Baking Powder is an important ingredient in the bakery where aeration is necessary to achieve certain characteristics for the baked product. The use of Baking Powder is prevalent in cakes, biscuits, muffins and other preparations made from flour where an even generation of carbon dioxide is necessary during baking. It works as a reaction between two components, the acid component and the base component, which is achieved upon the interaction of moisture and heat in the mixture.
Certification of BIS under IS 1159: 2023 provides the standards and criteria to ensure that the Baking Powder is capable of meeting certain requirements. Testing involves checking the moisture level, acid and base content ratio, capability of producing gas, particle fineness, and the total purity of the product.
What is IS 1159: 2023
This is the Indian Standard for baking powder used as a leavening agent in food applications to ensure proper rising and texture in baked products. It mentions the purity and performance criteria to maintain food safety and consistency. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), baking powder is:
- Tested for food safety
- Assessed for carbon dioxide release
- Evaluated for moisture content
- Verified for ingredient balance
BIS Eligibility Requirements for Baking Powder
BIS authorisation under IS 1159: 2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Edible Raising Powder in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Bakery Raising Agents are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Dough Raising Powder.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To regulate the quality and functional performance of baking powder used in food preparation, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 1159: 2023. This certification ensures that manufacturers produce baking powder with appropriate composition, safe ingredients, and reliable leavening performance for consistent baking results. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the baking soda are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Appearance Test | Colour, texture, and overall physical appearance of baking powder | Ensures uniform product quality and absence of visible defects or contamination |
| Moisture Test | Moisture content of baking powder | Ensures product stability, shelf life, and prevention of lump formation |
| Available Carbon Dioxide Test | Quantity of available carbon dioxide released during reaction | Ensures proper leavening performance and baking efficiency |
| Arsenic Content Test | Presence and permissible limits of arsenic | Ensures food safety and compliance with toxic substance limits |
| Lead Content Test | Presence and permissible limits of lead | Ensures the product is safe for consumption and free from harmful contamination |
| Hygienic Condition Inspection | Manufacturing and packing conditions as per IS 2491 requirements | Ensures hygienic processing and safe food handling practices |
| Packing Verification Test | Packaging type, sealing quality, and packing compliance | Ensures safe storage, product protection, and shelf-life maintenance |
| Marking & Labelling Inspection | Verification of BIS Standard Mark, licence number, and mandatory declarations | Ensures traceability and compliance with BIS labelling requirements |
| Sampling & Control Unit Inspection | Inspection of baking powder produced from the same raw material batch in a day | Ensures batch-wise consistency and quality monitoring |
| Calibration Verification Test | Calibration status of laboratory testing instruments and equipment | Ensures testing accuracy and reliable quality evaluation |
Step-by-Step BIS Registration for Baking Powder
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Dough Raising Powder 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 moisture content, available carbon dioxide release, arsenic level, lead content, ingredient conformity, and overall chemical and safety compliance.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site evaluation of the manufacturing unit to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon satisfactory compliance with all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark : After obtaining approval, the manufacturer is authorized to use the ISI Mark on the product along with a valid CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Required Documents for IS 1159: 2023 Approval
| 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 |
Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and is responsible for handling all regulatory, compliance, and communication requirements related to product certification in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once the manufacturer obtains the BIS licence, the ISI Mark for Bakery Raising Agent must be clearly and permanently displayed on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, important details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be mentioned. This marking ensures the product complies with all safety and quality requirements. Further details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 1159: 2023 |
| 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.
BIS License Validity for Edible Raising Powder
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| 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 | Includes periodic factory inspections and market sample testing conducted by BIS |
| Compliance | Continuous following to standard and applicable Quality Control Orders (QCOs) is mandatory |
| Risk | Non-compliance or failed sample testing may lead to suspension or cancellation of the BIS license |
Fees for Food Grade Baking Powder BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for Baking Mix Powder 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
The IS 1159: 2023 standard for Baking Powder certifies that the product meets standards of quality necessary to enable it to function as a leavening agent in the baking process. The fulfillment of the standards ensures that the Baking Powder is going to retain its stability and effectiveness under any circumstances. As a result, this provides for greater efficiency in using the product. EVTL India provides certification support depending on the product categories and the demands of the client. Such support may include the provision of technical documents, meeting laboratory requirements and assisting manufacturers in submitting the products to the Bureau of Indian Standards.
