–>What is IS 14543?
IS 14543:2016 is the Indian Standard Specification for Packaged Drinking Water, developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It governs the quality, safety, and labeling of water that is treated and packaged for human consumption but not classified as “natural mineral water” (which is covered under IS 13428).
–>Objective of IS 14543?
To ensure that packaged drinking water is:
– Free from harmful contaminants
– Safe and wholesome for drinking
– Consistently tested and labeled as per law
–>Some of the advantages of IS 14543 Water Testing
- Ensures Compliance with BIS Certification
- Protects Consumer Health
- Assures Product Quality
- Builds Consumer Trust
- Legal and Regulatory Requirement
- Competitive Advantage in Market
- Covers Comprehensive Parameters
- Mandatory for All Bottling Units
Water testing as per IS 14543:2016 is mandatory for all businesses involved in the production, packaging, or distribution of packaged drinking water in India.
Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers
- All bottling units must test their water as per IS 14543 to obtain the ISI mark (BIS certification).
- Mandatory for both small-scale and large-scale units.
Startups & New Water Plants
- Required before applying for a new BIS license.
- Helps in plant setup, filtration design, and pre-license sample submission.
Retailers & Distributors of Bottled Water
- Must ensure the products they sell come from certified units with valid IS 14543 compliance.
- Retailers may face action if selling unlicensed water bottles.
Contract Bottlers / Franchise Units
- Brands that outsource bottling to third-party units must ensure IS 14543 testing is done regularly at their partner plants.
Hotels, Resorts & Event Venues
- If serving self-labeled bottled water, they must test and certify the water to avoid liability.
Bulk Water Suppliers
- Suppliers selling 20L jars or tankers labeled as “drinking water” must follow IS 14543 (if packaged).
Exporters of Bottled Drinking Water
- Indian exporters must ensure their bottled water complies with IS 14543 for BIS clearance and international market trust.
Government Institutions, Railways & Public Tenders
- Water supplies to government bodies must often comply with IS 14543 norms, especially in large public sector supply contracts.
Private Label / OEM Water Brands
- Businesses launching their own water brand need to ensure the source unit is ISI licensed and water is tested regularly.