A Bottled Water Dispenser refers to a device used to store and dispense water from big bottles.
These dispensers are commonly used in educational institutions, corporate offices, homes and
even at public places. The device can come with a heating or cooling facility, making it ideal for
everyday use.
Bureau of Indian Standards has outlined the safety requirements as mentioned under IS 17681:
2022. This BIS certificate assures electrical safety, material quality, hygiene, and overall
performance of the product. Apart from this, it also guarantees reduced risk related to
contamination. Getting a BIS certification boosts product quality checks and builds trust among
the Indian customers.
What is IS 17681: 2022?
This is the Indian Standard for Bottled Water Dispenser, which is used to dispense drinking
water. This standard is set by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) to ensure that product
quality and safety are met, and the Water Dispensing Machine are:
- Made from food grade materials
- Designed for hygienic dispensing of water
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Durable and leak proof
- Efficient heating and cooling function
Who Needs BIS Certification for Drinking Water Dispenser?
BIS certification under IS 17681: 2022 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing,
importing, or supplying Water Vending Machines in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS certification if water dispensers are covered under
QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that water dispensing machines are BIS
certified before selling.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified Bottled Water Dispensers.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure the best quality, safety needs, and proper performance of the Water Dispensing
Machine, the standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) defines proper testing and
inspection requirements during manufacturing.
What is R and S?
- R (Required): Test must be conducted in the manufacturer’s in-house laboratory
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be conducted in a Bureau of Indian
Standards-recognized or NABL-accredited external laboratory
Material & Components Tests
- Material Compliance Check (S) - Ensures storage tanks, plastics, and metals comply
with IS standards
- Refrigerant Verification (S) - Confirms type and quantity of refrigerant used match
declared specifications
- Insulation Material Check (S) - Ensures insulation material meets safety and
performance requirements
Manufacturing & Workmanship Tests
- Construction & Workmanship Inspection (R) - Verifies overall build quality, assembly,
and finish
- Refrigeration System Check (R) - Ensures correct installation and functioning of
cooling/heating system
- Component Quality Verification (R) - Checks the quality of electrical and mechanical
parts
- Wiring & Connection Safety Check (R) - Ensures safe internal electrical connections
Dimensional & Physical Tests
- Capacity Verification Test (R) - Confirms rated water storage and dispensing capacity
- Power Input Measurement (R) - Measures electrical power consumption
- Voltage & Frequency Test (R) - Ensures compatibility with declared electrical ratings
- Noise Level Test (S) - Measures operational sound levels
Thermal Performance Tests
- Cooling Capacity Test (R) - Checks cold water output performance
- Heating Capacity Test (R) - Checks hot water output performance
- Pull-Down Test (R) - Measures cooling time efficiency
- Maximum Operating Condition Test (R) - Ensures performance under extreme
conditions
- Freeze-Up Test (R) - Ensures system does not freeze during continuous operation
Mechanical Strength & Durability Tests
- Door Opening & Closing Test (R) - Checks durability under repeated use
- Door Seal Strength Test (R) - Ensures proper sealing efficiency
- Vibration & Stability Test (S) - Ensures stability during operation
- Component Strength Test (S) - Checks the durability of fittings and joints
Electrical Safety Tests
- Protection Against Electric Shock (R) - Ensures user safety from live parts
- Leakage Current Test (R) - Checks safe current leakage levels
- Electric Strength (Hi-Pot Test) (R) - Ensures insulation safety
- Earthing Continuity Test (R) - Confirms proper grounding
- Power Input Safety Test (R) - Ensures safe energy consumption
- Screw & Connection Tightness Test (R) - Verifies secure fittings
Leakage & Sealing Tests
- Water Leakage Test (R) - Ensures no water leakage during use
- Joint Sealing Test (R) - Checks sealing integrity at joints
- Refrigerant Leakage Test (S) - Ensures closed refrigeration system integrity
Stability & Functional Tests
- Operational Stability Test (R) - Ensures dispenser stability during use
- Flow Rate Test (R) - Checks smooth and controlled water dispensing
- Function Mode Test (R) - Verifies hot, cold, and room temperature functions
Surface & Finish Tests
- Surface Finish Inspection (R) - Ensures smooth and defect-free finish
- Corrosion Resistance Test (S) - Checks resistance to rust and corrosion
- Salt Spray Test (S) - Evaluates durability in harsh environments
Chemical Safety & Hygiene Tests
- Material Safety Test (S) - Ensures food-grade material compliance
- Water Contact Safety Test (S) - Ensures no contamination from materials
- Odour & Taste Test (S) - Ensures water remains safe and odour-free
- Leaching Test (S) - Ensures no harmful chemical migration
Refrigeration & Energy Efficiency Tests
- Energy Consumption Test (R) - Measures annual energy usage
- Refrigeration Efficiency Test (R) - Evaluates cooling system performance
- Heat Retention Test (R) - Ensures stable hot water temperature
- Environmental Performance Test (R) - Checks operation under varying conditions
Importance of These Checks
These checks ensure that these dispensers are safe, non-toxic, durable, and hygienic for
everyday us
BIS Certification Process for Water Dispensing Machine

The BIS certification process ensures that drinking water dispensers meet the required
standards for proper and efficient operation. 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 material safety, chemical
migration, durability, and leakage resistance.
- 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 inspect the manufacturing unit to verify the production process, safety
measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: After approval, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L
number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents Required For BIS Certification
| Basic Details | - GST Certificate
- Email ID & Contact Number
- Factory & Office Address
- Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable)
|
| Legal Documents | - Partnership Deed (if partnership firm)
|
| Manufacturing Details | - List of machinery
- Process flow chart
- Layout Plan of Factory
|
| 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
- Nature of Printing / Marking on Product
|
| Management Details | - Top Management Details
- Concerned Person for BIS Communication
|
| 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 manufacturers must additionally appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to
coordinate with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manage compliance requirements in
India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
When a manufacturer obtains the BIS License, the ISI Mark for Bottled Water Dispenser must
be applied clearly and permanently on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark,
other important details must also be provided on the product or packaging, as specified in the
table below, this ensures the product meets all quality and safety standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 17681: 2022 |
| 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.
Validity of BIS Licence for a Drinking Water Dispenser
After obtaining BIS Certification for the steel bottle, the license is valid for a fixed period and
must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | 1–2 years (as per BIS approval) |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillance | 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 |
Water Dispenser Certification Cost
The cost of BIS Certification for a steel flask includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
Cost Breakdown
| 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: Additional costs such as pre-testing or factory pre-inspection may apply. The total cost
may vary depending on product type, testing requirements, and current BIS guidelines.
conclusion
The BIS certification process for the Bottled Water Dispenser follows the requirements specified
in IS 17681: 2022. This ensures that the water dispenser meets the safety benchmarks for
regular use. The BIS certification reduces the risk of any potential risk associated with water
contamination, thereby ensuring safe consumption.
Getting expert support for consultation services can simplify the water dispenser BIS
certification journey. EVTL India assists the manufacturers with complete documentation,
product testing, and inspection procedures, enabling a smoother and hassle free certification
process.