Common Salt (Iron Fortified) is meant to be a type of salt containing not only sodium but some other nutrients as well, such as iron. It is used for cooking purposes in households and commercial kitchens. Its formulation ensures that there is an even distribution of iron components, such that each serving gives consistent benefits without altering its taste or physical appearance.
The BIS certification, according to the IS 12981: 1991, provides a systematic evaluation process to verify the quality and nutrient content of the iron fortified salt. The process includes testing of the iron levels in the salt, the moisture level, the size of the salt particles, and the homogeneity of the fortification in the whole batch of salt. The salt manufacturing companies must get the BIS certification to sell their product to the Indian customers.
What is IS 12981: 1991
This is the Indian Standard for iron-fortified edible common salt used to address iron deficiency through daily dietary intake. It mentions the sodium chloride purity, iron content uniformity, and fortification quality to ensure safe consumption and nutritional effectiveness. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), the iron-fortified salt is:
- Verified for sodium chloride content
- Assessed for dosage consistency
- Evaluated for moisture content
- Tested for compliance with food-grade requirements
Iron Enriched Salt BIS Approval Eligibility Guide
BIS authorisation under IS 12981: 1991 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Fortified Table Salt in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Edible Salt 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 Iron Mixed Common Salt.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To maintain nutritional quality and safety of iron-fortified edible salt, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 12981: 1991. This certification ensures that manufacturers fortified salt with proper iron content, suitable raw materials, and consistent quality for safe daily consumption and long-term storage.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for the salt are listed below:
BIS Approval Process for Iron-Added Edible Salt
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Iron Rich Salt meets the required standards for 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 moisture content, chloride purity, iron concentration, particle size consistency, phosphate content and pH value.
- 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.
Mandatory Documents for IS 12981: 1991 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 Iron Blended Salt must be clearly and permanently displayed on the product or its packaging. In addition to the ISI Mark, essential details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be mentioned. Further details are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 12981: 1991 |
| 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.
Iron Containing Edible Salt BIS License Validity
| 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 | 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 |
Fee Structure for Iron Blended Salt BIS Approval
The cost of BIS Approval for iron-fortified edible common salt 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
Nutrition-oriented foods such as iron-enriched common salt help overcome deficiencies due to micronutrients. Adherence to IS 12981: 1991 specifications guarantees that Common Salt with Iron has consistent iron content, composition, and quality irrespective of different production batches. As a result, this helps in enhancing the iron content, promoting a healthy diet balance, and helping in reinforcing nutritional health programs to overcome deficiency-based problems.
Certification processes can be simplified by taking help from EVTL India in areas that include documentation procedures, laboratory testing compatibility, and application procedures. This will enable the manufacturers to effectively meet all the compliance obligations while reducing procedural delays in BIS certification processes.
