Following repeated complaints against packaged drinking water bearing labels with spurious ISI mark being sold in the market, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jamshedpur Branch office, has plans to conduct a drive to nail such manufacturers in Jharkhand. Several such units are using ISI marks despite expiry of their licences. The manufacturers do not hold valid BIS licences and are violating BIS Act 2016.
Addressing a press meet on the occasion of Consumer Awareness Month, Kunal Kumar, Director and Head, BIS-Jamshedpur Branch Office, said that they have been receiving complaints that several packaged drinking water manufacturers in Jharkhand who are using ISI mark despite expiry of the license. “ We need to make sure that quality drinking water is sold in the market. We have received complaints that several manufacturers have not renewed their licences in Jharkhand alone. We will carry a drive to identify such units and also conduct raids against such manufacturers,” said Kumar.
BIS Certification for packaged drinking water plays a significant role in safeguarding public health. The consumption of safe and clean drinking water is a fundamental human right which is crucial for maintaining good health. To ensure that packaged drinking water meets the required quality and safety standards, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established guidelines and certification requirements under IS 14543.
Kumar said, "Consumers have the right to safety, education, choice, information and grievance redressal. However, they also share critical responsibilities such as being aware, asking for bills, checking ISI marks, reading product labels, reporting defective products and ensuring they do not misuse grievance redressal platforms."
As part of the World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, 2025, a month-long initiative has been undertaken to sensitise consumers about their rights, responsibilities and the importance of product quality and safety.
As part of the initiative, BIS has lined up a series of outreach programmes such as RWA Carnivals, Gram Chaupal, Gram Panchayat training for mukhiyas and sarpanchs, consumer awareness sessions with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), jewellers' awareness programmes in uncovered districts, Quality Connect sessions for state government officials and academia, and Standards Club activities in schools and colleges across the state. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening consumer rights and ensuring widespread dissemination of information regarding product quality, ISI mark on products, hallmarking on gold and silver jewellery/ artefacts, BIS Care App, a tool for consumer empowerment, and consumer grievance redressal.
A key highlight of the awareness drive is the promotion of the BIS Care App, which allows consumers to verify the authenticity of products, hallmark jewellery and electronic goods. The app also facilitates lodging complaints in case of spurious or substandard products, ensuring that consumers have a direct channel for grievance redressal. Consumers can also report complaints via email or other platforms supported by BIS.
The BIS is further intensifying its Quality Connect Programme between March 19-21, aimed at interaction and sensitisation of state government officials and academia on quality standards and certifications. Dedicated teams of Resource Persons have been mobilized to engage with officials and academicians across Jharkhand to propagate the significance of product standards and certifications.
