BIS Amendment Order, 2024 for Potable Water Bottles

Introduction to the BIS Order for Potable Water Bottles

The Ministry concerned had earlier issued the Potable Water Bottles (Quality Control) Order, 2024, in order to ensure that potable water bottles sold in India meet required quality as well as safety standards.

Under the original Quality Control Order:

• Potable water bottles were required to comply with the applicable Indian Standard.
• Products had to carry the ISI Mark under a valid BIS license.
• The objective was to protect consumer health as well as to ensure safe packaging of drinking water.
• Non-compliance attracted penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Now, through the Potable Water Bottles (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024, the Government has introduced a relaxation related to existing stock manufactured or imported before the QCO comes into force.

Key changes you should know

1. The amendment provides relief for the old or existing stock of potable water bottles.
2. The relaxation mainly applies to:
   1. Goods manufactured or imported before the date of commencement of the QCO
3. This benefit is available only to:
   1. Manufacturers already certified by BIS, or
   2. Manufacturers who have applied for BIS certification, or
   3. Importers of the relevant goods
4. Such existing stock can continue to be sold, displayed, or being offered for sale for a limited period.
5. A formal declaration that has been certified by a Chartered Accountant must be submitted to BIS to avail this benefit.

What is the date of implementation?

• The amendment takes effect from the commencement date of the Potable Water Bottles (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024.
• Existing stock will be allowed to be sold for up to six months from this commencement date.

This means businesses get a six-month window to clear declared old stock legally.

Now, what to do?

Manufacturers as well as importers who are dealing with potable water bottles should act carefully in order to ensure that they remain compliant while availing this relaxation.

Key action steps include:

1. Identifying stock that is manufactured or imported before the QCO start date.
2. Ensuring that the BIS certification is already obtained, or the application has been filed.
3. Preparing a stock declaration certified by a Chartered Accountant.
4. Submit the declaration to BIS within the prescribed time.
5. Planning transition to fully BIS-certified products after the six-month period.

For complete support, ranging from covering QCO applicability, BIS certification, preparation of declarations, coordination with Chartered Accountants, and compliance planning, Brand Liaison assists businesses in managing this transition smoothly and avoiding compliance risks under the Potable Water Bottles QCO.