Sodium Bicarbonate is a widely used chemical compound with various applications in food manufacturing, medicine preparation, cleaning solutions and several other industries requiring alkalinity balance and high purity. It is used in applications such as bakery products, effervescence formation, pH adjustment, and water purification. Since it is employed either directly or indirectly in consumer and other sensitive applications, factors like chemical stability, purity levels, and harmless composition acquire greater importance.
Sodium Bicarbonate needs to be certified by BIS as per IS 2124:2023 for maintaining consistency in quality. The BIS certification is given to those who meet the necessary parameters regarding the chemical composition of sodium bicarbonate. Parameters considered for certification include assay purity, moisture, insolubles, limits of heavy metals and chemical consistency.
What is IS 2124:2023
This Indian Standard lays down the specifications for Sodium Bicarbonate suitable for use in industrial and commercial applications. It defines the quality benchmarks, composition standards and testing parameters necessary to ensure product consistency and safety. As per BIS requirements, Sodium Bicarbonate is:
- Evaluated for physical characteristics
- Tested for chemical purity
- Verified for composition conformity
- Checked for marking compliance
Who Needs BIS Certification Under IS 2124:2023
BIS certification under IS 2124:2023 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Sodium Bicarbonate in India.
Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the products are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the chemical to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell certified food-grade sodium bicarbonate.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure consistency in the quality and safety specifications of Sodium Bicarbonate in industries, the Bureau of Indian Standards has set down the requirements to be certified under IS 2124:2023. This certification guarantees that the Sodium Bicarbonate being produced by the manufacturer meets certain standards.
The following is the list of the required parameters for testing and certification of Sodium Bicarbonate:
End-to-End Sodium Bicarbonate Certification Journey
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that baking soda 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 chemical purity, assay content, moisture level, insoluble matter, pH value, heavy metal limits and overall compositional consistency.
- 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 visit the manufacturing facility to evaluate production processes, safety measures, and the quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: After all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Following 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.
Legal Documents for IS 2124:2023 Compliance
| 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 |
The Foreign manufacturers must designate an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and manages all compliance and regulatory requirements in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Upon obtaining a BIS license by the manufacturer, the ISI Mark for Sodium Bicarbonate must be marked clearly and permanently on its packaging. Additional details are provided below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 2124:2023 |
| 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.
License Validity and Renewal Process
| 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 | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
BIS Certification Cost Breakdown for Sodium Bicarbonate
The cost of BIS Approval for baking soda 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
Sodium Bicarbonate BIS certification IS 2124:2023 assures that the product is in compliance with the standards of purity, safety and effectiveness required for several industrial and commercial applications. In addition to improving the reputation of the product, this compliance process also decreases the risk of any future problems related to regulation and promotes greater acceptance in both local and foreign markets.
For companies planning to enter the chemical markets, it becomes necessary for them to go for certification due to its significance in the sector. Companies can also contact a BIS consultant to streamline the certification process and ensure proper compliance with IS 2124 requirements. EVTL India can provide assistance to manufacturers in obtaining certification services such as documentation, testing, and BIS approval processes.
