BIS Certification for Insulated Food Storage Containers IS 17569:2021

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, insulated food storage containers have become an essential household and commercial utility. Whether it’s for packed lunches, food delivery services, or preserving leftovers, these containers help maintain food temperature over extended periods, keeping hot meals hot and cold items cool. With the growing consumer demand for safer, more efficient food containers, ensuring the quality and thermal performance of such products is crucial.

To standardize and regulate these products, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced IS 17569:2021, which mandates BIS certification for insulated containers meant for food storage in India. This standard outlines stringent criteria for safety, thermal efficiency, durability, and material quality.

What is IS 17569:2021?

IS 17569:2021 is the Indian Standard that specifies the constructional, material, and performance requirements for insulated containers used for storing and transporting food. These containers are designed with a double-walled construction and insulation in between—typically using vacuum insulation, PU foam, or other insulating materials—to reduce heat transfer and maintain food at the desired temperature for longer durations.

The standard applies to a wide range of containers, including Lunch boxes, Jars, Multi-compartment containers, Hot and cold boxes with inserts, Thermoware containers used for commercial food services, and more. The goal of this standard is to ensure that such containers are thermally efficient, leak-proof, structurally durable, and safe for food contact.

Types of Insulated Containers Covered

Under IS 17569:2021, containers are classified based on the material composition of their internal and external walls, lid design, and inserts. These include:

● Plastic outside with stainless steel inside

● Stainless steel on both sides

● Plastic on both sides

● Hybrid materials, including combinations of plastic and stainless steel

● Containers with lids or bases made of any of the above materials

● Glass lids with stainless steel beading (with or without silicone gaskets)

●Hot/cold boxes with inserts, where the main body holds multiple stainless-steel containers with individual lids

These containers may feature handles, shoulder straps, or locking mechanisms to improve portability and functionality, especially for outdoor or delivery use.

Why BIS Certification is Mandatory

The BIS certification ensures that insulated food containers meet the required safety, hygiene, and performance benchmarks. This not only protects consumers from substandard products but also ensures that the containers do not leach harmful substances into the food, maintain temperature as claimed, and remain robust during transport or rough handling.

Key benefits of BIS certification:

● Compliance with national standards

● Legally approved for sale in the Indian market

● Builds consumer trust and brand credibility

● Essential for participation in tenders and bulk government supplies

● Ensures product consistency across batches

Key Performance Parameters and Tests Conducted

IS 17569:2021 mandates a wide range of laboratory and mechanical tests to validate the quality and performance of insulated containers. These tests simulate real-world usage conditions and assess various functional aspects.

Major Tests Include:

● Minimum Thickness of Plastic

● Coating Thickness (if applicable)

● Capacity Check

● Heat Retention Capability

● Cold Retention Capability

● Drop Impact Test

● Pendulum Impact Test

● Fixing Strength of the Handle

● Strength of Shoulder Strap (if applicable)

● Leakage Test

In addition to the above, thermal insulation tests, dimensional checks, material composition analysis, and food-contact safety evaluations are also conducted as per BIS protocols.

BIS Certification Process for Manufacturers

Manufacturers looking to sell insulated food containers in India must obtain a BIS license under IS 17569:2021. The process involves:

  1. Application Submission on the BIS portal with product and company details.

  2. Factory Audit by BIS officials to assess production capabilities and quality management systems.

  3. Sample Testing in a BIS-recognized laboratory.

  4. Grant of License, enabling use of the ISI Mark on certified products.

This certification process assures that each unit meets the minimum requirements laid down by BIS, reducing the risk of defective or substandard items entering the market.

To Know The Process in Detail, Please Visit:

Documents Required for BIS Certification

To apply for BIS certification, manufacturers need to submit the following documents:

●  Application form

●  Manufacturing process details

●  Quality control plan

●  Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories

●  Factory layout and equipment details

●  Proof of business registration

●  Product specifications and technical details

●  Declaration of conformity to Indian standards

Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.

BIS ISI Mark Certification Costing And Timeline

BIS ISI Mark Certification Costing And Timeline


EVTL India – Your Partner in BIS Compliance

Navigating the BIS certification process can be complex, particularly with stringent testing and documentation requirements. EVTL India is a trusted consultancy specializing in BIS registration and compliance solutions for manufacturers and importers.

We offer end-to-end support, including:

● Application preparation and documentation

● Product testing coordination

● Factory audit guidance

● Liaising with BIS for license issuance

● Post-certification compliance support

Our experts ensure that your insulated containers meet all regulatory standards under IS 17569:2021, helping you enter the Indian market with confidence.

Conclusion

With the increasing demand for thermally efficient, durable, and food-safe insulated containers, compliance with IS 17569:2021 is no longer optional—it’s essential. BIS certification guarantees that consumers receive products that are safe, reliable, and capable of maintaining food temperature as claimed.

Whether you’re a domestic manufacturer or an overseas exporter looking to supply insulated containers in India, EVTL India is your ideal BIS certification partner to help you achieve compliance quickly and efficiently.