BIS Certification for food grade phosphoric acid according to IS 10508:2007 is one of the important aspects that need to be considered to ensure the safety, purity, and quality of the chemical. Since phosphoric acid food grade is a chemical used in the food and beverage industries; hence, any impurities in the product can have a significant impact on human health. Thus, it becomes important to follow strict quality control measures before using it commercially. BIS has defined certain guidelines as per IS 10508:2007 that need to be followed by manufacturers to regulate the quality of the chemical.
The certification process includes verification of the chemical substance against all necessary standards regarding the purity, composition and other parameters of the substance. It includes laboratory tests, factory inspection and compliance checking. In case the certification is successful, the producers have the right to apply the ISI mark which ensures the safety and reliability of the food grade phosphoric acid.
What is IS 10508:2007?
IS 10508:2007 is the Indian standard which specifies the quality criteria for phosphoric acid used in the food and beverages industries. This standard guarantees that the phosphoric acid used in food products is pure and free from harmful impurities which may be harmful to human beings. As per the specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), food grade phosphoric acid has to comply with certain specifications concerning purity, acidity and composition.
Key Specifications and Limits (IS 10508:2020)
Food Grade Phosphoric Acid should meet the quality and safety norms as prescribed in the standard IS 10508:2020. These specifications are concerned with its purity, freedom from dangerous impurities, acidity control, and clarity.
| Parameter | Requirement / Limit |
|---|
| Purity (Assay) | Minimum % of H₃PO₄ to ensure adequate acid strength and product quality |
| Appearance | Must be clear and free from suspended matter or visible impurities |
| Acidity / Strength | Controlled acid strength for consistent performance in food processing |
| Heavy Metals | Strict limits for arsenic, lead, cadmium, tin, copper, etc. (ppm level) |
| Process Contaminants | Limits for aluminum, molybdenum, and similar elements indicating source purity |
| Chlorides & Sulphates | Restricted within specified limits to avoid quality and taste impact |
| Microbiological Safety | Must be free from microbial contamination introduced during handling or storage |
Who Needs BIS Certification for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid?
BIS certification under IS 10508:2007 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying food grade phosphoric acid in India. It ensures that only safe and quality-approved chemicals enter the food industry.
Applicable to -
- Manufacturers (India) – Must obtain BIS certification before selling the product
- Foreign Manufacturers – Need certification to export to India
- Importers – Must ensure only BIS-certified material is imported and supplied
Benefits of BIS Certification for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid
The BIS certification ensures that the Food Grade Phosphoric Acid meets the quality and safety standards set by the Indian Standard IS 10508:2007. Some of the benefits of BIS Certification for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid are listed below -
| For Manufacturers | For Buyers |
|---|
| Improves market acceptance among industrial and institutional buyers. | Assures that the product meets recognized Indian quality standards. |
| Supports compliance with BIS and regulatory requirements. | Provides confidence in the purity and safety of the product. |
| Enhances brand credibility and competitive advantage. | Reduces the risk of purchasing substandard or non-compliant material. |
| Strengthens quality control through standardized testing and inspections. | Ensures consistent quality and reliable performance for food applications. |
BIS Testing Requirements for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid
BIS conducts several tests to ensure that food grade phosphoric acid meets IS 10508:2007 requirements. These tests confirm purity, safety, and suitability for food applications.
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Identification Tests | Description, phosphate identification | Confirms the product's identity and verifies that it is food-grade phosphoric acid. |
| Purity Tests | Purity as H₃PO₄, volatile acids | Ensures the acid meets the required purity level and is free from excessive volatile impurities. |
| Chemical Composition Tests | Nitrates, chlorides, sulphates, fluoride | Verifies that impurity levels remain within the limits specified by IS 10508:2020 for safe food applications. |
| Heavy Metal Tests | Arsenic, lead, copper, tin, cadmium, mercury, molybdenum, aluminium | Detects and limits toxic metals to ensure the product is safe for use in the food industry. |
| Quality & Safety Tests | Overall compliance with chemical specifications and contaminant limits | Ensures the phosphoric acid is safe, consistent in quality, and suitable for use as a food-grade ingredient. |
BIS ISI Mark Certification Process for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid
The BIS certification procedure for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid ensures that the product meets the specifications set out in IS 10508:2020. The steps for obtaining the BIS certification for Phosphoric Acid include -
- Online Registration: Applications are made via the BIS website, providing company and product information. For foreign manufacturers, it is necessary to designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Laboratory Testing: Samples of the products are tested in the authorized BIS laboratory as per purity and safety requirements.
- Document Submission: All necessary documentation, test results, and manufacturing factory information are submitted.
- Factory Inspection: BIS conducts factory inspection as per the quality management system and production process.
- License Issuance: Once all conditions are fulfilled, BIS issues a certification license.
- Use of ISI Mark: On license issuance, the ISI mark can be used on the product packaging.
Documents Required for Certification
| 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 Requirements | Agreement with AIR (Authorized Indian Representative), Aadhaar Card of AIR, AIR Nomination Form, Required Undertakings, Scope of License |
ISI Mark and Labeling Requirements under IS 10508:2007
Once certified, food-grade phosphoric acid must have proper labeling as per BIS IS 10508 standard. This helps to identify the certified Phosphoric Acid easily.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 10508:2007 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (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 License as per IS 10508:2007
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Validity | Typically 1 to 5 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| 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 |
Cost of BIS Certification for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid
The cost of BIS Approval for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid 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 paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees vary depending on product type and factory location.
BIS Certification Assistance by EVTL India
EVTL India makes it easier for manufacturers to get the BIS certification for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid by supporting them through the process. With the help of professional guidance, the manufacturer will be able to prevent mistakes in obtaining BIS certification.
- Explaining BIS requirements clearly
- Assisting in application submission
- Coordinating laboratory testing
- Supporting during factory inspection
- Reducing errors and delays
- Ensuring faster certification approval
Conclusion
The BIS Certification for food grade phosphoric acid based on IS 10508:2007 is an ideal way to ensure the safety and quality of the product for food and beverage industries. It guarantees that only safe chemicals and substances are included in the production of food products. BIS IS 10508 helps to control any impurities and maintains the appropriate chemical composition of the substance. This makes it very helpful in avoiding the use of unsafe chemicals. With the ISI symbol on the product, it guarantees that the product is approved according to the Indian Standards.
Manufacturers who are interested in an easy certification process should definitely consider using the services of the BIS Consultancy firm EVTL India. They will help with all stages of the certification process – documentation, testing in the laboratories, application and factory inspection.
