On 15 May 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified revised packaging and labelling requirements for processed food products under IS 1365 (amended). These standards take effect today, 16 June 2026. Food processors manufacturing for domestic sale, retail distribution or export must comply immediately.
Non-compliance exposes businesses to product seizures, penalties under the Legal Metrology Act and reputational damage. This article outlines the key changes, affected product categories, and the steps your organisation must take now.
Market signals
BIS now requires all processed food packages (except items under 50 g) to carry a machine-readable QR code linking to batch, manufacture date, expiry, and storage conditions. This aligns with FSSAI traceability rules and enables faster recall management.
The amended IS 1365 specifies that all inks, dyes and adhesives used on food-contact surfaces must conform to IS 9833 (non-toxic, food-safe). Many processors using cheaper, non-compliant inks face re-packaging costs.
Front-of-pack nutrition tables must now be printed in the consumer's local language (not English-only). Producers distributing across multiple states must budget for variable packaging or multi-language sleeves.
Under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, packaging that does not conform to notified BIS standards is deemed non-compliant and subject to confiscation. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has signalled heightened enforcement from June 2026 onwards. Vinayakam Consultants advises food processors to audit existing packaging stock immediately, engage BIS-approved packaging suppliers, and test samples for QR-code readability and ink compliance. We assist with packaging redesign, supplier vetting, and documentation to demonstrate due diligence if questioned by regulators or food safety officers.
Your action checklist
- Audit all current packaging materials against IS 1365 (May 2026 amendment) — QR-code presence, ink certification (IS 9833), and language labelling — and flag non-compliant stock for disposal or reuse in non-food applications.
- Engage a BIS-accredited packaging supplier and request signed compliance certificates for inks, adhesives and label materials; maintain copies for inspection.
- Test at least 10 samples from your next production run to verify QR-code scanning, readability, and batch-traceability data linkage before full rollout.
- Brief your sales and distribution teams on the June 2026 change; halt shipment of old-format stock to retail partners and clarify transition timeline with procurement.
Frequently asked questions
The revised BIS packaging standards under IS 1365 (amended) became mandatory on 16 June 2026. All food processors must comply immediately regardless of distribution channel.
Non-compliance results in product seizures, penalties under the Legal Metrology Act 2009, and reputational damage. The CCPA has signalled heightened enforcement from June 2026.
Yes, all processed food packages except items under 50g must carry a machine-readable QR code linking to batch, manufacture date, expiry and storage conditions.