After employing processes listed under IS:14543:2004, my water composition confirms to Natural Mineral Water specifications. Which category my water would fall in ?

Yes, It is compulsory for all the manufacturers who intend to set up the processing unit, to obtain the ISI mark from Bureau of India Standards.

No, unless the inspection is done by the staff , tests carried out in an independent lab and official confirmation and license number is obtained, unit can’t commence commercial production.

Yes, such Lab should be equipped to carry out all physical , chemical and micro biological tests prescribed as per IS : 3025, 1070, 4905, 5401, 5402, 5403, 5887, 10146 & 10500 and has to be conducted by expert chemist / micro biologist.

Only Two . Packaged Natural Mineral Water governed under IS:13428:1998, Amendment 1-5 upto 15th October 2004 and Packaged Drinking Water governed under. IS: 14543:2004

If the water is drawn from natural source, confirms to composition listed under IS:13428:1998, Amendment 1-5 upto 15th October 2004 and is bottled WITHOUT ALTERING the composition , falls under Natural Mineral Water.

In packaged drinking water, any of the processes of filtration / disinfection listed under is:14543:2004 can be utilized, altering the composition of subject water & finally , bottling it.

Bureau of Indian standards, during their routine / sudden inspection or samples lifted from the market / unit, may find irregularities in connection with composition, hygienic conditions, filling procedures etc. It may issue an order revoking the license temporarily, signifying stopping the production and usage of ISI mark on the product. The license is restored after satisfactory compliance of conditions.

The standards published for bottled water [both categories] clearly mention the filtration processes, hygienic conditions, lighting, labeling regulation etc. It also list the relevant testing standards [ IS 3025, 1070, 4905, 5401, 5402, 5403, 5887, 10146 & 10500] required for methods of testing.

BIS : Bureau of Indian standards is a premier organization engaged in setting standards for various products and services.

No. Since it involves altering the composition of source water and it is at times , difficult to maintain the same, furnishing of such composition is not allowed.

Yes. As per notification issued by the ministry of consumer affairs on Feb28, 2001, amending Standards of weights and Measures [Packaged Commodities ] Rules 1977, it is mandatory now for bottled water to be sold only in prescribed standard. These are 100 ml / 150 ml / 200 ml / 250 ml / 300 ml / 330ml [ only in cans ], 500ml / 750 ml / 1 litre / 1.5 litre / 2,3,4,5 litres and thereafter , in multiples of 5 litres.

Under Ministry of Water Resources, Central Ground Water Authority [CGWA] regulates the use of ground water. Under power conferred to them under section 5 of Environment [protection] Act, 1986 , CGWA has directed all processing units of bottled water to get their bore well registered with them. The same has to be applied under prescribed proforma.