Aluminium and aluminium alloy bare foil are highly popular as materials for wrapping, packaging, and preserving food products due to their lightness and effective properties as a protective barrier. They can be observed in foil sheets, bakery wrappings, pharmaceutical packing and ready-made meals packing. Moreover, such materials extend the shelf life by creating barriers against oxygen and moisture penetration.
The production of food-grade foil products requires BIS certification as one of the key criteria. According to IS 15392: 2003, aluminium and aluminium alloy bare foil passes a series of tests in terms of thickness, surface treatment, chemical components, tensile strength, and sanitary aspects. The certification process checks whether the product is suitable for direct contact with food items. Companies manufacturing the foils must necessarily get the product license to sell the product to Indian customers.
What is IS 15392: 2003
This is the Indian Standard that mentions requirements for aluminium and aluminium alloy bare foil used for food packaging applications. It outlines the material property and performance criteria to ensure that the foil is suitable for direct and indirect contact with food products. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), these aluminium foils are:
- Evaluated for tear resistance
- Tested for thickness uniformity
- Assessed for material purity
- Checked for surface quality
Who needs BIS Certification for Food Grade Aluminium Foil
BIS authorisation under IS 15392: 2003 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying aluminium foil for food in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the alloy foil packaging materials are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the foils to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified aluminium foil.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure hygienic use in food packaging applications, the Bureau of Indian Standards specifies minimum requirements in IS 15392: 2003. This certification ensures that manufacturers produce foils that maintain required purity levels, consistent thickness and mechanical properties so they can be used for wrapping, sealing, and preserving food products without compromising quality.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the foils are listed below:
Step-by-Step Guide to BIS License for Aluminium Bare Foil
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that food packaging material meets the required safety standards. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for chemical composition, thickness variation, pinhole count, tensile strength, surface condition, and dimensional accuracy.
- Application Submission : The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. In the case of foreign manufacturers, AIR-related documentation must also be provided.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct a visit to the manufacturing unit to assess production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After successful verification of all requirements and compliance with the applicable standard, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer is authorized to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, indicating compliance with BIS standards.
BIS Registration Documents for IS 15392: 2003
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
The Foreign manufacturers must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once the manufacturer secures a BIS license, the ISI Mark for aluminium alloy foil must be written clearly and permanently either on its packaging or on the product. The marking should also include important information, such as the licence number (CM/L) and manufacturer’s identification. This helps confirm that the product meets all required safety and quality standards. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 15392: 2003 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
Aluminium Bare Foil BIS License Validity Period
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
BIS Approval Fee for Food Aluminium Packaging Foil
The cost of BIS Approval for a food packaging foil includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
Aluminium and aluminium alloy bare foil is still considered an effective packaging product because of its protective abilities and user-friendly qualities. Certification of such foil products increases assurance about the product's cleanness, strength, and efficiency in packaging food products. It would also ensure that there is less risk of food contamination. Therefore, the foil would also be used for large-scale commercial packaging purposes. Food packaging foil for certification by BIS can be handled effectively with the help of professional experts from EVTL India. The company will assist manufacturers with all their documentation needs and other relevant processes that they have to go through before being granted certification. Such services can allow manufacturers to avoid any unnecessary delays in the process.
