How to get ISI Number for Bottled Water ?

(All your questions pertaining to the ISI Licence for Bottled Water in India or B.I.S. are answered, the content is continuously updated)

Why do we need an ISI Number for Bottled Water ?

ISI is issued by the B.I.S. Once you get a valid ISI Number from them, you can mark your labels with the ISI Number , which enables you to officially sell your water within India. 

Without ISI, can't anybody use water ?

For usage, you don't need ISI, e.g. if you consume the treated water in your own premise for own consumption, it comes into picture when you decide to "Sell" the same.

Where do we apply for getting an ISI number ?

As mentioned above , the ISI Number is given by the B.I.S. They have a setup procedure, which can be followed from the website from this link. 

Is it easy to get an ISI License ?

It's simple, but not easy. You have to observe certain norms to get the ISI Number. Like the Location, Water Source, Neighbourhood, Layout, Quality Assessment etc. It is a step by step procedure to be followed.

Well, How much time it takes to get it ?

As per laws, you should have all the required machinery in place before getting the same. Once this is done, the ISI officials visit your factory & issue license if and until they find everything in order as per the standars (IS 14543 for Packaged Drinking Water and 13428 for Natural Mineral Water). Usually you should be getting it within 2-3 months depending upon the availability of the personnel.

Does this require any fees ?

BIS charges a "Marking" Fee, to mark your bottles with the ISI Number provided. Annually they charge Rs. 1,28,000 ( Check Latest Fees Here), to be renewed every year.

How strict are they ?

It is important to follow all the gudelines properly, ISI officers have authority to pick up any bottle from any sales counter, check it in their labs, and post a "STOP" marking, in case they find it doesn't confirm to the exact standards. This may put a temporary break on your business.

How does a plant observe the procedures ?

Every Plant has to follow a procedure, with in house Labs and supported by Technicians. There are record to be maintained every day, week, month. The BIS officers have authority to visit your factory anytime.

Can I buy water from an ISI approved plant in bulk & sell with repacked in 1 Ltr Bottles ?

Yes. This is possible. However, you can't transport the water to other location. You need to pack at the manufacturer's premise only and re-Label the same. The label will have both the names. Yours as "Marketed by" and ISI holder's as the License holder.

If I don't make Bottles, and just make 20 Ltr Jars, still I need ISI ?

You need ISI License whenever you are selling packaged water in any & every form. Be it Pouch, Bottle or 20 Ltr Jars. And the expense (Fees) is same. Cool Jar doesn't come under ISI.

Can I Pack 5 Ltr Jar, 20 Ltr Jar in the same Plant ?

Not only this, but your same plant can pack all varieties of packing in a single plant. Even all shapes (even if you have different kinds of bottle shapes & designs) of packing can be done from the same plant.