Obtaining ISI certification is essential for operating a mineral water plant in India as it ensures compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for quality and safety step-by-step guide

 

Obtaining ISI certification is essential for operating a mineral water plant in India, as it ensures compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for quality and safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to acquiring ISI certification:

1. Establish a Legal Entity:

• Register your business as a legal entity (e.g., proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, or LLP). Obtain necessary registrations such as PAN, GST, and MSME.

2. Set Up the Manufacturing Facility:

• Construct a manufacturing unit adhering to BIS guidelines, typically requiring a minimum area of 1,000 square feet with proper ventilation and air conditioning.

3. Install Required Equipment:

• Equip the facility with necessary machinery, including water purification systems, bottle washing machines, filling machines, and labeling machines, ensuring they meet BIS standards.

4. Establish an In-House Laboratory:

• Set up an in-house laboratory equipped with all necessary machinery and testing equipment to test the products before applying for ISI marking.

5. Submit the Application:

• Apply for ISI certification by submitting a formal application to the BIS, including details about your business, the plant, and the product you wish to certify.

6. Product Testing:

• Conduct rigorous testing of the water produced to ensure it meets BIS quality standards. This involves either setting up an in-house laboratory or partnering with an external lab.

7. Documentation and Factory Inspection:

• BIS officials will inspect your production facility to ensure compliance with quality guidelines. Provide comprehensive documentation, including water’s chemical properties and quality checks.

8. Certification Approval:

• Upon successful inspection and verification of compliance with BIS standards, ISI certification will be granted.

Essential Documentation:

• KYC documents of the applicant (e.g., Aadhar card).
• Certificate of Insurance.
• MSME and GST documents as proof of the manufacturing unit’s address.
• List of machinery with model numbers, make, and output capacity.
• List of testing equipment and calibration data.
• Detailed layout plan of the facility, including production and testing areas.
• Trademark certificates for all brands (if applicable).
• Test reports of raw materials used in the manufacturing unit.

Costs and Timeframe:

• The cost for obtaining ISI certification can vary depending on the size of your business and the number of tests required, typically ranging between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000. The process usually takes 3 to 6 months.

Adhering to these steps ensures that your mineral water plant complies with national standards, thereby gaining consumer trust and avoiding legal complications.