In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, insulated food storage containers have become an essential household and commercial utility. Whether it’s for packed lunches, food delivery services, or preserving leftovers, these containers help maintain food temperature over extended periods, keeping hot meals hot and cold items cool. With the growing consumer demand for safer, more efficient food containers, ensuring the quality and thermal performance of such products is crucial.
To standardize and regulate these products, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced IS 17569:2021, which mandates BIS certification for insulated containers meant for food storage in India. This standard outlines stringent criteria for safety, thermal efficiency, durability, and material quality.
IS 17569:2021 is the Indian Standard that specifies the constructional, material, and performance requirements for insulated containers used for storing and transporting food. These containers are designed with a double-walled construction and insulation in between—typically using vacuum insulation, PU foam, or other insulating materials—to reduce heat transfer and maintain food at the desired temperature for longer durations.
The standard applies to a wide range of containers, including Lunch boxes, Jars, Multi-compartment containers, Hot and cold boxes with inserts, Thermoware containers used for commercial food services, and more. The goal of this standard is to ensure that such containers are thermally efficient, leak-proof, structurally durable, and safe for food contact.
Under IS 17569:2021, containers are classified based on the material composition of their internal and external walls, lid design, and inserts. These include:
These containers may feature handles, shoulder straps, or locking mechanisms to improve portability and functionality, especially for outdoor or delivery use.
The BIS certification ensures that insulated food containers meet the required safety, hygiene, and performance benchmarks. This not only protects consumers from substandard products but also ensures that the containers do not leach harmful substances into the food, maintain temperature as claimed, and remain robust during transport or rough handling.
Key benefits of BIS certification:
IS 17569:2021 mandates a wide range of laboratory and mechanical tests to validate the quality and performance of insulated containers. These tests simulate real-world usage conditions and assess various functional aspects.
Major Tests Include:
In addition to the above, thermal insulation tests, dimensional checks, material composition analysis, and food-contact safety evaluations are also conducted as per BIS protocols.
Manufacturers looking to sell insulated food containers in India must obtain a BIS license under IS 17569:2021. The process involves:
This certification process assures that each unit meets the minimum requirements laid down by BIS, reducing the risk of defective or substandard items entering the market.
Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.
Navigating the BIS certification process can be complex, particularly with stringent testing and documentation requirements. EVTL India is a trusted consultancy specializing in BIS registration and compliance solutions for manufacturers and importers.
We offer end-to-end support, including:-
Our experts ensure that your insulated containers meet all regulatory standards under IS 17569:2021, helping you enter the Indian market with confidence.
With the increasing demand for thermally efficient, durable, and food-safe insulated containers, compliance with IS 17569:2021 is no longer optional—it’s essential. BIS certification guarantees that consumers receive products that are safe, reliable, and capable of maintaining food temperature as claimed.
Whether you’re a domestic manufacturer or an overseas exporter looking to supply insulated containers in India, EVTL India is your ideal BIS certification partner to help you achieve compliance quickly and efficiently.