BIS Certification for Aluminium Beverage Cans in India: Complete Compliance Guide

Aluminium Cans for Beverages are subject to mandatory BIS ISI certification under the Quality Control Order notified by the Government of India. From 1 October 2026, these products cannot be lawfully manufactured for sale, imported, or distributed in India without a valid BIS ISI licence under IS 14407:2023. Non-compliance attracts penalties under the BIS Act 2016.

This guide covers the applicable standard, key quality parameters, the certification process, documentary requirements, and compliance considerations for manufacturers, processors, and importers.

📜 Applicable Indian Standard

• IS 14407:2023 — Aluminium Cans for Beverages — Specification (primary standard)
• International equivalent: Aligned with international aluminium DWI can body and end standards (AA, DIN, Alcan specifications)

🔬 Key Requirements Under IS 14407:2023

Products and alloy grades covered under IS 14407:2023:

• Standard aluminium beverage cans — 250ml, 330ml, and 500ml body formats
• Slim and sleek aluminium cans — premium beverage packaging formats
• Easy-Open End (EOE) aluminium can lids — stay-on and full-aperture types

📋 Step-by-Step BIS ISI Certification Process

1. Alloy & Grade InventoryList all alloy designations, tempers, and DWI can body and end sheet dimensions in your product range. Each alloy/temper combination requiring certification must be identified.
2. Application FilingSubmit online on manak.bis.gov.in. Indian manufacturers use the Product Certification Scheme; foreign manufacturers apply via FMCS with an appointed AIR.
3. Sample TestingSubmit representative samples per alloy and temper to a BIS-recognised laboratory for chemical, tensile, and dimensional testing. Timeline: 4–6 weeks.
4. Factory InspectionBIS officers inspect the facility — melting furnaces, casting/rolling/extrusion equipment, heat treatment capability, in-house spectrometer, and tensile testing equipment.
5. Licence GrantBIS grants the ISI Mark licence. Apply the ISI Mark (stamp, label, or stencil) and alloy/temper designation to each product, bundle, or coil with reference to the licence number.
6. Surveillance & RenewalPeriodic market sample testing. Each shipment must carry a mill test certificate referencing IS 14407 parameters, heat/lot number, and BIS licence number.

📄 Documents Required

• Company incorporation / registration certificate
• Complete alloy, temper, and dimension product list
• Manufacturing process flow chart (melting, casting, rolling/extrusion, heat treatment)
• Aluminium ingot / billet supplier mill certificates
• In-house spectrometer and tensile testing equipment calibration records
• Quality Manual / ISO 9001 certificate (if available)
• AIR appointment letter (for foreign manufacturers)
• Existing test reports from BIS-recognised labs (if any)

⚠ Common Compliance Pitfalls

Common issues include axial load (column strength) below the minimum required for safe stacking during palletisation and transit, internal coating porosity failure (pinholes detected in WACO test), buckle pressure below the carbonation pressure resistance requirement for carbonated beverage grades, and EOE score depth outside the specified range causing either pull-tab failure or premature lid opening.

🏭 Special Considerations for Importers

Aluminium Cans for Beverages are imported from primary aluminium producers in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe. Foreign manufacturers must obtain BIS FMCS certification — which includes an overseas factory inspection by BIS officers. Each import shipment must carry a IS 14407:2023-compliant mill test certificate with heat/lot traceability before customs clearance. Government and PSU infrastructure procurement contracts mandate the ISI Mark as a baseline supplier qualification.