Quick Answer
Every plant bottling and selling packaged water requires a Central FSSAI License and BIS IS:14543 certification. This is non-negotiable regardless of plant size. Operating a packaged water plant without these is a criminal offence.
Who Needs FSSAI License for Packaged Drinking Water Plant?
- Packaged water bottling plants
- 20-litre jar water suppliers
- Branded water bottle manufacturers
- Water refilling stations with commercial output
💡 The 14-digit FSSAI License number must be displayed at your premises and printed on all packaging, bills, and menus.
Which License Type Do You Need?
| Annual Turnover | License Type | Issued By |
|---|
| Below ₹12 Lakh | Basic FSSAI Registration | State Food Authority |
| ₹12 Lakh – ₹20 Crore | State FSSAI License | State Food Authority |
| Above ₹20 Crore | Central FSSAI License | FSSAI Central Office |
⚠️ If your business operates across multiple states, a Central FSSAI License is required regardless of turnover.
Documents Required
- PAN & Company registration
- Factory premises ownership/lease
- BIS IS:14543 certification (mandatory)
- Water source test reports
- Purification and treatment plant details
- HACCP-based FSMS documentation
- Pollution Control Board NOC
- Full infrastructure layout plan
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine License Type — Based on annual turnover decide Basic, State, or Central License.
- Register on FoSCoS Portal — Visit foscos.fssai.gov.in and create an applicant account.
- Fill Application Form — Complete Form A (Basic) or Form B (State/Central) with your details.
- Upload Documents — Attach all required documents in prescribed formats.
- Pay Government Fee — Pay online via UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card.
- Await Inspection — An FSSAI officer may inspect your premises within 30 days.
- Receive License — Download your FSSAI License certificate from the FoSCoS portal.
Full Document Checklist
Below is the complete list of documents. Gather all of these before starting your application to avoid delays:
- Aadhaar / PAN card of proprietor or director
- Proof of manufacturing plant address (rent agreement or ownership deed)
- Passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Factory License or MSME Udyam registration
- BIS licence (IS 14543 for packaged drinking water — MANDATORY, cannot operate without this)
- Water source certificate and water quality test report from NABL lab (monthly tests required)
- RO/UV/mineral treatment process description and equipment list
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan including HACCP
- Pollution NOC from State Pollution Control Board
- IS 14543 product test report from BIS-recognised lab
The #1 Mistake Packaged Water Plant Applicants Make
BIS Certification (IS 14543) must be obtained BEFORE applying for FSSAI Central License. The FSSAI Central License application for packaged drinking water requires you to submit your BIS licence number. If you apply for FSSAI first, your application will be rejected or kept pending until BIS certification is complete — wasting 3–6 months. The correct sequence is: BIS licence first → then FSSAI Central License.
BIS certification for packaged drinking water (IS 14543) typically takes 3–6 months and involves plant inspection and water quality testing by BIS-authorised labs. BIS annual licence fees start at ₹1,000/year depending on production capacity.
Water Testing Requirements
FSSAI requires water quality test reports from a NABL-accredited laboratory at the time of application and periodically thereafter. The test must cover: pH, turbidity, TDS, hardness, coliform bacteria, E.coli, heavy metals, and chemical contaminants as per IS 14543 standards. Ordinary water filter certificates or self-test reports are not accepted.
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Fees & Timeline
| License Type | Government Fee | Processing Time |
|---|
| Basic Registration | ₹100/year | 7–10 working days |
| State License | ₹2,000–₹5,000/year | 15–30 working days |
| Central License | ₹7,500/year | 30–60 working days |
FSSAI Licenses are valid for 1 to 5 years. Renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification mandatory for packaged drinking water?
Yes. FSSAI mandates BIS IS:14543 certification for all packaged drinking water. Operating without BIS certification is a criminal offence.
What water quality parameters are checked?
Parameters include pH, TDS (below 500 mg/L), hardness, zero coliforms, heavy metals, nitrates, fluoride, and microbiological quality under IS:14543.
Can a 20-litre jar water supplier get State FSSAI License?
No. All packaged drinking water businesses including 20-litre jar suppliers require Central FSSAI License. There is no exemption for smaller operations.
How often must a packaged water plant test its water?
BIS requires daily in-house testing and quarterly third-party testing from a NABL-accredited laboratory. Continuous monitoring records must be maintained.
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