirms compliance. How TEC Standards Are Classified: TEC organises its technical benchmarks into a few recognised categories, including Generic Requirements (GRs), baseline requirements applicable broadly to a product category, Interface Requirements (IRs), Service Requirements (SRs), and Test Guides, which specifically define the test methods and procedures used to check conformity. In this notification, two of the three standards (TEC 33011:2026 and TEC 21141:2026) are Test Guides. At the same time, the third (TEC 68090:2026) is a Generic Requirements document, meaning it sets the baseline technical benchmark for the cable type itself. At the same time, the two Test Guides define how conformity of the IoT gateway and FWA CPE products is actually verified in a lab. Legal Background: Under Rule 5 of the 2025 Rules, the Central Government, acting through TEC, is empowered to notify technical standards for defined categories of telecom equipment formally. Once notified in the Official Gazette, a standard becomes the binding reference document against which conformity assessment (testing and certification) is carried out for that equipment category, and it feeds directly into the MTCTE certification process. Scope: This notification covers three equipment categories: IoT gateways, FWA customer premises equipment, and a specific type of underground telecom cable. It does not change the certification process, application procedure, or fee structure; it only adds or updates the technical standards that testing labs and TEC will apply when assessing these product categories in the future. Industries Covered: Telecom equipment manufacturers, IoT hardware developers, fixed wireless broadband equipment vendors, telecom cable manufacturers, equipment importers, telecom infrastructure contractors, and telecom service providers who procure or deploy this equipment across their networks. What Has Changed? The notification formally brings three specific technical documents into force as official TEC standards, each tied to a distinct equipment category. Here is what each one covers, in plain terms: Standard Document Type Product Category What It Essentially Covers TEC 33011:2026 Test Guide IoT Gateway Defines how an IoT gateway device should be tested to confirm it meets the required performance and conformity benchmarks TEC 21141:2026 Test Guide Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Customer Premises Equipment Defines how FWA customer-end equipment such as the wireless broadband receiver unit installed at a subscriber's premises should be tested for conformity TEC 68090:2026 Generic Requirements Solid Polythene Insulated, Fully Jelly-Filled, Polythene-Sheathed Underground Telecom Cables Lays down the baseline generic technical requirements this specific cable construction must meet A Test Guide, in practical terms, is the document that a testing lab follows, step by step, to determine whether a sample product passes or fails against the relevant benchmark. It typically defines the test setup, parameters checked, and pass/fail criteria for that product type. Generic Requirements, on the other hand, define the underlying technical specification the product itself must be built and manufactured to meet in this case, construction and performance requirements for the cable's insulation, jelly-filling, and sheathing. Previous position vs. new position: The notification text does not explicitly state that it withdraws or replaces an earlier version of a standard for these three categories it notifies them as the current applicable standards with effect from the Gazette publication date. If your product currently holds a certification referencing an older or interim standard for IoT gateways, FWA CPE, or this cable construction, it is worth confirming directly with TEC or a certification consultant whether the newly notified standard supersedes the one your existing certificate references, and whether retesting or a documentation update is required. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: The standards apply with effect from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, i.e., 6 August 2026. Transition Period: There is no provision for any transition period or grace period in this notification. This is generally the case with such standards notifications, which become immediately effective from the date of Gazette Notification. Applicability: This applies only to the three types of equipment mentioned: IoT gateways, FWA CPE and the specified underground telecom cable installation. This will not apply retroactively to other product categories. Action Required by Business: Manufacturers and importers of these three types of equipment should immediately verify their current TEC/MTCTE certificate status with respect to the notified standard numbers and confirm from the test laboratory/TEC whether retesting, submission of a fresh application for certification or just an update on the document mentioning the new standard number is required for future/new applications. Fresh Applications: Any MTCTE application received in these product categories after 6 August 2026 should cite the newly notified standard as the relevant benchmark. Why Was This Implemented? Standards notifications like this one are a routine but structurally important part of how India's telecom certification system stays current with technology and market needs. The broader legal framework under Section 19 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 establishes testing and certification mandates for telecom equipment used across Indian networks, with the underlying goal of strengthening security, interoperability, and quality control throughout the sector. The certification framework's core objective is to ensure that telecom equipment and services conform to notified technical and security requirements through a formal conformity assessment process one that supports accountability, user safety, and the reliability of telecom infrastructure at large. The cable standard, TEC 68090:2026, supports consistent quality benchmarks for underground telecom cable infrastructure, a foundational, if less visible, part of network reliability. Underground cables of this construction (solid polythene insulated, fully jelly-filled, polythene sheathed) are widely used for physical protection against moisture and mechanical stress in buried telecom lines. Hence, a current Generic Requirements standard helps ensure a consistent baseline of quality across manufacturers supplying this cable type to network operators and infrastructure projects nationwide. More broadly, keeping TEC standards current also supports India's ease-of-doing-business and interoperability goals; manufacturers benefit from having an unambiguous, up-to-date reference for design and testing, rather than relying on outdated or draft specifications that can create uncertainty during certification. Impact on Businesses Manufacturers (IoT gateways, FWA CPE, telecom cables): Please test your products to comply with the new TEC standard numbers to obtain TEC certification in the future, and update internal quality documents, design validation checklists, and supplier specifications to reference the updated standard. Importers: If you import IoT gateways, FWA CPE, or specific types of cable intended for use in India, you must ensure they conform to TEC standards as part of MTCTE certification to obtain import approval and sell them. Any references to an outdated standard number on import papers may lead to delays. Exporters: Even though the destination country determines export regulations, companies operating in India that export products to other countries may improve their brand image by aligning with current TEC standards, since many Indian companies do business with certain international buyers. Brand Owner / OEM: Even if the product is produced for you by a subcontractor, it must include proper certification referencing the appropriate, up-to-date standard. MSMEs and Startups: Smaller IoT hardware startups and FWA equipment makers, who often operate on tighter timelines and budgets than large OEMs, should factor the cost and lead time of testing against the new standard into their product launch and go-to-market planning, ideally well before a launch date is locked in. Large Enterprises: While larger firms with their own testing facilities or associations with certified laboratories are likely to find it easier to adapt to this change, they must ensure that their certification status is up to date. Telecom Service Providers / Network Operators: Procurement teams sourcing FWA CPE or underground cable for network rollout and expansion projects should confirm that vendor equipment carries certification referencing the currently applicable standard, to avoid procurement or deployment delays. Distributors / Retailers / Traders: Should confirm with their suppliers that stock currently being sold or planned for future orders carries valid, current TEC certification, rather than relying on certificates issued against a superseded standard. Service Providers Installing or Maintaining Equipment: Installation and field service teams working on FWA CPE or IoT gateway deployments should be aware that newly procured units are expected to carry certification to the current standard, which may be relevant during network audits or compliance checks. Although the notification does not impose different financial sanctions on businesses that are not in compliance, they can consult the enforcement provisions in the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the 2025 Rules for sanctions on conducting business with uncertified or non-compliant equipment. The more comprehensive enforcement provisions in the 2025 Rules allow for the issuance of notices to correct non-compliance within a set period, and any further non-compliance may result in suspension of service or seizure of the uncertified equipment. How Businesses Can Approach Compliance? Identify applicability: Confirm whether your product falls under the IoT Gateway, FWA CPE, or the specified underground cable category covered by this notification. Check the current certification status: If you already hold a TEC/MTCTE certificate for the product, verify which standard number it currently references and compare it against TEC 33011:2026, TEC 21141:2026, or TEC 68090:2026, as applicable. Coordinate with an accredited test lab:  testing against the newly notified standard will typically be needed for new certification applications, and may be needed for renewals or updates to existing certificates. TEC designates specific Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) authorised to conduct this testing. Prepare or update your MTCTE application:  submit a fresh application, or update an existing one, through the applicable DoT/TEC online certification portal, referencing the correct standard and attaching the relevant test reports. Review Essential Requirements carefully:  MTCTE certification is assessed against defined Essential Requirements for each product category, covering aspects such as network integrity, user safety, and radio-frequency emission limits where applicable align your product documentation accordingly. Maintain organised documentation:  keep test reports, technical files, design records, and certificates well organised and easily accessible, since these are typically required again at renewal or during compliance audits. Track certification validity and renewal timelines:  Certificates are generally issued for a defined validity period; track renewal dates proactively so certification does not lapse mid-sales cycle. Update supply chain and vendor documentation: If you are a brand owner or distributor relying on third-party manufacturers, request updated compliance documentation from your suppliers that references the current standard. Common mistakes businesses should avoid: mentioning the number of a superseded standard within a new certification request automatically assuming that the validity of an old certificate continues even after a new standard notification for the same product class is issued waiting until right before the launch of the product to carry out tests and not disseminating information about new standards within the organization. Benefits for Businesses Conforming to the new standards has multiple tangible benefits apart from compliance in itself: Continuous access to the market:  The products that comply with the current standard are not subject to detention at customs, sales stoppage, or application denial due to out-of-date information. Lower risk of penalties or enforcement measures:  Complying with the current standard reduces the likelihood of receiving notices, suspensions, or seizures under the certification scheme's general enforcement rules. Stronger buyer and partner confidence:  A current, correctly referenced TEC certificate signals to distributors, network operators, and B2B buyers that your product meets the latest recognised benchmark. Smoother government and enterprise tenders:  Many public-sector and large enterprise procurement processes require current, valid certification as a mandatory qualifying criterion. Operational efficiency:  Aligning early avoids the scramble and rushed testing that often happens when a certification gap is discovered late, close to a shipment or launch deadline. Better long-term product planning:  Having a clear, current technical benchmark makes it easier to plan design validation and quality assurance processes with confidence, rather than working against an outdated or ambiguous reference. Right Decision or Additional Compliance Step? This notification is best understood as a routine technical update rather than a sweeping new regulatory burden. It does not introduce a new licensing regime, a new fee structure, or a fundamentally new compliance process it simply fills in or refreshes the specific test/requirement standard for three equipment categories that were, in principle, already expected to go through certification under the existing MTCTE framework. For companies that are familiar with MTCTE and TEC certification, the only issue addressed by this notification is a technical one: ensuring the correct standard is referenced. This is not an issue that would require much time or restructuring. For newer entrants, particularly IoT hardware startups and FWA equipment manufacturers who may previously have been operating without a clearly defined, up-to-date test benchmark for their category, this notification arguably reduces uncertainty. Having an explicit, current standard to design and test against can make product planning easier and more predictable than operating under an unclear, outdated, or draft requirement, even though it does require upfront testing and documentation. However, the primary issue faced by companies is not the content of the requirement but the timing and awareness of it, to ensure that the update is detected early enough to be incorporated into any certification applications in progress or soon to be submitted. Business Opportunities Created Beyond the immediate compliance task, a clear and current standard can open up practical opportunities for businesses positioned to act on it: Faster, more predictable certification for new product launches- A defined, current standard reduces ambiguity for companies developing new IoT gateway or FWA CPE products, supporting more predictable go-to-market timelines. Stronger positioning in government and infrastructure tenders:  Telecom infrastructure and smart-city projects that require current TEC-certified equipment create demand that compliant manufacturers and suppliers are well placed to capture. Expansion into IoT and fixed wireless hardware manufacturing:  As India's IoT and FWA broadband segments continue to grow, having early, correct certification against the current standard can be a competitive advantage when pitching to network operators and system integrators. Import and distribution opportunities: International manufacturers seeking to enter or expand in the Indian market now have a clear, current benchmark to certify against, which can support faster market entry when handled correctly. Underground cable supply opportunities: Telecom operators and infrastructure contractors expanding wired network capacity will require cable that meets the current Generic Requirements standard, creating a clear specification for cable manufacturers and suppliers to build against. Value in specialised compliance consulting: The recurring need to track, interpret, and act on TEC standard updates across multiple product lines creates ongoing demand for dedicated regulatory compliance support, particularly for manufacturers managing certification across multiple equipment categories simultaneously. Why Choose Corpseed? Keeping track of every TEC standard update, correctly matching it to your specific product category, and managing the full MTCTE application process can be time-consuming for manufacturers and importers focused on building and selling products, not on chasing paperwork or monitoring Gazette notifications. Corpseed's regulatory compliance team tracks these notifications as they are published, helps identify precisely which standard applies to your product based on its technical specifications, and coordinates with accredited testing labs to plan the testing process efficiently. On the documentation side, Corpseed assists with preparing and filing MTCTE applications, organising technical files and test reports, and managing renewals so certificates don't lapse unexpectedly. For businesses managing certification across multiple product lines IoT gateways, FWA CPE, cables, or other MTCTE-covered categories having a single point of coordination for tracking standard updates and managing filings can meaningfully reduce internal time and risk, while keeping the process transparent and predictable from application to approval. Corpseed's Core Message Missing a standard update or filing a certification application under the wrong reference number can quietly translate into real business costs: delayed shipments, products held up at customs, rejected applications, or missed tender eligibility. If your business manufactures or imports IoT gateways, FWA CPE, or underground telecom cables of the type covered here, it is worth confirming today whether your current or planned certification aligns with TEC 33011:2026, TEC 21141:2026, or TEC 68090:2026. Rather than treating this as a routine detail to handle later, address it now while the notification is fresh to reduce the risk of it becoming an urgent, deadline-driven problem down the line. Corpseed's compliance team can conduct a quick applicability check for your specific product, flag exactly which documentation or testing updates are needed, and manage the certification process end-to-end, so your team can stay focused on the product itself. Conclusion This notification updates the technical standards landscape for three telecom equipment categories: IoT gateways, FWA customer premises equipment, and a specific underground telecom cable construction under the framework established by the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the 2025 Rules governing standards, conformity assessment, and certification. It takes effect from 6 August 2026, with no separate transition period stated in the notification text. For businesses in this space, the required action is clear: confirm the applicable standard reference for your product, check it against your current certification status, and align your TEC/MTCTE documentation and testing plan accordingly to avoid avoidable delays in sales, imports, or tender eligibility. While this update is administrative in nature rather than a major regulatory overhaul, timely action matters certification gaps are far easier to resolve proactively than after a shipment is held up or an application is rejected. For a quick applicability check on your specific product, or for end-to-end support with TEC standard alignment and MTCTE certification, reach out to Corpseed's compliance team.

Subject

Summary: Pan masala is provided with a special packaging entry by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, include pan masala in Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. The new entry says that paper, paperboard, cellulose, and other naturally derived materials used for pan masala must be free of plastic. They must also be free from aluminium foil and metalized layers. Tin and glass containers are included as other packaging choices. The notification does not state a separate grace period. Pan masala manufacturers, packers, brand owners, importers, and packaging suppliers should therefore examine every layer and component of their packaging. Although these rules are brief, their impact on businesses could be more than expected. The bag might appear to be made of paper but actually be made of plastic, aluminium, or metallised films. Businesses require facts about materials, not assumptions based on appearance. Notification at a Glance Particular Verified detail Issuing authority Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Governing law Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Regulations amended Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 Schedule amended Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 Product covered Pan masala Main stakeholders Manufacturers, packers, brand owners, importers and packaging suppliers Main development Addition of plastic-free, foil-free packaging choices for pan masala Transition period Not expressly specified Separate compliance deadline Not expressly specified; the amendment states that it starts on publication The Regulatory Framework Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, is India’s main central law for food safety. It created the FSSAI and gave it the authority to make food regulations. The Act covers many matters, including how food is made, stored, distributed, sold, and packaged. The 2026 notification refers to section 92 of the Act. Section 92 provides the regulation-making process. The final notification states that FSSAI used the power under section 92(2)(k), with the previous approval of the Central Government, to amend the Packaging Regulations. In simple words, FSSAI did not issue this as an informal suggestion or a news release. It issued amendment regulations in the Official Gazette under the powers conferred by the Act. Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 The Packaging Regulations establish general standards for packaging materials used to package food products. According to these regulations, primary packaging materials are materials that come into direct contact with the food product. Secondary packaging comes around the primary pack but does not come into direct contact with the food product. The regulations require food-contact packaging to be food-grade. Packaging must suit the food, storage conditions, filling and sealing equipment, transport conditions, and normal mechanical, chemical, or heat stress. Food must also be packed in a clean, hygienic, and tamper-proof package. Another important rule concerns evidence. The official FSSAI compendium states that a food business operator must obtain a certificate of conformity from a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)- accredited laboratory for packaging that directly touches food or is likely to touch it. Schedule IV gives a product-wise list of suggestive packaging materials. The base regulations describe this as an indicative list and generally do not preclude the use of other materials that meet the specified standards. The new pan masala entry, however, uses direct words such as “shall be free from any plastic.” This means businesses should not read the word “suggestive” as permission to ignore the express plastic-free and foil-free conditions. Where there is uncertainty, a written legal or regulatory view is safer than a broad assumption. Connection with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 The amendment does not work alone. It expressly says that clauses (f) and (i) of Rule 4(1) of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, also apply. Rule 4(1)(f) says that sachets made of plastic material must not be used for storing, packing, or selling gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala. Rule 4(1)(i) is wider. It states that plastic material in any form, including Vinyl Acetate-Maleic Acid-Vinyl Chloride Copolymer, must not be used in any package for gutkha, pan masala, or tobacco. This is a vital point. The environmental rules already contained a plastic restriction. The FSSAI amendment now includes a clear entry for pan masala material in the food-packaging schedule and expressly links it to those environmental rules. The Plastic Waste Management Rules also state that Rule 4 export exemption does not apply to units packaging gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala. Businesses should therefore avoid assuming that an export order automatically removes the packaging restriction. What Has Changed? The change in Schedule IV is directly caused by the introduction of Serial Number 11 for pan masala. This includes three interrelated aspects: approved material categories, excluded material categories, and the link to the Plastic Waste Management Rules. Addition of Pan Masala to Schedule IV Before this amendment, the 2025 version of the FSSAI Packaging Regulations listed ten product categories in Schedule IV. Pan masala did not have its own entry in that version. The amendment inserts pan masala after Serial Number 10. This makes the expected packaging direction easier to find within the FSSAI food-packaging framework. A manufacturer no longer needs to look only at a general environmental ban to understand the basic material position. Permitted Packaging Materials The new entry names the following material categories: Paper Paperboard Cellulose Other naturally derived materials Tin containers Glass containers Paper, paperboard, cellulose, and other naturally derived materials are not approved without conditions. The notification says these materials must be free of any plastic. It also says they must not contain aluminium foil or metallised layers. A paper pouch with a hidden polyethylene coating may fail the stated condition. The same concern can arise when a paper pack contains a polyester layer, a synthetic laminate, or a metallised film. The outside appearance of a package is therefore not enough to prove compliance. Tin and glass are named as container choices. These containers must still meet the general FSSAI rules on food-grade quality, cleanliness, suitability, sealing, and safe food contact. For example, choosing a glass jar does not eliminate the need to assess its closure, seal, and any component that may come into contact with the product. Prohibited Packaging Materials and Components The notification says the naturally derived material must be free from any plastic, including but not limited to: Polyethylene, often called PE Polypropylene, often called PP Polyester Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC Any synthetic polymer Copolymers Laminates containing prohibited plastic Aluminum foil Metalized layers The words “including but not limited to” matter. The list provides examples, but it is not exhaustive. A business cannot treat an unlisted plastic as allowed simply because its chemical name does not appear in the notification. The phrase “any plastic” also makes it risky to assume that bio-based, biodegradable, or compostable plastic is acceptable. Such material may still legally be a plastic. The amendment does not create a clear exception for it. Does the Restriction Cover Every Packaging Component? The entry speaks about material used for pan masala packaging and also refers to plastic material “in any form” through Rule 4(1)(i). A safe compliance review should therefore examine the whole pack, including: The main pouch, jar, or tin Inner linings and barrier layers Heat-seal coatings Plastic-based adhesives Lids, caps and closure systems Inner seals and membranes Transparent windows Labels and shrink sleeves Printing coatings and varnishes Tamper-evident parts The notification does not explain every small component separately. It also does not clearly state how its new Schedule IV wording applies to secondary transport material that never forms part of the consumer pack. Those questions should be assessed against the exact pack design, the general Packaging Regulations, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules. Earlier Position vs New Position Earlier verified position New position from 10 August 2026 Plastic was already barred for pan masala packaging under the Plastic Waste Management Rules. Schedule IV had no separate row for pan masala. Serial Number 11 now names natural material, tin, and glass options and expressly excludes plastic, aluminum foil, and metalized layers from the natural-material format. The amendment therefore makes the material direction clearer within the FSSAI framework. It does not mean that plastic was freely allowed before 10 August 2026. Scope and Applicability Products and Businesses Covered The new entry expressly covers pan masala. It does not create a new product definition. Businesses should check the product standard, ingredients, label, and FSSAI license before deciding whether a similar product is covered. Supari or mouth freshener should not be included only because it is sold in a small pouch; equally, changing a product name does not change its true legal classification. These are the parties who are directly involved: manufacturers, contract packers, brand owners, importers, and packaging suppliers. Distributors and retailers may also require stock information. Imported pan masala intended for India must comply with India's packaging regulations. The Plastic Waste Management Rules are also important for exporters. Their general Rule 4 export exemption does not extend to units packaging gutkha, tobacco, and pan masala. Implementation Timeline and Norms Notification, Publication and Effective Dates The draft notification was released on 28 April 2026. The notification date is 7 August, whereas the gazette date is 10 August 2026. Since the amendment will commence from the date of publication, 10 August 2026 will serve as the date of operation. No other implementation date is stated in the notification. Is a Transition or Grace Period Available? There is no explicit mention of any transition, grace period, or phased implementation. Redesign of the package may be difficult, but business difficulty, per se, does not constitute a legal extension. Existing Packaging and Finished Goods There is no information in the notification on how much older packaging, produced before 10 August, can be used. The notification does not provide a definite rule for the sell-through of existing packaged goods. Businesses should segregate unused packaging materials, WIP, factory and market stock, and take a document-specific approach. Why Was This Amendment Implemented? Closing the Gap Between Paper Appearance and Actual Composition The Plastic Waste Management Rules have already banned plastic packaging for pan masala. In practice, a pack described as “paper-based” can still be a mixed structure. It may contain a plastic barrier, a heat-seal coating, a synthetic adhesive, aluminium foil, or a metallised layer. A 2026 Bureau of Indian Standards innovation challenge explained that manufacturers had shifted to multilayer paper-based laminates, but these small mixed-material sachets remained hard to collect, separate, and recycle. It also identified the continued use of plastic-based adhesives and heat-seal coatings as a concern. The FSSAI amendment gives businesses a clearer material direction: natural material must actually be free from plastic, foil, and metalized layers. Waste and Litter Concerns Small sachets are light and easily scattered. Their size makes collection difficult. When several materials are bonded together, separation and recycling become harder. Such packs can escape normal waste systems and become litter in streets, drains, fields, and water bodies. The final notification does not include a detailed statement of reasons. The waste explanation should therefore be understood as part of the verified policy context, not as extra wording inserted into the legal clause. Promotion of Workable Alternatives The amendment does not merely list banned materials. It also names paper, paperboard, cellulose, other naturally derived materials, tin, and glass. This gives manufacturers a starting group of alternatives. The hard part is performance. Pan masala packaging often needs moisture protection, aroma retention, seal strength, and enough shelf life for distribution. A truly useful alternative must align with environmental goals while keeping food safe and stable. Impact on Businesses Impact on Pan Masala Manufacturers Manufacturers need the exact construction of every pack. “Paper pouch” is too broad. Quality and procurement teams need layer-wise data, while production teams must check whether the material fills and seals safely on existing equipment. Impact on MSMEs MSMEs may face a heavier short-term adjustment because they buy smaller quantities and may have fewer packaging experts. They should not accept an “eco-friendly” claim without a composition statement and suitable evidence. Impact on Packaging Suppliers Suppliers now have a reason to develop plastic-free, foil-free barriers that still control moisture and aroma. Clear layer information and reliable evidence will matter more than labels such as “green laminate.” Cost and Supply-Chain Impact The cost may be due to factors such as research, testing, changes in machinery or suppliers, and even stock loss. The use of tin and glass packing materials might also contribute to weight, storage, and damage costs. There will be no cost associated with the notification. The cost may depend on the type of material used, pack size, quantity, machine, and shelf life. How Businesses Will Achieve Compliance Step 1: Confirm Product Classification Check the ingredients, food standards, FSSAI license, and label to determine whether the product is classified as pan masala. Step 2: Complete Package Analysis Prepare a bill of materials identifying all substrates, coatings, adhesives, seals, caps, labels, etc. Do not limit yourself to the substrate only. Step 3: Identify Prohibited Material Check for the presence of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, PVC, other polymers, copolymers, plastic laminates, aluminum foils, metallizations, etc. Maintain the status of "unknown" for each material until identification. Step 4: Selection of Alternative Material Narrow down your selection to paper, paperboard, cellulose, natural material, tin, glass, etc. Check the moisture resistance, aroma, strength, sealing, storage, and transport conditions. The cheapest material would be useless if it affects the product quality. Step 5: Confirming the Supplier A signed composition declaration and technical data sheets for plastic, foil, and metallization must be requested. All papers must be confirmed against the specific grade. Inform us of any alteration in the material. Step 6: Testing and Validation Obey FSSAI guidelines for testing and get a certificate of compliance for the packaging material that comes into direct contact. Testing can be carried out for migration, smell, seal strength, leakage, moisture, aroma, transport, and shelf life. Distinguish between mandatory testing and testing associated with product development. Step 7: Run Machine Trials Conduct machine trials with the material at normal speed and note any tearing, poor feeding, low seal strength, and rejection rate. Train the operator regarding the parameters. Step 8: Control Inventory Reject unknown material, separate the old and new materials, and associate approved packaging codes with the specific product and line. Step 9: Update Internal Controls Update purchase specifications, the approved supplier list, incoming inspection, change management, and allocate responsibilities to the regulatory, purchasing, quality, engineering, and warehouse departments. Documents and Evidence Businesses Should Maintain There is no specific requirement for any documents on pan masala under the notification. In line with the Packaging Regulations, it is necessary to provide a conformity certificate for the food contact package. The required internal documents will be: Packaging bill of material Composition declaration and technical data sheet of supplier Conformity, food contact, and migration report Shelf life and machine trial report Purchase specification and vendor approval form Change control, batch record, and packaging code.  Mandatory and recommended controls need to be segregated. It needs to be identified as per the actual commercial grade. The generic brochure is poor evidence because it doesn't show the actual structure purchased. Benefits for Businesses Full material maps mean the company will have greater control over changes from suppliers. Specifications prevent the company from getting an incorrectly described laminate. A package that is truly free of plastics might help the company establish a positive image, if the claims are true. The need for good alternatives can drive innovation and collaboration with suppliers. Trackable decisions will allow the company to inspect the process and conduct internal audits. Not all of these advantages will necessarily be achieved. Challenges and Cost Implications The biggest technical challenge will be replacing the plastic or foil without exposing the contents to moisture, while maintaining its smell and ensuring a good seal. Metal and glass packaging can be highly protective, yet more expensive and heavy. Glass packaging can be breakable. Metal containers will require special closure and analysis when handling corrosive products. Paper and cellulose packaging can be lightweight; however, it might be hard to design a plastic-free barrier and heat-sealing system. The lack of additional time before changes raises certain expectations, especially for MSMEs and companies with stockpiles. The right response is not to lower food safety. It is to redesign the package with legal, technical, and production teams working together. Is This the Right Decision or an Additional Burden? The amendment has a valid environmental purpose, but it also creates practical and financial challenges. The following table presents a balanced assessment. Assessment area Why the decision makes sense Additional burden on businesses Balanced view Environmental protection Plastic-free packaging can reduce difficult-to-collect and difficult-to-recycle waste. Alternative materials may still require technical development and proper disposal systems. The environmental goal is reasonable, but the alternative must work throughout its full life cycle. Clearer packaging rules The amendment makes it clear that paper packaging cannot contain hidden plastic, aluminium foil or metallised layers. Businesses must examine every coating, adhesive, barrier, seal, and closure. Clear rules reduce confusion, but FSSAI guidance on smaller packaging components would help. Packaging innovation The rule can encourage the development of paper, cellulose, tin, glass, and other suitable alternatives. New materials may not yet be widely available or affordable. Innovation may create long-term value, but businesses need scalable and cost-effective solutions. Food safety and quality Businesses are encouraged to select packaging that is both compliant and food-grade. Plastic-free materials may face problems with moisture, aroma retention, sealing, and shelf life. Environmental compliance should not weaken food safety or product quality. Proper testing remains essential. Cost of compliance Better packaging controls can improve supplier management and material traceability. Manufacturers may face costs for testing, machinery, supplier development, and packaging conversion. Larger businesses may adjust faster, while MSMEs may need technical and financial support. Implementation period Immediate application can accelerate the move toward compliant packaging. The notification does not expressly provide a grace period or phased implementation plan. A reasonable transition period could have reduced disruption without weakening the regulatory objective. Existing stock Immediate application discourages continued use of potentially non-compliant packaging. The notification does not clearly explain how unused packaging and already-packed goods should be treated. Written clarification on old stock and sell-through conditions would improve consistency. Overall business impact Early compliance may improve reputation and create a market for sustainable packaging. Short-term costs, material shortages, and production changes may affect business continuity. The decision is justified in purpose, but its success depends on clear guidance, affordable alternatives, and practical support. Balanced Conclusion This amendment is not just an advantage or disadvantage. The environmental goals of this amendment are justified because it tackles hidden plastics and packaging waste that are difficult to manage. However, manufacturers will pay more due to costs, technology issues, and uncertainty about current stock. We should get additional clarity from FSSAI on packaging components, evidence, old stock, and implementation. MSMEs might require assistance with testing and materials. Business Opportunities Created The modification can drive demand in the entire packaging industry. Paper and Cellulose Materials without Plastic Companies can manufacture paper and cellulose materials that regulate moisture and odour without using any plastic. Testable claims have to be made. Packaging Using Tin and Glass Containers Firms can produce small, light, and safer tin and glass containers. Designing closures will still be critical. Testing and Technical Assistance Laboratories can experience increased demand for food contact, material, barrier, seal, and shelf-life testing when using proper techniques. Machinery and Retrofitting Equipment manufacturers can provide sealing and filling equipment or adapt machines to handle natural materials. Compliance and Supplier Services Packaging audit, supplier assessment, legal validation, and change management services will also be needed. The biggest business opportunities are those that meet three requirements: legal compliance, food safety, and feasibility of mass production. Risks and Consequences of Non-Compliance There is no specific penalty prescribed for pan masala under the 2026 notification. Businesses should not quote any penalty amount as a general rule, since violations must be assessed under the FSSA and environmental laws, taking into account the specific circumstances of each case. These include questions that may arise during inspections and product testing, the inability to shift stock, decisions on product withdrawal, conflicts with suppliers, production halts, and damage to brand reputation. There may be other risks associated with environmental deception. Inadequate information is the biggest risk to controls. If the supplier designates a packaging structure as ‘paper’ and does not inform you of its plastic coating, the end package will not meet the new requirement. Documentation and change controls are thus fundamental controls. Practical Compliance Checklist Ensure that the product is properly classified as pan masala. Document the packaging structure completely. Check for layers made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and PVC. Check for other synthetic polymers and copolymers. Check for aluminium foil and metallised layers. Review coatings, adhesives, seals, caps, and labels. Obtain exact supplier composition information. Confirm applicable food-contact requirements. Obtain the applicable certificate of conformity. Complete suitable safety and performance tests. Validate shelf life and product quality. Run the material on the actual packing machine. Separate uncertain old packaging and finished stock. Revise purchase and supplier requirements. Train regulatory, purchasing, quality control, and manufacturing staff. Maintain batch, material, and change-control documentation. Examples of controls that can be implemented include the bill of materials, machine trial report, and internal checklists, unless another requirement or license condition necessitates their use. The requirement for a certificate of compliance arises from the general FSSAI Packaging Regulations for food contact packaging. How Corpseed Can Help Corpseed helps pan masala manufacturers, importers, brand owners, and packaging companies understand and follow the new FSSAI packaging requirements. The support is based on the actual product, the materials used in its packaging, and the compliance gaps that need to be addressed. 1. Checking Whether the New Rules Apply Check whether the product is a pan masala product according to the law. Determine which FSSAI packaging regulations pertain to the product and business. Describe what is required and what needs further clarity. 2. Reviewing the Complete Packaging Structure Check every part of the packaging, including its layers, coatings, adhesives, seals and closures. Find any plastic, aluminium foil, or metallised material hidden inside the package. Assess whether the proposed packaging material meets the amended requirements. 3. Finding Compliance Gaps Compare the existing packaging with the new FSSAI requirements. Identify materials, records and business processes that need to change. Prepare a clear action plan to correct the identified gaps. 4. Checking Supplier Documents Review material declarations, technical data sheets and other documents provided by packaging suppliers. Confirm that the documents relate to the exact packaging material being purchased. Identify missing, incomplete or unclear information about the material’s composition. 5. Supporting Packaging Testing Help the business understand which food-contact and packaging tests may be relevant. Coordinate with suitable laboratories for the required testing. Organise conformity certificates, test reports and supporting records. 6. Improving FSSAI Records and Internal Controls Review the relevant FSSAI licence and existing compliance records. Prepare simple checklists for checking and approving packaging materials. Improve records so that each packaging material can be traced to its supplier, product and batch. 7. Providing Ongoing Regulatory Support Monitor new FSSAI packaging notifications, directions and clarifications. Review proposed packaging changes before they are used in commercial production. Help the business keep its compliance documents complete, current and properly organised. Professional support cannot replace correct supplier information or guarantee a regulatory outcome. However, it can help businesses understand their obligations, identify packaging risks, and maintain reliable evidence before starting commercial production. Pan masala manufacturers, importers, and brand owners may use Corpseed’s FSSAI compliance services for a document-based review of their packaging and implementation plan.

Subject

Summary: The Bureau of Indian Standards ( BIS ) has notified the establishment of 26 Indian Standards, dated 5 August 2026. Every standard in the schedule was established on 4 August 2026. The notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4, on 12 August 2026. The BIS 26 Indian Standards 2026 is an update for textiles, ropes, metal tests, fasteners, food oil containers, machinery, mining equipment, aerospace textiles, pollution control, air quality management, and soil samples. Sixteen amended standards have identified prior standards which will coexist till 4 February 2027. Ten items do not identify any prior standard. The notification establishes or amends standards, but it does not, in and of itself, indicate that every item on the list needs BIS certification or requires the Standard Mark. Companies need to verify if there is a Quality Control Order (QCO), regulation, licensing condition, tender, or contract that mandates any particular standard. Notification at a Glance Particular Verified details Issuing authority Bureau of Indian Standards, Department of Consumer Affairs Governing law Rule 15(1), Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018; read in the wider framework of the BIS Act, 2016 Sectors covered Textiles, ropes, metals, mechanical components, food packaging, pollution control, machinery safety, mining, aerospace, air quality and soil quality Main stakeholders Manufacturers, standard users, BIS licensees where applicable, laboratories, engineers, consultants, purchasers and tendering authorities Core development 26 standards established: 16 revised/replacement standards and 10 entries with no predecessor listed Transition/withdrawal date 4 February 2027 for the 16 identified predecessor standards Universal certification deadline Not expressly specified Nature of requirement Establishment and withdrawal of Indian Standards; mandatory certification is not created expressly by this notification alone The Regulatory Framework BIS is India’s national standards body. Section 10 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 authorizes the Bureau to establish, publish, review, promote, and adopt Indian Standards. Section 10(4) states that an Indian Standard is notified and remains valid until BIS withdraws it. This notification is made under Rule 15(1) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018. The purpose of this notification is to establish the standard as mentioned in the schedule and, if there is any previous version of the standard, its date of withdrawal. Standardization and compulsory certification are related but different legal steps. Section 16 of the BIS Act allows the Central Government to direct the compulsory use of a Standard Mark in specified circumstances. BIS guidance on QCOs also explains that its certification scheme is generally voluntary, while the Central Government can make conformity and use of the Standard Mark compulsory for specified products through a QCO. The legal impact of such notification in the Gazette needs to be studied. It provides the relevant Indian Standards and also the deadlines for transitioning. All mandatory requirements related to manufacture, import, sale, testing, marking, or certification shall be supported by a particular QCO or any other binding instrument. What Has Changed in BIS 26 Indian Standards 2026 BIS has established 26 standards, effective from the date shown in the schedule: 4 August 2026. The changes fall into two groups. Sixteen revised or replacement standards: Entries 2 to 17 identify an earlier standard. Both editions remain in force concurrently until the predecessor is withdrawn on 4 February 2027. Ten standards with no predecessor listed: Entries 1 and 18 to 26 show “NA” for the standard to be withdrawn and the withdrawal date. Several ISO-aligned standards: The schedule identifies ISO or ISO/TS references for metallic tensile testing, grooved pins, machinery safety, rope testing, and soil sampling. Several environmental standards: The notification includes revisions for industrial pollution control and new standards on air-quality planning, plastic-waste pyrolysis, ambient-air assessment, and soil investigations. No detailed technical clauses in the Gazette: The schedule gives standard numbers, titles, and dates. It does not reproduce design values, test parameters, sampling rules, certification procedures, fees, or marking conditions. Compliance area Earlier position shown in the notification New position Relevant date Business meaning Revised standards Earlier editions listed for 16 standards Revised 2026 editions established 4 August 2026 Begin technical comparison and transition review Concurrent operation Earlier editions remain in force Old and revised versions coexist temporarily Until 4 February 2027 Begin technical comparison and transition review Withdrawal 16 earlier editions remain valid during transition Earlier editions will be withdrawn 4 February 2027 Update controlled documents and confirm required changeover New entries No predecessor is identified for 10 standards New 2026 standards established 4 August 2026 Assess relevance; do not assume mandatory application Certification status Not addressed as a universal obligation Not changed expressly by this notification alone Not expressly specified Verify each applicable QCO or other binding instrument Complete List of Indian Standards Established The schedule contains 26 entries. The table below preserves every standard, title and transition detail stated in the English version of the Gazette. No. Indian Standard established Subject/title Earlier standard to be withdrawn Withdrawal date 1 IS 1608 (Part 5): 2026 / ISO/TS 6892-5: 2025 Metallic Materials - Tensile Testing, Part 5: Specification for Testing Miniaturised Test Pieces NA NA 2 IS 3256: 2026 Textiles - Inland Packaging of Ropes and Cordages - Code of Practice (Second Revision) IS 3256-1980, first revision 4 February 2027 3 IS 5175: 2026 Fibre Ropes - Polypropylene Split Film, Monofilament and Multifilament - 3-, 4-, 8- and 12-Strand Ropes (Fifth Revision) IS 5175: 2022 / ISO 1346: 2021, fourth revision 4 February 2027 4 IS 7385: 2026 / ISO 8745: 2025 Taper Grooved Pins - Half-Length Progressive Grooves - Specification (Third Revision) IS 7385: 2005 / ISO 8745: 1997, second revision 4 February 2027 5 IS 7967: 2026 Controlling Pollution of Marine Coastal Outfalls - Guidelines (First Revision) IS 7967-1976 4 February 2027 6 IS 8324: 2026 Safe Use and Maintenance of Non-Calibrated Round Steel Link Lifting Chains and Chain Slings - Code of Practice (Second Revision) IS 8324-1988, first revision 4 February 2027 7 IS 9874: 2026 Arm and Bed Assembly for Sewing Machines for Household Purposes - Specification (First Revision) IS 9874-1981 4 February 2027 8 IS 10325: 2026 Square Tins of 15 kg or 15 Litre Capacity for Ghee, Vanaspati, Edible Oils and Bakery Shortenings - Specification (Third Revision) IS 10325: 2000, second revision 4 February 2027 9 IS 10447: 2026 Solid Waste Management in Iron and Steel Plants - Guidelines (First Revision) IS 10447-1983 4 February 2027 10 IS 11304: 2026 Control of Air Pollution in Iron and Steel Plants - Code of Practice (First Revision) IS 11304-1985 4 February 2027 11 IS 11916: 2026 Textiles - Continuous Filament Glass Yarn for Aerospace and Other Purposes - Specification (Second Revision) IS 11916: 2001, first revision 4 February 2027 12 IS 12112: 2026 Control of Air Pollution in Refractory Industries - Code of Practice (First Revision) IS 12112-1987 4 February 2027 13 IS 12185: 2026 Control of Air Pollution in Aluminium Industry - Code of Practice (First Revision) IS 12185-1987 4 February 2027 14 IS 13618: 2026 Mine Haulages - Direct Rope (50 kW to 150 kW) - General Requirements (First Revision) IS 13618: 1993 4 February 2027 15 IS 13872: 2026 Household Sewing Machine - Stitch Regulators - Specification (First Revision) IS 13872-1993 4 February 2027 16 IS 16810 (Part 1): 2026 / ISO 13849-1: 2023 Safety of Machinery - Safety-Related Parts of Control Systems, Part 1: General Principles for Design (First Revision) IS 16810 (Part 1): 2018 / ISO 13849-1: 2015 4 February 2027 17 IS 16815: 2026 / ISO 13855: 2024 Safety of Machinery - Positioning of Safeguards with Respect to the Approach of the Human Body (First Revision) IS 16815: 2019 / ISO 13855: 2010 4 February 2027 18 IS 19763: 2026 Textile Floor Coverings - Aircraft Woven Carpet - Specification NA NA 19 IS 19783: 2026 Textiles - 100 Percent Nylon Woven Fabric - Specification NA NA 20 IS 19822: 2026 / ISO 20615: 2018 Textiles - 100 Percent Nylon Woven Fabric - Specification NA NA 21 IS 19879: 2026 Preparation of Air Quality Management Plan - Code of Practice NA NA 22 IS 19880: 2026 Control of Air Pollution from Plastic Waste Pyrolysis - Code of Practice NA NA 23 IS 19881: 2026 Assimilative and Carrying Capacity Assessment of Ambient Air Pollution - Methodology NA NA 24 IS 19882 (Part 1): 2026 / ISO 18400-202: 2018 Soil Quality - Sampling, Part 1: Preliminary Investigations NA NA 25 IS 19882 (Part 2): 2026 / ISO 18400-203: 2018 Soil Quality - Sampling, Part 2: Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites NA NA 26 IS 19882 (Part 3): 2026 / ISO 18400-205: 2018 Soil Quality - Sampling, Part 3: Guidance on Investigation of Natural, Near-Natural and Cultivated Sites NA NA All 26 entries carry the same establishment date: 4 August 2026. The table does not mean that all 26 standards apply to every business, nor that each subject is subject to compulsory certification. Revised Standards and Their Withdrawal Dates Entries 2 through 17 are now replacing the editions that preceded them. The previous editions will continue to operate concurrently and will be withdrawn on 4 February 2027. Transition event Date Entries affected Meaning Revised standards established 4 August 2026 2-17 The 2026 editions became established Indian Standards Notification dated 5 August 2026 All 26 Date printed on the BIS notification Gazette publication 12 August 2026 All 26 Date of publication in the Gazette of India Earlier editions withdrawn 4 February 2027 2-17 Listed predecessor editions cease to remain in force after concurrent operation However, the notification does not establish 4 February 2027 as a universal deadline for production, distribution, and certification. In cases where a new standard has a QCO or a BIS license, the changeover requirements must be verified. New Standards With No Previous Version Ten entries show “NA” in both predecessor and withdrawal columns: IS 1608 (Part 5): 2026 for tensile testing of miniaturized metallic test pieces. IS 19763: 2026 for aircraft woven carpet. IS 19783: 2026 for 100 percent nylon woven fabric. IS 19822: 2026 for measuring electrostatic surface potential of fiber ropes. IS 19879: 2026 for preparing an air-quality management plan. IS 19880: 2026 for controlling air pollution from plastic-waste pyrolysis. IS 19881: 2026 for assessing ambient-air assimilative and carrying capacity. IS 19882 (Parts 1, 2 and 3): 2026 for different soil-quality investigation settings. “NA” means that this schedule does not identify an earlier Indian Standard for withdrawal. It should not be read as proof that the activity was previously unregulated, that another standard never applied, or that the new standard is compulsory in every situation. Concurrent Validity of Old and New Standards However, the notification clearly allows both the old and the revised editions of items 2 to 17 to coexist until 4 February 2027. This provides sufficient time for general users to evaluate the revised edition. However, simultaneous validity does not imply that the organization can use either edition for any given application. QCO, the BIS Product Manual, the Certification Direction, the customer specification, the tender, or a contractual agreement will specify the particular edition to be used. In case of manufacturing under a BIS License, manufacturers are advised to check their scheme-specific position before using the Gazette Schedule. Internal management should make sure that each department uses the correct edition when preparing drawings, test plans, quality manuals, purchase specifications, and customer commitments. Industry-Wise Classification of the Standards Sector Relevant standards Main subject Textiles, ropes and sewing equipment IS 3256, IS 5175, IS 9874, IS 11916, IS 13872, IS 19763, IS 19783, IS 19822 Packaging and testing of ropes, sewing-machine components, aerospace yarn and carpet, nylon fabric Metals, lifting and mechanical components IS 1608 (Part 5), IS 7385, IS 8324 Tensile testing, grooved pins, lifting chains and chain slings Food and edible-oil packaging IS 10325 Square tins of 15 kg or 15 litre capacity Iron, steel, refractories and aluminium IS 10447, IS 11304, IS 12112, IS 12185 Solid-waste management and air-pollution control Mining and machinery safety IS 13618, IS 16810 (Part 1), IS 16815 Mine haulages, safety-related control systems and safeguard positioning Coastal and environmental management IS 7967, IS 19879, IS 19880, IS 19881 Coastal outfalls, air-quality planning, plastic pyrolysis and ambient-air assessment Soil investigation IS 19882 (Parts 1-3) Preliminary, contaminated-site and natural/agricultural-site investigations Several standards have cross-sector use. Machinery safety standards may matter to equipment designers and manufacturers across many industries. In contrast, air- and soil-quality standards may be relevant to consultants, laboratories, project developers, and regulators across multiple product categories. Which Standards Affect Your Business? Business or stakeholder Potentially relevant standards Why they may matter Verification needed Rope manufacturers and users IS 3256, IS 5175, IS 19822 Packaging, product specification and electrostatic-potential testing Product scope, contract and any certification requirement Sewing-machine manufacturers IS 9874, IS 13872 Arm, bed and stitch-regulator specifications Product design references and buyer requirements Food-tin manufacturers and edible-oil packers IS 10325 Specification for 15 kg/15 litre square tins Packaging contracts and applicable food/product rules Steel, refractory and aluminium plants IS 10447, IS 11304, IS 12112, IS 12185 Waste-management and air-pollution practices Environmental consent conditions and regulatory references Machinery designers and system integrators IS 16810 (Part 1), IS 16815 Safety-related control-system design and safeguard positioning Design scope, tender and machine-safety obligations Mines and mining-equipment suppliers IS 13618 Direct-rope mine haulages from 50 kW to 150 kW Mine-safety rules, approvals and procurement specifications Aerospace textile suppliers IS 11916, IS 19763 Glass yarn and aircraft woven carpet Customer, aviation and quality-system specifications Environmental consultants and laboratories IS 7967, IS 19879-19882 Air, coastal-outfall and soil investigation methods Terms of reference, consent conditions and laboratory competence Importers and exporters Any product-specific entry Buyer or Indian regulatory specifications may cite an edition QCO, customs/product law and destination-market requirements This is an applicability screen, not a legal determination. Product classification, intended use, contract language, and separate regulatory instruments can change the result. Does This Notification Make BIS Certification Mandatory? No. The notification does not expressly make BIS certification mandatory for all 26 standards. It establishes the standards and sets withdrawal dates for identified earlier editions. BIS certification becomes compulsory for specified products when a legally applicable instrument, commonly a QCO issued by the relevant Central Government ministry or department, requires conformity to an Indian Standard and use of the Standard Mark under a BIS license or certificate of conformity. Other laws, regulations, or license conditions may also incorporate a standard. The correct check has three parts: Identify the exact product, process, or activity and the corresponding Indian Standard. Search for an applicable QCO or other binding instrument and confirm its commencement date, scope, and exemptions. If a BIS license already exists, check the product manual and the BIS transition direction for the revised edition. The Gazette schedule contains no provisions for universal application procedures, testing frequency, license fees, Standard Mark direction, penalties, or enforcement dates. Adding any of those requirements to this notification without another verified legal source would overstate its effect. Difference Between Establishment and Mandatory Compliance Concept Meaning Position in this notification Establishment of an Indian Standard BIS formally recognises the standard under the BIS framework Expressly stated for 26 standards Establishment of an Indian Standard The predecessor ceases to remain a current Indian Standard on the stated date Expressly stated for 26 standards Voluntary conformity assessment A person may seek certification where the relevant scheme permits Not created or detailed here Mandatory conformity A binding instrument requires compliance with a specified standard Not imposed universally by this notification Standard Mark Mark representing conformity under a BIS scheme No new universal marking direction stated here Contractual compliance A buyer, tender or contract requires a particular edition Possible business effect, but contract-specific The institution serves as the acknowledged technical standard. Compulsory compliance is based upon a distinct legal trigger. Adoption through contracts may also be obligatory for the parties, even in the absence of a statutory obligation, because of this notification. Implementation Schedule and Standards Date Event Affected parties Appropriate action 4 August 2026 All 26 standards established Users of the listed standards Identify relevant new editions 5 August 2026 Notification dated Regulated and interested stakeholders Record the formal notification reference 12 August 2026 Gazette publication All stakeholders Begin documented applicability and transition review Up to 4 February 2027 Gazette publication Users of revised standards Compare editions and confirm required version 4 February 2027 Listed predecessor standards withdrawn Users of entries 2-17 Complete changeover where applicable The source does not mention phase dates by sector, exemptions for MSMEs, certificate conversion periods, testing deadlines, or inventory waivers. These will need independent verification wherever applicable. Actions for Existing Users of the Standards Organizations employing any of the standards in the preceding versions, as indicated by entries 2 to 17, should focus on a controlled transition review. Map all occurrences. Find out the standard number and revision in drawings, bill of materials, test plan, quality manual, work instruction, contract, purchase order, and tender. Get the complete revised standard. It is insufficient to rely on just the title from the Gazette for clause-by-clause comparison. Compare the new edition against the prior edition. Identify the legal trigger. Is there a QCO, regulation, condition, license, approval, tender, or customer requirement requiring compliance with the standard or its latest revision. Consider technical inadequacies. Analyze the changes made to the scope, definitions, materials, dimensions, performance, safety, sampling, testing, packaging, labelling, and record-keeping requirements throughout the standard. Arrange testing. Ensure that internal or external labs can test according to the standard revision and that the scope is appropriate for the work. Control the change. Allocate the owners, approval date, and document revisions. Do not allow different groups to use conflicting versions inadvertently. Maintain proof. Preserve the applicability analysis, comparative data, approvals, revised specification, and stakeholder communications for suggested internal controls. These are practical recommendations. The notification itself does not prescribe this seven-step process. Impact on Manufacturers, Importers, Laboratories and Buyers The updated Indian Standards may affect product design, testing, documents, purchasing and supply agreements. The actual impact depends on whether a particular standard applies through a law, Quality Control Order (QCO), BIS license, tender, or contract. 1. Impact on Manufacturers Check whether any new or revised standard covers their products. Compare the earlier standard with the 2026 version. Review product designs, materials, and production processes. Update quality manuals, drawings, and test plans where required. Complete the transition before the earlier standard is withdrawn, if applicable. 2. Impact on Importers Confirm that any applicable standards cover the products imported. Determine whether the QCO requires BIS certification to be compulsory. Seek information from foreign suppliers regarding the latest test reports and certificates. Ensure that marking and certificate pertain to the right standard. Review the import documents before ordering fresh products. 3. Impact on Testing Laboratories Obtain and study the relevant 2026 testing requirements. Check whether existing equipment can perform the required tests. Train testing staff on revised methods where needed. Update testing procedures, report formats, and internal records. Confirm whether the scope of recognition or accreditation needs to be updated. 4. Impact on Buyers and Procurement Teams Review the purchase order, tender documents, and product specification. Specify the relevant standard number and year in new documents. Decide which edition of the standard document is valid in the transition period. Seek the required test results or certificate from suppliers. 5. Impact on Existing BIS License Holders Check whether the licensed product is related to the standard. Refer to BIS guidance in transitioning to the 2026 version. Establish new testing or documentation that needs to be completed. Provide information within the appropriate timeframe. Do not take for granted that the change in the Gazette automatically amends the license. 6. Impact on Suppliers and Distributors Identify the proper version needed by the manufacturer and purchaser. Revise descriptions and technical documents when required. Don’t make unsubstantiated claims regarding BIS certification. Maintain records received from manufacturers and laboratories. Inform buyers about relevant standard-version changes. 7. Impact on MSMEs Identify only the standards connected with their products or activities. Estimate possible testing, documentation, and process-update costs. Plan the changeover process well in advance to avoid hasty modifications. Obtain technical assistance when internal resources are inadequate for this. Never presume that there is a specific MSME exception unless explicitly mentioned. This notice does not make every item mentioned in it mandatory. Every firm must determine whether a particular QCO/BIS certificate/license requirement/tender contract applies to it. Stakeholder Immediate impact Possible operational or cost effect Priority concern Manufacturers Identify relevant revised standards Technical review, testing, or document updates Required edition and changeover date Importers Check product coverage Supplier evidence and certification review Applicable QCO or other law Laboratories Review new test work Method capability and scope updates Competence for the 2026 edition Buyers/tender authorities Update specifications where needed Contract and vendor communication Avoid ambiguous edition references Environmental teams Review revised/new codes and methods Plans, studies, or consultant scope Whether permits or terms incorporate the standard Document Limitations and Matters Requiring Separate Verification The notification is a schedule of standards and dates. It does not reproduce the standards or answer every implementation question. Clause-level differences between old and new editions are not stated. Mandatory certification status for each listed product is not stated. Product-specific QCO coverage and commencement dates are not listed. Application procedures, license conditions, fees, and testing frequency are not stated. Action on existing certificates, test reports, contracts, labels, and inventories is not specified in this notification. No penalties or enforcement actions are mentioned in this notification. No exemptions for MSMEs, exports, or research purposes are mentioned. While the notification was dated 5 August 2026 by the authority, each scheduled standard has an establishment date of 4 August 2026. Both dates appear in the Gazette and should not be conflated. The full official standard and any applicable QCO, product manual, license direction, regulation, tender, or contract must be checked before a business makes a compliance decision. What Businesses Should Do Next Priority Action Responsible team Relevant date Expected outcome 1 Screen all 26 entries against products, operations, and contracts Compliance/legal with engineering Immediate Relevant standards identified 2 Check applicable QCOs and other binding instruments Regulatory/legal Immediate Mandatory status confirmed or ruled out 3 Obtain and compare relevant 2026 standards Engineering, quality and EHS Before transition planning Technical gaps documented 4 Confirm laboratory and supplier readiness Quality/procurement During concurrent period Testing and supply risks identified 5 Update controlled documents and contracts where required Quality, engineering and commercial Before 4 February 2027 for revised entries, where applicable Consistent edition use 6 Confirm scheme-specific changeover with BIS or the regulator License holder/compliance Before relying on an edition choice Written implementation position Companies that do not come across any relevant standard must keep a short applicability file. Companies that identify a relevant standard but not a compulsory tool must consider business-related reasons for adopting the standard voluntarily. How Can Corpseed Help? Corpseed helps manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and other businesses understand how the updated BIS standards may affect them. The support depends on the product, the applicable Indian Standard, and the relevant Quality Control Order (QCO). 1. Checking Which Standard Applies Review the business’s products and activities. Identify the relevant Indian Standard. Explain whether the updated standard affects the business. 2. Checking Whether BIS Certification Is Required Determine whether the QCO covers the good. Determine whether BIS certification is compulsory or voluntary. Determine the relevant dates, conditions, and exemptions. 3. Comparing Previous and Current Standards Comparison between the previous standard and the 2026 standard. Identify important technical or document changes. Prepare a simple plan for moving to the new standard. 4. BIS Certification Support Help prepare the BIS certification application. Help with document gathering and validation. Facilitate communication and follow-ups during the application process. The certification is still dependent on approval by BIS and the applicable scheme. 5. Document Review and Updates Review product specifications, drawings, and quality documents. Check whether documents mention the correct standard. Help update test plans, purchase orders, and supplier documents. 6. Product Testing Support Identify the tests required under the applicable standard. Help coordinate testing with a suitable laboratory. Check test reports and related documents for completeness. Testing results and laboratory acceptance depend on the applicable standard and certification scheme. 7. Compliance Support for Businesses Help manufacturers prepare for the revised standards. Assist importers in checking product and supplier documents. Support suppliers with tender and contract requirements. Help businesses maintain proper compliance records. Corpseed provides regulatory, documentation, and coordination support. BIS certification, approval, testing, and timelines depend on the competent authority, applicable scheme, and completeness of the application. Businesses can consult a BIS certification consultant to determine which standard applies and what certification, testing, or transition actions may be needed.

Subject

Summary: The Bureau of Indian Standards ( BIS ) has amended three Indian Standards covering shuttering plywood, hearing protectors and stainless steel sinks for domestic use. The affected standards are IS 4990:2024, IS 9167:2025 and IS 13983:1994. The amendments were established on 3 August 2026. The notification is dated 5 August 2026, and was published in the Gazette of India on 12 August 2026 under reference HQ-PUB015/1/2020-PUB-BIS (1585). The earlier versions of the three standards will continue to apply until 2 February 2027. This transition period is important for manufacturers, licence holders, testing teams, buyers, and suppliers dealing with these products. They should review the amendments and check whether the changes affect their product specifications, testing, quality checks or related documents. The notice establishes the amendments and the concurrent-validity dates. It does not reproduce the amended clauses or introduce a standalone certification process, fee, testing method or penalty. Notification at a Glance Particular Verified Details Issuing authority Bureau of Indian Standards, Department of Consumer Affairs Document type BIS notification establishing amendments to Indian Standards Reference number HQ-PUB015/1/2020-PUB-BIS (1585) Notification date 5 August 2026 Gazette publication date 12 August 2026 Date of establishment of amendments 3 August 2026 Governing provision Rule 15(1) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018 Standards covered IS 4990:2024, IS 9167:2025 and IS 13983:1994 Main stakeholders IS 4990:2024, IS 9167:2025 and IS 13983:1994 Core development BIS established one amendment for each of IS 4990 and IS 9167, and Amendment No. 4 for IS 13983 Transition end date 2 February 2027 Effective date The amendments were established on 3 August 2026; a separate commencement date is not expressly specified Nature of requirement Standards notification; the detailed technical changes are not reproduced in the Gazette notice The dates have different functions. The amendments were established on 3 August, the notification bears the date 5 August and the Gazette was published on 12 August 2026. The unamended standards may remain in force only up to 2 February 2027, as stated in the schedule. The Regulatory Framework BIS issued the notification under Rule 15(1) of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018. Rule 15 deals with the establishment, review, revision and amendment of Indian Standards. It provides the mechanism through which BIS may establish an amendment and notify the period for which an existing standard may continue alongside the amended position. This notification performs that standards-management function. It identifies the affected Indian Standards, the number and month of each amendment, the date on which each amendment was established and the date until which the standard without that amendment may remain in force. An Indian Standard notification should not automatically be treated as a new Quality Control Order or a fresh certification mandate. Whether a product must carry the Standard Mark or operate under BIS certification depends on the applicable governing law, Quality Control Order, certification scheme and other official directions. Those questions must be assessed separately for each product and business. Scope and Applicability The notification applies only to the three standards specifically mentioned in it and the amendments made to those standards. It should not be read as a wider change covering all types of plywood, hearing protection products, or stainless steel products. Businesses should check whether their particular product falls under any of the three standards before making changes to their compliance process. Product or Standard Covered by This Notice? Relevant Condition Main Review Area Plywood for concrete shuttering works under IS 4990:2024 Yes Amendment No. 1, August 2026 Technical specification, product testing, declarations and marking should be checked against the amendment text Hearing protectors under IS 9167:2025 Yes Amendment No. 1, August 2026 Product and test requirements should be checked against the amendment text Stainless steel sinks for domestic purposes under IS 13983:1994 Yes Amendment No. 4, August 2026 Material, construction, performance and marking provisions should be checked against the amendment text Products outside these three standards No direct coverage stated No amendment is announced for them in this notice Check their own applicable standards and regulatory instruments The notice does not list exemptions, business-size relaxations or separate dates for domestic manufacturers, foreign manufacturers, importers or micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). What Has Changed BIS has established one identified amendment for each of the three standards. The Gazette does not show the clause-level changes, so the precise earlier and new technical positions cannot be compared from this notice alone. Compliance Area Earlier Position New Position Relevant Date Business Meaning IS 4990:2024 Standard operated without Amendment No. 1 Amendment No. 1, August 2026, has been established 3 August 2026 Obtain the amendment and review its effect on applicable plywood specifications and compliance evidence IS 9167:2025 Standard operated without Amendment No. 1 Amendment No. 1, August 2026, has been established 3 August 2026 Review the amendment before making technical, testing or product-control changes IS 13983:1994 Standard included amendments preceding Amendment No. 4 Amendment No. 4, August 2026, has been established 3 August 2026 Review the amendment before making technical, testing or product-control changes Concurrent validity Unamended versions continued to apply Standards without the listed amendments may remain in force until 2 February 2027 Up to 2 February 2027 Plan implementation within the stated transition window The notification establishes a common transition date for all three standards. It does not state that every affected business must complete an identical process, because the necessary action will depend on the amendment text and the entity's certification or commercial position. Product-Wise Analysis of the BIS Amendments 2026 IS 4990:2024 - Plywood for Concrete Shuttering Works BIS has established Amendment No. 1 of August 2026 to IS 4990:2024, Plywood for Concrete Shuttering Works - Specification (Fourth Revision). The amendment was established on 3 August 2026. IS 4990:2024 without Amendment No. 1 may remain in force until 2 February 2027. BIS material describing IS 4990:2024 states that the standard covers plywood used for shuttering and formwork in construction. It identifies plain, polymer-coated and film-faced types, as well as E1 and E2 formaldehyde classifications. The standard addresses matters such as raw materials, dimensions, workmanship, water resistance, strength, preservative retention and formaldehyde-related testing. That background explains why a technical review may affect product manuals, test facilities, test reports, specifications, declarations or marking. However, the August 2026 Gazette notice does not say which of those areas Amendment No. 1 changes. Businesses should not reuse the change list from the original 2024 revision as though it describes the 2026 amendment. IS 9167:2025 - Hearing Protectors BIS has established Amendment No. 1 of August 2026 to IS 9167:2025, Hearing Protectors - Specification (First Revision). The date of establishment is 3 August 2026, while the standard without the amendment may remain in force until 2 February 2027. The product title indicates that the standard concerns hearing protectors. The notification does not identify particular device types, performance values, attenuation requirements, test methods, markings or user-information changes. Manufacturers and laboratories therefore need the official Amendment No. 1 text before modifying product specifications or testing programmes. The notice also does not state that the amendment creates a new legal duty to obtain BIS certification. Any certification or market-access conclusion must be based on the separate legal instrument applicable to the product. IS 13983:1994 - Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes BIS has established Amendment No. 4 of August 2026 to IS 13983:1994, Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes - Specification. The amendment was established on 3 August 2026. The standard without Amendment No. 4 may remain in force until 2 February 2027. The standard is confined by its title to stainless steel sinks intended for domestic purposes. The Gazette notice does not extend the amendment to all stainless steel products or every type of commercial sink. It also does not reproduce changes concerning steel grade, thickness, dimensions, workmanship, corrosion performance, fitting features, marking or tests. BIS has earlier listed IS 13983:1994 in its consumer information on mandatory certification for certain cookware, utensils, and cans. However, businesses should refer to the current Quality Control Order, and relevant BIS certification requirements to confirm whether certification applies. The August 2026 standards notification itself should not be treated as the basis for that requirement. Implementation Timeline and Concurrent Validity All three amendments follow the same schedule. Event Date Affected Stakeholders Practical Action Amendments established by BIS 3 August 2026 Businesses and technical teams using the three standards Obtain the amendment texts and begin impact assessment BIS notification dated 5 August 2026 Regulatory, legal and compliance teams Record the official reference and scope Gazette publication 12 August 2026 All relevant stakeholders Treat the notice as officially published and plan within the transition window Last date on which the standards without the listed amendments may remain in force 2 February 2027 Users of the unamended standards Complete the applicable technical and documentary transition before the old position ceases to remain in force The Gazette does not call 2 February 2027 a general licence-renewal or certification deadline. It is the date until which each standard without the specified amendment may remain in force. The effect on an individual licence, pending application, product test report or production batch must be confirmed under the applicable BIS implementation directions. Information Not Expressly Specified The short Gazette notification does not provide the substantive contents of the three amendments. It also does not expressly specify: The clauses, tables, annexures or test methods changed by each amendment Revised technical values, tolerances, performance criteria or sampling plans Product-marking, packaging or labelling changes A separate date on which each new technical clause becomes compulsory, apart from the establishment and concurrent-validity dates stated Procedures for existing BIS licence holders or pending applicants Retesting, factory inspection, surveillance or audit requirements Forms, declarations, reports or records to be submitted Fees, deposits or other financial amounts Exemptions or special treatment for MSMEs, startups, importers or foreign manufacturers Penalties or enforcement consequences Treatment of stock manufactured, imported, contracted or tested before the transition ends These omissions do not mean that no connected requirements exist. They mean those requirements cannot be derived from this notification and must be checked in the actual amendments, applicable certification scheme, Quality Control Order, product manual and implementation guidelines. Separate Documents Businesses Must Consult Implementation requires more than the two-page Gazette notice. Document Status in the Supplied Source Why It Is Needed Amendment No. 1, August 2026, to IS 4990:2024 Identified but not reproduced Reveals the clause-level technical change for shuttering plywood Amendment No. 1, August 2026, to IS 9167:2025 Identified but not reproduced Reveals the revised requirements for hearing protectors Amendment No. 4, August 2026, to IS 13983:1994 Identified but not reproduced Reveals the revised requirements for domestic stainless steel sinks Current product manual and scheme of inspection and testing, where applicable Not identified in the Gazette May govern testing, marking and licence controls Product-specific BIS implementation guidelines Not identified in the Gazette May explain transition treatment for licensees and applicants Current Quality Control Order or other mandatory instrument, where applicable Not identified in the Gazette Determines whether compliance or certification is legally compulsory for a given product and entity Only current official versions should be used. Internal specifications and supplier contracts may then be checked against the verified legal and technical position. Impact on Businesses The immediate effect is a need for targeted review rather than an assumption that every process has changed. The level of work will depend on the actual amendment and the stakeholder's role. Manufacturers and Existing Licence Holders Manufacturers using any of the three standards should identify affected products and obtain the amendment text. Existing licence holders may need to compare their product design, raw materials, manufacturing controls, test facilities, marking, declarations and records with the amended clauses. Any licence-specific action should follow official BIS directions rather than a generic process. Applicants and Product-Development Teams Pending applicants and businesses developing products against these standards should confirm which version BIS will accept at each stage. Technical files, drawings, bills of material, inspection plans, and laboratory instructions may need revision if the amendment changes a relevant clause. Laboratories and Quality Teams Do not change a testing method just because a new amendment has been issued. First check the actual changes in the standard. There may be changes to equipment, samples, test conditions, calculations, acceptance limits, or test reports. Keep a clear record of which version was followed. Importers, Buyers and Supply Chain Partners There is no direct requirement for importers, distributors, or buyers in this notification. However, they should check the standard version mentioned in product documents, certificates, test reports and purchase orders. For orders that will continue after the transition period, the technical details may need to be reviewed and updated. Stakeholder Immediate Impact Likely Operational Effect Priority Concern Manufacturer Amendment impact review Possible updates to product controls and technical evidence Obtain official amendment text Existing licence holder Check BIS transition directions Possible licence-scope or evidence update Confirm action with the relevant BIS office or official guideline Applicant Verify acceptable standard version Possible change to application or test evidence Avoid relying on an obsolete version after transition Laboratory Review technical changes Possible method, equipment or report update Do not infer tests from the notice alone Buyer or importer Review specifications and supplier evidence Contract and procurement updates may be needed Align orders scheduled after 2 February 2027 Risks and Practical Considerations No fine, prosecution, cancellation, recall or seizure is stated in this notification. It would therefore be inaccurate to assign a statutory penalty to the notice itself. The risks mainly arise when businesses fail to address the changes within the required period. These may include reliance on an outdated technical reference, incomplete test records, differences in supplier specifications, delayed updates or product documents that do not match the revised standard. Where a separate mandatory certification requirement applies, failure to follow the revised requirements may also affect the certification process. The exact impact will depend on the applicable certification scheme, and should be confirmed from the relevant BIS requirements. Businesses should also avoid assuming that the same action applies to all three products. Each amendment may address different technical subjects. What Businesses Should Do Next Confirm product coverage. Map products and models against the exact titles and numbers of IS 4990:2024, IS 9167:2025 and IS 13983:1994. Obtain the official amendments. Secure the three August 2026 amendment texts from BIS. Do not rely on the Gazette schedule as a substitute for their technical content. Compare affected clauses. Create a controlled comparison of the current requirement, amended requirement, evidence of conformity and responsible department. Check certification status separately. Determine whether a current Quality Control Order, BIS certification scheme, product manual or licence condition applies to the specific product and business. Review implementation directions. Look for product-specific BIS guidelines covering existing licences, applications, testing, endorsements, surveillance or scope changes. Update internal and commercial documents. Where the amendment requires it, revise specifications, drawings, inspection plans, test instructions, supplier requirements, purchase orders, labels and records. Plan ahead of 2 February 2027. Use the transition period to review the changes and complete any required updates before the older standards are withdrawn. Keep clear records of the standard and amendment version followed. Seek clarification when needed. If any technical or licensing requirement is unclear, check with BIS or a qualified professional. Do not make compliance decisions based on assumptions. How Corpseed Can Help? Corpseed can support manufacturers, applicants, importers and other affected businesses in converting the notification into a product-specific action plan. A BIS certification consultant can help distinguish the amendment notice from separate mandatory certification requirements and identify the official documents that control implementation. Relevant support may include: Product and standard applicability assessment Retrieval and review of applicable BIS amendments and official directions Clause-level compliance gap assessment Review of current Quality Control Orders and certification status BIS application and licence-support documentation, where required Technical-file, test-report and product-manual review Coordination support for recognised laboratory testing, where applicable Transition planning for existing licences and pending applications Corpseed's role is to organise the applicable requirements, documentation and stakeholder actions. Certification, approval and timelines remain subject to the governing rules, technical conformity and decisions of the competent authority. Businesses dealing with shuttering plywood, hearing protectors or domestic stainless steel sinks may contact Corpseed for document-specific BIS certification services and technical compliance consulting before the 2 February 2027 transition date. Key Takeaways The BIS 2026 notification updates three Indian Standards and gives businesses time to move from the older versions to the amended ones. However, the notification does not explain the changes in detail. Businesses should read the official amendment documents, and check any product-specific requirements before making changes to their testing, product specifications, or certification processes. Amendment No. 1 applies to IS 4990:2024 for plywood used in concrete shuttering works. Amendment No. 1 applies to IS 9167:2025 for hearing protectors. Amendment No. 4 applies to IS 13983:1994 for domestic stainless steel sinks. All three amendments were established on 3 August 2026. The standards without the listed amendments may remain in force until 2 February 2027. The notice does not state technical changes, fees, procedures, exemptions or penalties. Product-specific certification and implementation duties must be verified separately.

Subject

Summary: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India ( FSSAI ) has published a draft amendment to its rules on safe food and balanced diets for children in school. The FSSAI Draft Amendment 2026 proposes exact limits for deciding when a solid or liquid food is high in added fat, added sugar or salt. The draft was notified on 7 August 2026 and published in the Gazette of India on 10 August 2026. It is not a final amendment yet. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions before it decides on the final wording. This means businesses should study the proposal and prepare, but they should not describe the proposed limits as a new law already in force. The proposal is short, but it may affect manufacturers, schools, canteens, caterers, distributors and sellers. Clear limits could make it easier to decide which products fall under the existing school food controls. Notification at a Glance Particular Verified details Issuing authority Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Document type Draft amendment regulations Proposed title Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Amendment Regulations, 2026 File number SS-T0SP08(NOTI)/1/2026-Standard-FSSAI Notification date 7 August 2026 Gazette publication date 10 August 2026 Gazette details Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4, No. 490 Governing law Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Existing regulations Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020 Proposed change Insertion of Regulation 7 after Regulation 6 Main subject Limits for food high in added fat, added sugar or salt Present legal status Draft; not final Consultation period 60 days from the date Gazette copies are made available to the public Effective date Not applicable at the draft stage; not expressly specified for a final amendment The most important point is the document’s draft status. It creates a proposal and a public comment process. A final legal duty will depend on the text that FSSAI later notifies, if the proposal is finalised. The Regulatory Framework Role of FSSAI FSSAI is India’s main food regulator. It makes food standards and supervises food safety under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The draft states that FSSAI is acting with the previous approval of the Central Government. The legal power mentioned in the notification comes from Section 92 of the Act. Section 92(1) deals with the publication of draft regulations before final rules are made. Clause (v) of Section 92(2) supports regulations concerning conditions and guidelines relating to food business activities covered by the Act. FSSAI must first show the proposal to the public. Affected people and businesses can comment before FSSAI decides the final text. The 2020 School Food Regulations The proposal would amend the Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Balanced Diets for Children in School) Regulations, 2020. Those regulations create duties for school authorities and food business operators connected with school meals. The framework covers many types of schools and meals supplied through canteens, messes, hostel kitchens, vending machines and mid-day meal kitchens. It deals with licensing or registration, hygiene, menus, marketing, sale and monitoring. Why does New Regulation 7 Matter? The 2020 regulations refer to foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar or sodium. They restrict the sale or offer of such food on school premises or campuses. They also address advertising, marketing and sale to school children within 50 metres of the school gate in any direction. The 2020 text does not give these numerical tests. Proposed Regulation 7 would act as a measuring rule. It would not replace the wider framework. Scope and Applicability Businesses and Institutions That May Be Affected The draft does not create a separate list of covered businesses. Its reach comes from the 2020 regulations that it proposes to amend. The following groups may be affected if the amendment is finalised: School authorities that sell or provide meals themselves.  Canteen, mess and hostel kitchen operators working inside school campuses.  Caterers and food business operators supplying prepared school meals.  Manufacturers whose packaged foods or drinks are sold, supplied, promoted or advertised in school settings.  Distributors and vendors supplying products to schools.  Sellers operating in places covered by the 2020 school food rules.  Nutrition, quality, legal and compliance teams that review products for school channels.  State food authorities and other notified public authorities involved in monitoring.  Products That May Be Affected The proposal uses the broad term “food products.” It provides separate tests for solid and liquid products. It does not list brands or product categories. A product would need to be checked through its recipe, reliable nutrition data and, where needed, suitable testing. The 2020 schedule gives examples of foods for school menus, but it says the lists are illustrative. Products should not be classified only by their everyday name. Two biscuits, drinks or snacks can have different recipes. One may cross a limit while another may not. Questions the Draft Does Not Fully Answer The draft does not explain how to handle semi-solid foods, powders, concentrates or multi-part packs. It also gives no testing method, rounding rule, tolerance or method for separating added nutrients from naturally present nutrients. Businesses may raise these questions during consultation. What Has Changed Under the FSSAI Draft Amendment 2026? The proposal contains one main legal change. It would insert Regulation 7 after Regulation 6 of the 2020 regulations. Regulation 7 would define when certain foods are considered high in added fat, added sugar, or salt. Proposed High Added Fat Limit A solid food would be considered high in added fat when it contains more than 4.2 grams of added fat per 100 grams. A liquid food would be considered high in added fat when it contains more than 1.5 grams of added fat per 100 millilitres. “More than” matters. A solid product at exactly 4.2 g would not cross the limit under the plain wording; a value above it would. The same logic applies to every proposed limit. Proposed High Added Sugar Limit A solid food would be considered high in added sugar when it contains more than 3 grams of added sugar per 100 grams. A liquid food would be considered high in added sugar when it contains more than 2 grams of added sugar per 100 millilitres. Added sugar is not always the same as total sugar. Sugar may occur naturally in fruit or milk, while another amount is added during production. The notification does not say how to separate the two. Proposed High Salt Limit A solid food would be considered high in salt when it contains more than 0.625 grams of salt per 100 grams. A liquid food would be considered high in salt when it contains more than 0.175 grams of salt per 100 millilitres. Salt and sodium are related, but they are not the same measurement. The draft gives no conversion formula. Complete Proposed Threshold Table Nutrient Solid food is “high” when it contains Liquid food is “high” when it contains Added fat More than 4.2 g per 100 g More than 1.5 g per 100 ml Added sugar More than 3 g per 100 g More than 2 g per 100 ml Salt More than 0.625 g per 100 g More than 0.175 g per 100 ml These are product concentration limits, not daily intake or per-pack limits. Values must be expressed per 100 g or 100 ml. Important Difference Between “Added Fat” and “Total Fat” Total fat can include natural fat and fat added during production. A manufacturer may know the added amount from its recipe, but a buyer may see only total fat on the label. The final rule should state which records or tests can prove added fat. Important Difference Between “Salt” and “Sodium” The opening sentence of the proposed Regulation 7 refers to food products high in “added fat or added sugar or sodium.” The detailed tests below it uses the headings high fat, high sugar and high salt. The existing 2020 regulations also refer to saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar and sodium. This poses a question of interpretation. Salt and sodium are different, while fat refers to more than saturated or trans-fat. The FSSAI needs to be explicit about the relation between the proposed limits and the wording used. Implementation Schedule and Standards Current Status of the Procedure The amendment is in draft form. The FSSAI issued it to allow stakeholders to examine and comment on it. Neither 7 August 2026 nor 10 August 2026 is the effective date of the proposed limits. The 60-Day Consultation Period The notification allows 60 days from the date Gazette copies are made available to the public, but it does not state that date. Businesses should confirm the deadline. Comments may be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi–110002, or regulation@fssai.gov.in. What Happens After Consultation? FSSAI will consider timely comments and may keep or revise the text. The draft gives no final-notification date, effective date, or transition period. Event Verified date or position Business action Draft notification 7 August 2026 Begin legal and product review Gazette publication 10 August 2026 Obtain and preserve the official text Public consultation 60 days from public availability of Gazette copies Confirm the deadline and submit evidence-based comments if needed Final notification Not expressly specified Monitor official FSSAI and Gazette sources Effective date Not expressly specified Do not assume; check the final text Why Was This Proposed? Giving the Existing Rules a Measurable Test The clearest practical reason is the need for a number-based test. A rule that says “high in sugar” can be difficult to apply if different people use different ideas of “high.” A fixed value gives manufacturers, schools, sellers and inspectors a common starting point. This does not remove every doubt, but it can reduce basic disagreement. A product above a clearly written limit can be identified more easily than a product judged only through a broad description. Alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 The draft expressly links its proposed limits to the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition guidelines encourage people to minimise foods high in fat, sugar and salt, and ultra-processed foods. The food system for school considers children, who acquire food behaviours when young. The proposal seems aimed at transforming food guidelines into measurable standards in this environment. It is a logical deduction from the documents but not an additional reason stated explicitly in the brief document. Supporting Safer and More Balanced School Food The 2020 regulations aim to improve the food environment in and around schools. They promote safe meals, balanced diets, clean food handling, suitable menus and regular monitoring. They also restrict certain marketing and sales practices for foods covered by the nutrient description. The proposed limits may help school authorities select products and review vendors. They may also help food businesses design products for school supply. Clearer classification can support more consistent decisions, provided FSSAI resolves the technical wording issues. Impact on Businesses 1. Food Manufacturers Manufacturers may need to map products sold through school channels and review recipes, added ingredients and nutrition data. Products above a final limit may lose access to some school channels. The draft does not order a recall, packaging change or nationwide ban. 2. School Canteens, Caterers and Meal Providers School food operators may need product specifications or recipe declarations because total values may not prove added nutrients. Canteens may also review menus and update approved product lists when recipes or suppliers change. 3. Distributors and Sellers Distributors may need to separate products and share current specifications with schools. A distributor making a product claim should keep reliable support for it. 4. MSMEs and Startups Small businesses may face higher relative costs for recipe review, nutrition analysis and reformulation. Yet a startup that creates suitable products may find buyers if it can meet quality, price and supply needs. 5. Schools and School Authorities Schools may gain clearer vendor criteria but face more checking and record-keeping work. The proposal does not remove the wider duties on safe handling, suitable licensing, balanced menus and monitoring. What Businesses Should Do Before Finalisation? Because the amendment is a draft, the right approach is preparation, not a claim of completed legal compliance. Step 1: Check Applicability Identify whether products are sold, supplied, promoted, or advertised through school-related channels covered by the 2020 framework. Record the schools, caterers, distributors, and vendors involved. Step 2: Create a Product List List the solid and liquid products, recipe version, supplier, nutrition values, and last testing date. Step 3: Review Added Nutrients Check added fat, added sugar, and salt in every recipe. Record any differences between recipe and label measures. Step 4: Compare Values with the Draft Limits Express values per 100 g or 100 ml. Mark products above, equal to, and below each limit. Review borderline products carefully. Step 5: Check the Evidence Record whether each value comes from a recipe, supplier declaration, calculation or test. Match the evidence to the correct product version. Step 6: Assess Reformulation Study whether a product can be reformulated without harming safety, quality or shelf life. Involve food technology and quality teams. Step 7: Review Contracts and Product Claims Check school-channel contracts. Do not claim compliance with a draft standard without a sound basis. Step 8: Submit Comments Where Needed Comments to FSSAI should identify the clause, explain the problem, provide evidence, and suggest workable wording. Issues may include nutrient terms, tests, tolerance, and semi-solid foods. Step 9: Monitor the Final Notification Assign a team member to watch official updates and compare the final amendment with the draft. Benefits for Businesses Clearer Product Decisions:  Numerical limits can reduce uncertainty. Businesses can use one reference point when screening products for school supply. This may improve communication between manufacturers, distributors, schools and regulators. Better Product Development:  The proposal can guide food businesses that want to create products for children. Research and development teams can consider the limits at the recipe stage instead of discovering a problem after launch. Stronger Procurement Records:  Schools and caterers can ask vendors for data linked to fixed criteria. This can make product selection more consistent and easier to review during an inspection. Consumer Trust: Parents often want clear information about food offered to children. Businesses that maintain sound evidence and communicate honestly may build stronger trust. This is a possible commercial benefit, not a guaranteed result. Early Preparation:  Businesses that study the draft now will have more time to identify data gaps and technical problems. Early review can reduce rushed decisions after a final notification. Challenges and Cost Implications Testing and Data Costs Businesses may need better recipe calculations, supplier information or laboratory support. The exact cost is not stated in the draft and will differ by product and business. Reformulation Work Reducing fat, sugar or salt can change taste, texture, preservation and customer acceptance. A new recipe may require trials, stability checks and updated production controls. Unclear Technical Terms The salt-sodium and added-fat issues can lead to different results. Semi-solid foods and products prepared with water may also be treated differently by different parties unless FSSAI gives clear rules. Burden on Small Businesses MSMEs may not have in-house nutrition or regulatory teams. They may depend on outside experts and laboratories. A clear transition period in the final amendment could help such businesses prepare. Is This a Right Decision or an Additional Burden? Arguments Supporting the Proposal The proposal supports a valid public-interest goal: making the school food environment easier to manage. Clear numbers can help identify products consistently. They can also encourage food businesses to improve recipes and give schools a better tool for procurement. Children are the main group protected by the 2020 regulations. A simple classification system can make the rules easier for school staff and parents to understand. The link with the Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 also gives the proposal a current nutrition-policy basis. Additional Burden on Businesses The weight is genuine. Businesses can require product mapping, formula checking, nutritional assessment, record-keeping, and reformulation of their products. Small businesses can suffer relatively higher costs due to their smaller size. There are still some outstanding issues that the draft fails to address. The business must not be subjected to any enforcement dilemma where one document calls for sodium and the other for salt. There must be no confusion between added fat and saturated fat without legal clarification. Is the Timeline Practical? The draft gives a 60-day consultation period but no implementation timeline for a final amendment. It is therefore too early to decide whether the compliance timeline is practical. A final rule should clearly state its commencement date and allow reasonable preparation where product changes are required. Balanced Assessment The policy approach makes sense insofar as there could be tangible boundaries that will help ensure school foods are safer and more uniform decisions are made. But the policy cannot be finalised until it has better definitions and a framework for measuring that aligns with the terminology of the nutrients from 2020. Ideally, what is needed is a well-defined final regulation with a reasonable transition period. This will help safeguard the interests of children and at the same time offer legitimate businesses a reasonable chance to prove themselves. Business Opportunities Created Healthier Food and Beverage Development Manufacturers can develop products with lower added fat, added sugar and salt for school and family markets. Success will still depend on safety, taste, price and reliable supply. Product Reformulation Services Food technologists and ingredient specialists may support recipe changes. Businesses may need help reducing nutrients while protecting texture, shelf life and product quality. Nutrition Testing and Data Services Demand may grow for reliable nutrition analysis, recipe calculations and product specification review. Laboratories and technical consultants must avoid claiming that a test proves legal compliance when the final method has not been specified. School Procurement and Menu Support Schools may need help screening suppliers, planning menus and keeping product records. Nutritionists, dietitians and food safety professionals may support this work within the legal framework. Compliance Technology Digital tools can help manufacturers and institutional buyers track recipes, test reports, supplier declarations and product approvals. Such systems are useful only when the underlying data is correct. Regulatory Advisory Services Businesses may seek support to understand applicability, prepare consultation comments and build a readiness plan. Advice should be based on the exact business model and product, not a generic checklist. Risks to Avoid Do not call the draft a final or implemented regulation.  Do not assume that 10 August 2026 is the effective date.  Do not treat added sugar as total sugar without a legal and technical basis.  Do not treat salt and sodium as the same number.  Do not assume every packaged food is automatically banned in schools.  Do not use a product name as proof of its nutrient content.  Do not rely on an old test report after a recipe or supplier change.  Do not promise that a product complies before checking the final notification.  Do not ignore the wider duties contained in the 2020 school food regulations.  How can Corpseed help? Corpseed can support food businesses, schools and institutional suppliers that need to understand the draft and prepare for possible changes. Its FSSAI compliance services should be matched to the client’s actual product, role and regulatory need. Regulatory Applicability Assessment- Corpseed can review the business model, product category and school-related sales channel to identify which parts of the framework may apply. Product Compliance Gap Review- The team can help organise product data, compare available values with the proposed thresholds and record points that need technical confirmation. Testing and Technical Coordination- Where suitable, Corpseed can assist with coordination between the business and qualified food-testing or technical service providers. Testing scope must be selected carefully because the draft does not specify every method. FSSAI Registration and Licence Support- Food business operators that require registration or licensing under the wider FSSAI framework can receive application and documentation support. The correct requirement depends on the business activity and eligibility conditions. Labelling and Documentation Review- Corpseed can support a structured review of product labels, specifications, supplier records and compliance documents. It cannot replace missing scientific evidence with a declaration. Consultation Response Support- Businesses with technical or legal concerns can receive help preparing clear objections or suggestions for FSSAI. The submission should be evidence-based and filed within the verified consultation period. Ongoing Regulatory Monitoring- Corpseed can help businesses track the final notification and update the compliance plan when the legal position changes. Corpseed’s Core Message Understand Before Acting The FSSAI Draft Amendment 2026 is a proposal, but it deserves early attention. Businesses should first understand whether their products and school channels are connected with the 2020 regulations. Prepare Reliable Product Data Good decisions need good records. Manufacturers and suppliers should know what is added to each product, how the nutrition value was calculated, and which product version the data supports. Use the Consultation Period Well If the draft wording creates a genuine problem, businesses should explain it to FSSAI with facts. Waiting until the final regulation may remove the chance to improve unclear wording. Seek Product-Specific Support Generic advice cannot answer every question about a recipe, label or supply chain. A product-specific assessment can help businesses focus on the issues that matter. Food manufacturers, school suppliers, caterers and institutional vendors can contact Corpseed for an applicability review and practical FSSAI regulatory compliance plan. Professional support should improve decision-making, but it cannot guarantee government approval or a particular regulatory outcome. Key Takeaways FSSAI has proposed a new Regulation 7 under the 2020 school food regulations.  The proposal is a draft and is not yet a final enforceable amendment.  It introduces separate limits for solid and liquid foods.  The limits cover added fat, added sugar and salt in the detailed text.  The draft invites objections and suggestions during a 60-day consultation period.  Businesses should confirm the actual submission deadline instead of assuming it.  Manufacturers and school suppliers should review product recipes and nutrition evidence.  FSSAI should clarify the differences between salt and sodium and between added fat and the fat terms used in the existing regulations.  Early review can help businesses prepare comments, identify data gaps and plan possible reformulation. FSSAI Draft Amendment 2026 for School Food: Proposed Fat, Sugar and Salt Limits Explained