The government has extended the timeline for implementing mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for aluminium cans used in the food processing and beverages sector, offering relief to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage makers ahead of the peak summer season.
Under the revised schedule, the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026 will apply to large units from October 2026, small enterprises from January 2027, and micro enterprises from April 2027. The order, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on January 15, requires products to conform to Indian standards and carry the BIS Standard Mark.
Industry stakeholders said the extension would help bridge demand-supply gaps, particularly as beverage companies typically begin stocking from mid-January in anticipation of a sharp rise in summer consumption.
Aluminium cans were brought under mandatory BIS certification from August 2025, a move aimed at ensuring quality compliance. However, the regulation led to short-term supply disruptions as domestic production struggled to keep pace with rising demand, forcing continued reliance on imports.
Key domestic suppliers, including Ball Beverage Packaging India and Can-Pack India, have already exhausted existing capacity and indicated that additional manufacturing lines would take at least six to twelve months to become operational. At present, domestic aluminium can capacity is estimated to be over 20 per cent short of demand.
Also read: Can shortage makes beer industry seek BIS regulatory extension
The Brewers Association of India (BAI) welcomed the extension, warning earlier that delays in BIS certification for imported cans could disrupt supplies. “Extension of timeline for BIS certification on imported cans is a very timely decision by the DPIIT to prevent a big potential crisis for the beer and other beverages industries,” said BAI Director General Vinod Giri.
“It will help alcobev companies prepare better for the upcoming summer season when the demand for beer and even soft drinks shoots up,” he said.
Beer manufacturers prefer locally produced empty cans due to lower costs, but capacity constraints have limited availability. “Can manufacturers are investing in adding capacity in the country but it takes time. This extension of timeline will allow them sufficient time to add to production capacity in the country while filling up gaps through imports, thus preventing disruption in business,” Giri said.
BAI, which represents AB InBev, Carlsberg and United Breweries, together accounting for 85 per cent of beer sales in India, has been engaging with DPIIT on the issue since August last year.
“We are glad to see timely action by the Government to resolve the matter. It’s very reassuring and we appreciate that,” Giri said.
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