Bhubaneswar: In a significant relief to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers, the Centre has extended the implementation timeline of mandatory quality norms for aluminium cans used in food and beverages. The move is expected to ease supply constraints ahead of the peak summer season.
The extension has been granted under the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Food and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on January 15. Under the order, aluminium cans are required to comply with Indian Standards and carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Standard Mark.
Beverage manufacturers had raised concerns that strict enforcement within the original timeframe could lead to shortages, as several suppliers were still in the process of obtaining BIS certification. Industry players warned that any disruption in can availability could impact production during the high-demand summer months.
The decision to extend the deadline is expected to help bridge potential demand-supply gaps and ensure uninterrupted production. The relief also extends to food companies that rely on similar metal packaging for their products.
Welcoming the move, the Brewers Association of India termed the extension “timely and necessary,” noting that it would provide manufacturers and packaging suppliers adequate time to comply with quality standards without disrupting operations.
Industry stakeholders have reiterated their support for quality regulation while emphasizing the need for practical implementation timelines to ensure smooth compliance across the supply chain.
-OdishaAge
