Three-piece round open-top metal cans are widely used for packaging foods and
beverages such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and processed items. These cans
are made from metal sheets and consist of three parts—body, top, and bottom—making
them strong, leak-proof, and suitable for preserving food safely. They help protect the
contents from contamination, moisture, and external damage, ensuring longer shelf life
and safe storage.
To ensure their quality and safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards provides BIS
certification under IS 18427:2024. This certification confirms that the metal cans meet
required standards for material quality, strength, sealing, and performance.
What is IS 18427:2024
IS 18427:2024 is the Indian Standard for open-top metal cans used for packaging foods
and beverages. The standard is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards to ensure that
the cans are safe, durable, and suitable for food packaging.
This standard ensures that the metal cans are:
- Safe and suitable for storing food and beverages
- Strong enough to handle filling, sealing, and transportation
- Properly sealed to prevent leakage and contamination
- Resistant to corrosion and environmental conditions
- Made with approved materials suitable for food contact
- Consistent in size, shape, and manufacturing quality
Testing and Inspection Requirements for metal cans
To ensure proper performance, safety, and quality of these metal cans used for foods
and beverages, the Bureau of Indian Standards has defined clear testing and inspection
requirements under the standard, which are carried out during manufacturing.
What are R and S?
- R (Required): Test must be done as part of regular quality control (in-house or
defined under QAP)
- S (Subcontracting Allowed): Test can be done in a BIS-approved or external
laboratory
Physical and Quality Tests
- Diameter Check (R) – Ensures correct size as per standard
- Capacity Test (R) – Confirms the can holds the required volume
- Visual & Finish Inspection (R) – Ensures proper coating, printing, and no
visible defects
Material Tests
- Tin Plate Quality (S) – Ensures base material meets required standards
- Lacquers & Coatings (S) – Checks food-safe internal and external coatings
- Inks & Printing Material (S)—Verifies safety and quality of printed surfaces
- Lining Compound / Sealants (S) – Ensures proper sealing for food safety
- Aluminium Components (S) – Checks quality of EOE, foils, and taggers
- Lubricants & Rust Prevention Oils (S) – Ensures protection against corrosion
Performance and Strength Tests
- Air Pressure Test (R) – Checks the can’s ability to withstand internal pressure
without leakage
- Vacuum Test (R) – Ensures sealing strength for vacuum-packed products
- Side Seam Strength Tests (R) – Includes ball test and cone test to check
welding quality
- Seam Inspection (R) – Ensures proper double seaming and tight closure
Food Safety Tests
- Overall Migration Limit Test (S) – Ensures no harmful substances migrate into
food
- Specific Migration Limit Test (S) – Checks limits of specific chemicals for food
safety
BIS certification process for Food and Beverage Cans
>The BIS certification process ensures that the product meets the required standard for
proper and efficient operation as defined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The
process includes the following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak Online Portal by submitting company
details, factory information, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers
must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India.
- Testing at BIS- Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories to evaluate electrical
safety, insulation resistance, heating efficiency, durability, and overall
performance as per requirements.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with laboratory test reports, technical
documents, manufacturing process details, and factory information. Foreign
manufacturers must also provide AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: BIS officials conduct an on-site inspection of the manufacturing unit to verify
production processes, quality control systems, safety measures, and compliance
with the standard.
- Grant of BIS License: If all requirements are successfully met, BIS issues the certification license under
Scheme-I, allowing the manufacturer to produce and sell certified products.
- Use of ISI Mark : After certification approval, the manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI mark
along with a CM/L number on the product, confirming compliance with the
standard.
Documents Required for IS 18427 Certification
The following documents are typically required for obtaining 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 metal cans 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.
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and follows to the standard |
| Standard Number | IS 18427 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks Licence (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Alloy Information | Grade or designation of aluminium alloy used |
| 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 licenses for food cans
After obtaining BIS certification for the product, the license is valid for a fixed period and
must be maintained by following BIS rules and standards.
| 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 |
| 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 cans
The cost of BIS certification includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing,
and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
Cost Breakdown
Indian Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1 | BIS Fees | Application Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Audit / Inspection Fee | INR 7,000 | — |
|
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | Discount as per MSME |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual | Depends on product type and factory location. |
Foreign Manufacturers
| No. | Major Charges | Particulars | Amount | Remark |
| 1. | BIS Fees | Application Fee | USD 15 | Payable via SWIFT to BIS. SAARC countries can pay INR with 18% GST. |
|
| Audit Charges | USD 3,200 – 5,900 | Depend on Country |
|
| License Fee | USD 15 | — |
|
| Marking Fee | Depends on product | — |
| 2. | Testing Charges | Sample Testing Fee | As Applicable | Payable to a BIS-approved laboratory. |
| 3. | EVTL India Service Fee | Consultancy & Support | As per actual
| Based on product and manufacturing location. |
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 for three-piece round open-top metal cans used for foods and
beverages, as per IS 18427:2024, ensures that the product meets essential standards
of quality, safety, and performance for reliable food packaging. It confirms that the cans
are properly tested for strength, sealing, corrosion resistance, and food safety, making
them suitable for storing and transporting food products.
With the support and guidance of an experienced BIS consultant like EVTL India,
manufacturers can complete the certification process smoothly, minimize errors, and
obtain approval faster.
