In May 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued updated mandatory fortification requirements for all packaged food processors handling cereals, pulses, rice, and wheat flour. The rules now enforce minimum micronutrient addition (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) across all categories, not just wheat flour.
Processors have until end-June 2026 to achieve full compliance—a tight window that has caught many mid-sized and regional manufacturers off-guard.
Market signals
BIS moved beyond wheat flour to include rice, pulses, and fortified cereal mixes. Processors must reformulate and re-test product batches to meet iron and vitamin standards.
BIS-accredited labs are experiencing a backlog of fortification assay requests. Processors should book testing slots immediately to avoid missing the June deadline.
Fortified micronutrient premixes have risen 8–12% in cost since April. Regional and MSME-segment processors are absorbing margin squeeze while racing to reformulate.
This is a mandatory compliance matter under BIS Act. All packaged food processors must obtain fresh BIS certification for fortified products before selling. Vinayakam Consultants guides manufacturers through BIS application, formulation support, lab liaison, and labelling alignment to prevent costly rejections and supply interruptions.
Your action checklist
- Audit current product formulations against BIS IS 4694 (fortified wheat flour) and newly expanded IS 13424 (fortified rice, pulses) standards by 10 June.
- Reserve slots with BIS-notified testing labs for micronutrient assay (iron, folic acid, B12) and obtain test reports within 3 weeks.
- Revise packaging labels to declare fortification details, micronutrient quantities (mg/100g), and allergen warnings; submit to BIS for fresh approval.
- Brief your supply chain (distributors, retailers) on the compliance timeline and new SKU labelling to prevent market rejection post-deadline.