India’s packaged water industry is set for a major regulatory shift. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced a mandatory testing scheme for packaged drinking water and mineral water. The move comes after the removal of compulsory BIS certification.

The new framework aims to protect consumers and ensure consistent quality. It will come into force from 1st January 2026 and apply to all licensed manufacturers across the country.

Why FSSAI Introduced the New Testing Scheme

In October 2024, FSSAI removed the requirement for mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for packaged drinking water and mineral water. While this eased procedural requirements, it also raised concerns about quality oversight.

To address these concerns, FSSAI has introduced a structured testing and compliance system. The scheme focuses on strict in-house controls, third-party laboratory testing, and enhanced hygiene standards.

The scheme applies to packaged drinking water under Food Safety and Standards Regulation (FSSR) 2.10.8 and mineral water under FSSR 2.10.7. Every licensed manufacturer must follow the new rules across their full production process.

Key Rules for Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers

Manufacturers must now maintain detailed test records to show compliance with FSSAI standards. These records must be complete, updated, and readily available for inspection. 

• All packaging materials must meet the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. This includes plastic bottles, jars, pouches, glass bottles, cartons, and aluminium cans.
• Testing will be mandatory at defined levels. Entire production must comply with Schedule IV of the FSS licensing regulations. If minerals are added, batch-wise records are compulsory.
• Microbiological safety is a major focus. Any non-compliance will trigger re-testing. Production can restart only after five consecutive compliant batches. Records of such incidents must be kept for at least five years.
• Source water must be tested at FSSAI-notified NABL-accredited laboratories. Any change in source requires full re-testing. If radioactive residues are detected, the source must be abandoned immediately and products recalled.
• Treatment processes must follow FSSR 2.10.8. Only food or pharma-grade ingredients can be used for remineralisation. Disinfection methods must be declared and documented.
• Reusable containers of five litres and above are allowed only if they are durable and cleanable. Damaged or deformed containers are strictly prohibited.

Additional Safeguards for Mineral Water

Mineral water producers must meet all packaged drinking water requirements, with added controls. The natural mineral composition cannot be altered. Only permitted treatments are allowed.

Any radioactive contamination requires immediate recall and formal intimation to the Food Authority. Separate monitoring of glass bottle processing lines may be carried out during inspections.

Batch-level rejection and disposal records are mandatory and closely scrutinized.

Why This Matters for Consumers and Industry

The new testing scheme brings uniformity across the packaged water sector. It strengthens hygiene, traceability, and safety controls. Most importantly, it reduces public health risks linked to contamination or poor processing.

With BIS certification no longer mandatory, compliance responsibility now rests firmly with manufacturers.

Conclusion

FSSAI’s testing scheme reshapes packaged water regulation in India. From January 2026, strict testing, hygiene, and accountability will define compliance, making early preparation essential for manufacturers and safer water a priority for consumers.