An aluminium foil product may seem as simple as it is, but getting it onto the Indian market can be more complicated than just getting the product right in terms of quality, packaging, and pricing. Before you go ahead and start production or arrange an import, you need to be absolutely clear as to whether your product is subject to a mandatory Indian quality control requirement.
One question in particular is whether BIS certification of aluminium foil is mandatory in India or whether it is possible to sell aluminium foil without an ISI mark. The answer to that is that it will depend on the applicable Indian Standard, the scope of the relevant Quality Control Order (QCO), and any amendments or exemptions that may have been issued by the Government.
For Indian manufacturers, overseas suppliers and importers, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the regulatory position prior to commencing commercial operations, as this can go a long way to avoid unnecessary delays, compliance costs and shipping issues. This blog looks at the legal framework, certification requirements, application process, the documentation required, timelines, and the support available from UMSPCS.
What Does IS 15392 Mean for Aluminium Foil Manufacturers?
IS 15392 covers aluminium and aluminium alloy bare foil for food packaging and specifies the product requirements which will help the manufacturer to ensure consistency of quality and performance.
BIS has also issued implementation guidance for the amendments to IS 15392. The guidance (dated 2 May 2022) states that the amended scope relates to bare foil of thickness between 0.011 mm and 0.100 mm. Manufacturers are advised to refer to the latest applicable standard and amendments before finalising their product specifications.
The applicable requirements may involve:
- Material makeup and product specs.
- Thickness and dimensional tolerances.
- Mechanical and physical properties.
- Sampling and testing requirements.
- Manufacturing quality controls.
- Marking and compliance with the applicable standard.
The precise test criteria must be checked against the current version of IS 15392 rather than inferred from a typical aluminium foil specification.
Basic Requirements Before Applying for BIS Certification
Prior to commencing the process of BIS certification for aluminium foil, the manufacturer should have their production and quality systems in place.
The essential requirements generally include:
- An operational manufacturing facility with an appropriate production plant.
- Defined product specifications and manufacturing controls.
- Quality control arrangements to monitor the product against IS 15392.
- Suitable test facilities or access to the required test facilities.
- Traceability of the raw materials, the production batches and the finished products.
- Technical records and documentation in support of the application.
- Compliance with applicable BIS marking and inspection requirements.
- BIS assesses manufacturing capability and product conformity as part of the licensing process.
Foreign applicants will also have to look at the requirements applicable to their overseas factory (including the requirement in some cases to appoint an Authorised Indian Representative under FMCS).
How to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Aluminium Foil
The certification process consists of technical preparation, lab testing, factory assessment, and BIS approval. The following is a description of the general Scheme I process.
Step 1: Determine the Relevant Indian Standard
Determine the relevant standard (IS 15392) for the commodity, i.e., aluminum and aluminum alloy bare foil for food packaging, so that the required specifications for the products comply with it.
Step 2: Testing and Preparation of Documents
Preparation of the product samples, technical specifications, factory details, and QC documents. Also, the testing process is to be arranged as per the BIS specifications.
Step 3: Apply to BIS
Submit the application form online along with the required documentation and test reports wherever required.
Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection
BIS staff will be looking at the manufacturing process, the machinery, the quality control systems, and the testing facilities as appropriate.
Step 5: Laboratory Testing and Report Submission
Samples are tested as per the required test programme, and the lab then submits the test report to BIS for assessment.
Step 6: Resolve Non-Conformities
Resolve any test or inspection issues by carrying out the appropriate corrective actions and supplying any further documentation as may be required.
Step 7: Pay Licence and Marking Fees
Pay the relevant BIS licence and ISI marking fees as prescribed.
Step 8: Grant of BIS ISI Licence
Following successful assessment and completion of all formalities, BIS issues the licence enabling the manufacturer to use the ISI Mark on the covered products in accordance with the terms and conditions of the licence.
Documents Required for Aluminium Foil Certification
The documentation required for BIS certification for foreign manufacturers and for Indian manufacturers will vary according to the applicant and the applicable certification process.
Commonly required records include:
- Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
- Proof of manufacturing unit address (ownership/lease deed, utility bill, etc.)
- Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
- Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
- control and industry-specific approvals)
- Product drawings/design schematics
- Installed manufacturing capacity
- List of materials used, and specification
- Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
- The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
- A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
- In-house test equipment and calibration information
- Information about the quality control personnel
- Factory organisational chart
BIS Certification Cost for Aluminium Foil
The cost of BIS certification for aluminium foil will vary depending on the product specification, the extent of laboratory testing required, the size of the factory, and the amount of documentation involved. The table below gives an indicative cost structure for planning purposes.
| Particulars | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| BIS Application Fees | ₹1,000 |
| Laboratory Testing Charges | ₹15,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Factory Inspection Charges | ₹7,000 |
| Annual Licence Fees | ₹1,000 |
| ISI Marking Fees | As per BIS norms and production |
| UMSPCS Consultancy Charges | ₹50,000 |
Estimated Timeline and Validity of BIS ISI Certification
The time taken for BIS ISI certification in India will vary depending on the extent of documentation, the laboratory testing, the factory inspection, and the BIS approval.
- Estimated certification timeline: It usually takes 30 – 40 working days (subject to the process and completion of all requirements).
- Additional time: Some cases will naturally take longer. The up to 180-day timeline for certain AIF products should be confirmed for the specific application.
- Licence validity and renewal are governed by the licence granted by BIS and the relevant regulations. Manufacturers should check their licence conditions and apply for renewal within the period prescribed to ensure they remain in compliance.
Benefits of Obtaining BIS ISI Certification
For products falling within the QCO scope, certification is a regulatory requirement rather than simply a commercial benefit. Once obtained, it can also support business operations by providing:
- Regulatory compliance
- Customer confidence
- Market access
- Quality consistency
- Supply-chain credibility
These benefits are subject to the licence being maintained and the relevant requirements being met on an ongoing basis.
How UMSPCS Helps with BIS ISI Certification for Aluminium Foil
Getting the cert involves much more than just submitting an application. You have to define the correct product scope, produce the technical records, arrange the testing, and deal with all the queries that arise.
With over 6 years of compliance experience and exposure to over 600 product compliance requirements across a wide range of industries, UMSPCS helps businesses get to grips with certification requirements via a product-specific approach.
UMSPCS provides product compliance consultancy and can assist manufacturers and importers with:
- Regulatory assessment
- Documentation support
- Testing coordination
- Application assistance
- Foreign manufacturer support
- Ongoing compliance guidance
The extent of assistance will be product-specific, location-specific (factory), and will be governed by the applicable BIS procedure.
Conclusion
According to the Aluminium Foil (Quality Control) Order (No.2 of 2020), aluminium foil used food is required to be compliant with IS15392 and be stamped with the BIS Standard Mark under a valid license (with exception to the permissible exceptions). Producers should not assume all aluminium foil is related to the same.
Before proceeding with the production of the relevant consignment, it is necessary to verify what the standard says, what terms fall under the current QCO provisions, what production requirements to comply with, and what certification rule is in place.
Having any doubts regarding BIS ISI certification of aluminium foil?
Connect with UMSPCS for hassle-free product-specific regulatory assessment, documentation assistance, and test coordination.
Read more also: Can Your Product Without Antiperspirant Claims Qualify for CDSCO
FAQs
- Is BIS ISI certification necessary for aluminium foil in India?
Aluminium foil is mentioned in the Aluminium Foil Quality Control Order, 2020, and is subject to IS15392 and the BIS Mark.
- What is the Indian Standard applicable for food packaging aluminium foil?
IS 15392 is the standard related to aluminium and aluminium alloys bare foil for food packaging. Manufacturers should ensure that they are following the latest applicable version of the standard and its amendments.
- Is it permissible for aluminium foil to enter India without a BIS certification?
Aluminium foil is included in the category of goods needing the appropriate BIS license for lawful importation into India; thus, the importers should verify the product’s classification and all the exemptions before proceeding with the consignment.
- Should foreign producers get a BIS license for aluminium foil?
Foreign manufacturers producing covered products in India must comply with relevant BIS requirements. Ultimately, the certification path will depend on the product along with the method of manufacturing.
- Is BIS certification mandatory for pharmaceutical aluminium foil?
Not automatically covered under the Aluminium Foil QCO simply because the product is aluminium foil. Pharmaceutical foil will be assessed against its specific product standard and any other applicable regulatory requirements.
- What if the aluminium foil doesn’t comply with IS 15392?
A product that fails the applicable requirements will require corrective action and further testing. Non-conformities should be resolved prior to seeking approval or supplying the regulated product.
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