BIS (IS 14543) and FSSAI on drinking water: what the marks mean in 2026
IS 14543 is the Indian Standard for packaged drinking water: it sets limits for microbes, minerals and contaminants. The FSSAI licence number shows the plant is registered with the food regulator. Since late 2024, BIS certification is no longer compulsory for packaged water, but FSSAI classes it as a high-risk food with yearly risk-based inspections.
IS 14543: the standard behind the water
IS 14543 is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specification for packaged drinking water other than natural mineral water. It covers how the water is treated and the limits it must meet — for example on bacteria, dissolved solids, pH and a long list of chemical contaminants. Natural mineral water has a separate standard, IS 13428.
When a supplier describes water as “BIS-grade”, it should mean the water is produced to meet the IS 14543 limits. It is reasonable to ask for a recent lab test report against those parameters.
What changed in 2024
In October 2024 the government removed the requirement for packaged drinking water and mineral water makers to hold compulsory BIS certification. In response, FSSAI reclassified packaged drinking water and mineral water as a “high-risk food category” in December 2024. Plants now face risk-based inspections before they are licensed and at least once every year, and centrally licensed manufacturers need annual third-party food safety audits.
| Mark / number | Who issues it | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI licence number (14 digits) | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India | The plant is licensed or registered as a food business and is subject to inspection. |
| ISI / BIS mark with IS 14543 | Bureau of Indian Standards | The plant holds a BIS licence for packaged drinking water. Many plants keep it even though it is no longer compulsory. |
| Batch number / packing date | The plant | Lets a specific batch be traced and tested. |
What to ask your water supplier
- Which plant fills your jars, and what is its FSSAI licence number?
- Can I see the most recent water test report, and which standard is it tested against?
- How are the jars cleaned between refills?
- How are jars transported and stored before delivery?
How Refillr answers those questions
Refillr sources BIS-grade water from FSSAI-approved partner plants. Each jar carries a QR code that links the fill to the plant and batch, and water test reports are attached to batches so customers can read them. Our FSSAI licence number is printed in the footer of refillr.in.
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Frequently asked questions
What is IS 14543?
IS 14543 is the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for packaged drinking water (other than natural mineral water). It sets treatment requirements and limits for microbes, minerals and contaminants.
Is BIS certification mandatory for packaged drinking water in India?
Not since October 2024, when the government removed the compulsory BIS certification requirement. FSSAI instead classified packaged drinking water as a high-risk food with yearly risk-based inspections.
Where is the FSSAI number on a water jar?
It is printed on the label or shrink sleeve, usually near the plant name and address, as a 14-digit licence number.
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