BIS Certification for Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Food and Beverages
27. July 2026Cookware, utensils, and cans for food and beverages, such as stainless steel cookware, aluminium utensils, domestic sinks, and food or beverage cans, are subject to stringent quality and hygiene regulations in India. Conformance with the relevant Indian Standards (IS) ensures compliance with national technical benchmarks regarding material purity, food-contact safety, construction stability, and controlled manufacturing under the BIS ISI Scheme.
Overview Table
| Indian Standard (IS) | Product Category / Application | Certification Type | Factory Audit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 14756:2022 | Stainless Steel Cookware | BIS ISI Scheme I | Yes |
| IS 1660:2009 | Wrought Aluminium Utensils | BIS ISI Scheme I | Yes |
| IS 13983:1994 | Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes | BIS ISI Scheme I | Yes |
| IS 9396 (Part 1):1987 | Round Open Top Sanitary Cans for Foods and Drinks – Tinplate | BIS ISI Scheme I | Yes |
| IS 14407:1996 | Aluminium Cans for Beverages | BIS ISI Scheme I | Yes |
Technical Deep Dives (IS-by-IS)
BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Cookware according to IS 14756:2022 (Food Contact and Houseware)
IS 14756:2022 governs stainless steel cookware utilized in domestic and commercial food preparation. Key test parameters evaluated include stainless steel corrosion resistance, bottom heat distribution efficiency, thermal shock resistance, and heavy metal migration limits.
Covered Products:
- Stainless steel cooking pots and pans
- Food-contact cookware products
BIS Certification for Wrought Aluminium Utensils according to IS 1660:2009 (Kitchen and Household Ware)
IS 1660:2009 specifies technical requirements for cooking and eating utensils made from wrought aluminium alloys. Evaluations focus on material composition, wall thickness consistency, surface finish quality, and the prevention of harmful impurities.
Covered Products:
- Wrought aluminium cooking utensils
- Kitchen and household tableware made of wrought alloys
BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Sinks for Domestic Purposes according to IS 13983:1994 (Sanitary and Kitchen Equipment)
IS 13983:1994 applies to stainless steel sinks used in domestic kitchen environments. Evaluations focus on bowl and material thickness, resistance to household chemicals, sound damping properties, and dimensional accuracy of draining boards.
Covered Products:
- Stainless steel sinks for domestic purposes
- Kitchen sinks with and without drainboards
BIS Certification for Round Open Top Sanitary Cans for Foods and Drinks (Tinplate) according to IS 9396 (Part 1):1987 (Food Packaging)
IS 9396 (Part 1):1987 covers round open top tinplate sanitary cans intended for packaging foods and drinks. Evaluations cover internal protective coating integrity, double seam tightness, as well as pressure and corrosion resistance.
Covered Products:
- Round open top sanitary cans for foods
- Tinplate cans for beverage packaging
BIS Certification for Aluminium Cans for Beverages according to IS 14407:1996 (Drink Packaging)
IS 14407:1996 governs aluminium cans utilized in the beverage industry. Essential testing criteria include body wall thickness, internal burst pressure resistance (carbonation stability), drop test performance, and opening mechanism integrity.
Covered Products:
- Aluminium cans for beverages
- Aluminium can bodies and ends
How does the BIS certification process work?
The BIS certification process under the BIS ISI Scheme I follows a structured multi-stage procedure:
- Preparation: Analysis of product specifications, material compositions (such as stainless steel or aluminium grades), and manufacturing processes in accordance with the applicable Indian Standard.
- AIR Appointment: Official appointment of an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to manage official communications with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Application Submission: Submission of application dossiers and technical documentation through the online BIS portal.
- Product Testing: Execution of sample testing (including food-contact migration tests and pressure tests) in a BIS-accredited testing laboratory located in India.
- Factory Audit: On-site inspection of the manufacturing facility by an official BIS officer to verify internal quality control systems.
- Grant of Licence: Issuance of the BIS licence following successful audit completion and passing test reports.
- Marking: Application of the mandatory ISI Mark on certified products prior to export to India.
FAQ on BIS certification for cookware, utensils and cans in India
Is BIS certification mandatory for cookware and beverage cans exported to India?
Yes, BIS certification is mandatory for numerous cookware products, sinks, and packaging cans once they fall under official Quality Control Orders (QCOs) issued by the Government of India. Manufacturers must secure a valid BIS licence prior to market entry.
Which Indian Standards govern stainless steel cookware and aluminium beverage cans?
Stainless steel cookware is governed by IS 14756:2022, whereas aluminium cans for beverages are tested according to IS 14407:1996. The exact standard depends strictly on the specific material and product category.
What main testing parameters are focused on during the certification of food-contact products?
Core testing parameters include chemical material analysis, migration resistance (food safety), pressure and leak tightness tests for cans, as well as corrosion and heat resistance. These criteria guarantee consumer safety and product integrity.
How long does the BIS certification process take for kitchen and packaging products?
The certification timeline typically ranges from 4 to 6 months, depending on product diversity, laboratory testing duration, and factory audit scheduling. Early preparation of technical documentation streamlines the entire procedure.
Is an on-site factory audit by an Indian inspector mandatory?
Yes, the BIS ISI Scheme mandates an on-site factory audit by an official BIS inspector. Manufacturing and quality assurance processes are evaluated directly at the plant.
MPR International GmbH – BIS certification service for cookware, utensils and cans
MPR International GmbH supports manufacturers and exporters comprehensively with BIS certification for cookware, utensils, and cans for food and beverages in India. The scope of support includes regulatory classification, assessment of the applicability of relevant Indian Standards (such as IS 14756, IS 1660, IS 13983, IS 9396, or IS 14407), coordination of product testing, review of technical documentation, preparation for the factory audit, and end-to-end guidance throughout the ISI certification process.
For companies supplying stainless steel cookware, aluminium utensils, domestic sinks, tinplate sanitary cans, or aluminium beverage cans on the Indian market, MPR International provides structured support from scope clarification to successful market access.
