BIS Certification Consultancy for Insulated Containers for Food Storage | IS 17569:2021 | BIS & ISI Mark Certification

Introduction

Insulated containers for food storage are designed to maintain the temperature of food and beverages for a specified period while providing safe and convenient storage and transportation. They are commonly used as lunch boxes, casseroles, hot and cold food containers and other domestic food-storage products.

Because these containers are directly associated with food storage, their material safety, insulation performance, leakage resistance, impact strength, stability, construction and workmanship are important quality parameters.

In India, IS 17569:2021 – Insulated Containers for Food Storage specifies requirements for insulated containers intended for food storage. The current BIS Product Manual PM/IS 17569/4/December 2024 states that certification is operated under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018 and can be used by existing licensees as well as prospective applicants seeking a BIS licence.

The standard is included in the compulsory BIS certification framework under the Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use (Quality Control) Order, 2024. The order specifically lists IS 17569:2021 – Insulated Container for Food Storage and requires covered products to bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence according to Scheme-I, subject to the order's provisions and exemptions.

Qualitance India provides end-to-end BIS Certification Consultancy for Insulated Containers for Food Storage as per IS 17569:2021, including product assessment, material and type review, capacity grouping, documentation, sample preparation, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application support and factory inspection preparation.

What is IS 17569:2021?

IS 17569:2021 is titled:

“Insulated Containers for Food Storage”

The current BIS Product Manual identifies the product under Scheme-I and establishes certification requirements covering materials, construction, dimensions, thermal performance, mechanical strength, leakage and food-contact safety.

The major requirements include:

Material
Manufacture and workmanship
Welding defects
Minimum thickness
Coating thickness
Capacity
Heat retention capability
Cold retention capability
Drop impact
Pendulum impact
Handle strength
Shoulder-strap strength
Leakage
Joint leakage
Staining
Thermal insulation
Shoulder-strap length
Stability
Seepage
Food-contact material safety
BPA requirements
Glass-lid performance, where applicable

What are Insulated Containers for Food Storage?

Insulated food-storage containers are containers designed to help maintain the temperature of food for a specified period.

Depending on the design, they can include:

Stainless-steel inner container
Plastic outer body
Stainless-steel outer body
Plastic inner and outer components
Vacuum insulation
Thermal insulation
Stainless-steel or plastic lid
Glass lid
Silicone gasket
Shoulder strap
Internal utensils
Hot/cold box inserts

The exact configuration determines the applicable scope, testing and grouping requirements.

Types of Insulated Containers Covered

The current BIS Product Manual classifies containers based on material, insulation type, usage and nominal capacity.

Type Based on Material

The Product Manual identifies the following categories:

Plastic Outside and Stainless Steel Inside

The outside is made from plastic while the food-contact inner container is stainless steel.

Stainless Steel on Both Sides

Both inner and outer containers are made of stainless steel.

Plastic on Both Sides

The product uses plastic for both inner and outer container construction.

Combination of Materials

A combination of the above arrangements may be included, with each variety specified.

Lid or Bottom Container Variations

Different lid and bottom configurations may also fall within the scope.

Glass Lid with Beading

Containers may have a glass lid with suitable beading.

Hot/Cold Box with Inserts

The Product Manual includes hot/cold boxes containing stainless-steel utensils with stainless-steel or plastic lids.

Classification Based on Insulation

The Product Manual identifies three insulation categories:

Vacuum Insulated Container
Thermal Insulated Container Type 1
Thermal Insulated Container Type 2

The insulation type is important because different designs may require different conformity checks.

Classification Based on Type of Use

IS 17569:2021 identifies two usage categories:

Table Top
Used for Transportation

This classification forms part of the licence-scope and grouping framework.

Capacity Groups under IS 17569:2021

The BIS Product Manual divides nominal capacities into three groups:

Group	Nominal Capacity
Group 1	Up to 1,000 ml
Group 2	Above 1,000 ml and up to 5,000 ml
Group 3	Above 5,000 ml and up to 20,000 ml

The scope should therefore be planned according to the actual capacity range the manufacturer intends to produce.

Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Insulated Food Containers?

Yes. Insulated Containers for Food Storage under IS 17569:2021 are included in the compulsory BIS certification framework.

The Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use (Quality Control) Order, 2024 specifically lists:

IS 17569:2021 – Insulated Container for Food Storage

and requires covered products to conform to the corresponding Indian Standard and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence according to Scheme-I.

The current BIS Scheme-I page also lists IS 17569:2021 – Insulated Container for Food Storage under the Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use category and references the applicable 2023 and 2024 QCO notifications.

Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use QCO 2024

The 2024 QCO covers:

IS 17790:2022 – Insulated Flask for Domestic Use
IS 17526:2021 – Domestic Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask/Bottle
IS 17569:2021 – Insulated Container for Food Storage

The QCO came into force three months after notification for the general category, six months for Small Enterprises and nine months for Micro Enterprises. It also contains exemptions for domestically manufactured goods intended for export and certain qualifying micro/small enterprises under the stated conditions.

Manufacturers should verify the latest applicable notifications, amendments and exemption conditions before making a final compliance decision.

BIS Certification for Insulated Containers

BIS Certification demonstrates conformity of the insulated container with the applicable requirements of IS 17569:2021.

The current BIS Product Manual confirms certification under:

Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

After obtaining the BIS licence, the manufacturer can use the BIS Standard Mark / ISI Mark on products included in the approved licence scope and conforming to the standard.

Who Needs BIS Certification for Insulated Food Containers?

BIS certification is relevant to manufacturers producing insulated food-storage containers covered by IS 17569:2021.

This can include:

Insulated Container Manufacturers
Food Storage Container Manufacturers
Lunch Box Manufacturers
Casserole Manufacturers
Hot Box Manufacturers
Cold Box Manufacturers
Stainless Steel Container Manufacturers
Plastic Food Container Manufacturers
Vacuum Insulated Container Manufacturers
Thermal Insulated Container Manufacturers
Household Product Manufacturers
OEM Manufacturers
Contract Manufacturers

Importers and sellers should separately assess their obligations under the applicable QCO.

BIS Certification Eligibility Requirements

A manufacturer applying for BIS certification should have suitable manufacturing and quality-control arrangements.

Depending on the product configuration, these may include:

Container manufacturing machinery
Stainless-steel fabrication facilities
Plastic moulding facilities
Welding equipment
Vacuum insulation equipment
Thermal insulation filling facilities
Lid manufacturing facilities
Glass-lid assembly facilities, where applicable
Handle and strap assembly facilities
Testing and measuring equipment
Food-contact material documentation
Quality-control personnel
Calibration system
Production records
Batch traceability
Packing and marking arrangements

The exact requirements depend on the material combination, insulation type, usage type, capacity and proposed licence scope.

BIS Certification Process for Insulated Containers

Step 1 – Product Applicability Assessment

The product is reviewed against IS 17569:2021.

Important parameters include:

Material combination
Insulation type
Usage type
Nominal capacity
Lid type
Internal utensils
Handle or shoulder strap
Glass components
Plastic components

Step 2 – Product Classification

The manufacturer identifies the applicable:

Material Type + Insulation Type + Usage Type + Capacity Group

This is important for product grouping and sample selection.

Step 3 – Scope and Grouping Finalisation

The manufacturer determines the capacities and varieties intended to be included in the BIS licence.

The Product Manual requires the highest nominal capacity from each capacity group for each applicable material type, insulation type and usage type to be separately tested for all requirements. Factory test reports for other intended capacities must also be submitted.

Step 4 – Documentation Preparation

Technical, manufacturing and quality-control documents are prepared.

Step 5 – Sample Preparation

The current BIS Product Manual specifies:

Sample Size: 8 Nos.

Step 6 – Laboratory Testing

The representative samples are tested against the applicable requirements.

Step 7 – BIS Application

The manufacturer submits the BIS application with required technical and factory documents.

Step 8 – Factory Assessment

BIS assesses the manufacturing facility, testing arrangements and quality-control system.

Step 9 – Observation Closure

Any observations raised during the assessment are addressed through corrective action.

Step 10 – BIS Licence Grant

After successful conformity assessment, BIS grants the licence for the approved product scope.

Step 11 – ISI Marking

The manufacturer can apply the BIS Standard Mark to compliant products according to the licence conditions.

Raw Material Requirements for Insulated Food Containers

Raw materials are particularly important because several components can come in direct or indirect contact with food.

The current Product Manual identifies material requirements including:

Welding Electrode

Grade 308L as per IS 5856.

Inner Container

The applicable materials can include:

Grade N1 or N2 of IS 15997
Relevant stainless-steel grades under IS 6911
304 series under IS 5522
316/316L under IS 6911

Outer Container and Lid

Where made from steel, the Product Manual identifies relevant stainless-steel grades including Grade N1/N2 and 304 series or 316/316L under the referenced standards.

Stainless-Steel Rim of Glass Lid

Where provided, the rim should meet the applicable stainless-steel material requirements.

Glass Lid

Safety glass used for the glass lid must comply with the applicable performance requirements of IS 2347.

Stainless-Steel Lid

Applicable stainless-steel grades are identified in the Product Manual.

Internal Utensils

Where internal utensils are supplied with the container, the Product Manual specifies applicable stainless-steel material requirements.

Plastic Components

The material of plastic components must be declared and its conformity established through the supplier's test certificate.

Insulation Material

The insulation material must also be declared and conformity supported through the supplier's test certificate.

Food-Contact Material Requirements

Food safety is an important part of IS 17569:2021.

The BIS Product Manual includes specific provisions for:

Food-grade stainless steel
Polymer materials
Silicone gaskets
BPA
Coating safety
Food-contact migration
Sensorial characteristics

The current BIS LIMS database specifically lists testing for leaching of food-grade stainless steel, sensorial testing, BPA in polymers, silicone gasket overall migration and defects, and other component requirements.

BPA Requirement

Where polymer components are used, BPA compliance becomes an important requirement.

The BIS testing database lists:

Polymer – Test for BPA

under Clause 7.1.2.2.

Manufacturers should maintain material declarations and appropriate test certificates for plastic food-contact components.

Silicone Gasket Requirements

Where silicone gaskets are used, the BIS testing framework includes:

Overall migration
Defects

under the relevant clause.

The gasket material should be suitable for food-contact application and meet the applicable requirements.

Coating Requirements

For coated components, the current Product Manual includes:

Coating thickness
Salt-water corrosion
Adhesion
Lead limit
Cadmium limit

The Product Manual identifies IS 9730 for applicable coating-related test methods and IS 9806 for lead and cadmium limits.

Capacity Test

Capacity is an important requirement because the container's declared capacity forms part of the licence scope.

The Product Manual identifies:

Clause 7.3 – Capacity

as a routine factory test. The recommended level of control is three samples from each control unit.

Heat Retention Capability

Heat retention is one of the most important performance characteristics of an insulated food container.

The Product Manual includes testing at:

1 hour
6 hours
12 hours
24 hours

The recommended testing frequency varies with the duration and is linked to each capacity and material. For example, 1-hour and 6/12-hour heat-retention tests are recommended once a month, while the 24-hour test is recommended once every three months.

The required equipment includes:

Hot plate
Thermometer
Air conditioner
Stopwatch
Torque wrench

Cold Retention Capability

Cold retention evaluates the container's ability to maintain a low temperature for the specified period.

The Product Manual identifies Clause 7.5 – Cold Retention Capability and recommends testing three samples once a month for each capacity and material.

The testing setup includes:

Refrigerator
Thermometer
Air conditioner
Stopwatch
Torque wrench

Drop Impact Test

The drop-impact test evaluates the ability of the container to withstand impact during normal handling.

The Product Manual specifies three samples once every three months for this requirement, with additional testing provisions in case of failure.

The required equipment includes a Drop Impact Test Fixture.

Pendulum Impact Test

The pendulum impact test evaluates resistance to impact from another specified direction or condition.

The current Product Manual specifies three samples once every three months.

The equipment includes a Pendulum Impact Test Fixture.

Handle Strength

Containers provided with handles must satisfy the applicable strength requirement.

The Product Manual identifies Clause 7.7 – Fixing Strength of the Handle and recommends three samples once every three months.

Testing may involve:

Test fixture
Weighing balance
Steel balls for loading
Counter

Shoulder Strap Strength

For products provided with a shoulder strap, the strap strength is tested under the applicable requirement.

The Product Manual recommends testing three samples once every three months.

Leakage Test

Leakage testing is important for food containers because leakage can affect food safety, usability and insulation performance.

The Product Manual identifies Clause 7.9 – Leakage Test as a routine factory test with three samples from each control unit.

The test equipment includes measuring jars, hot plate, thermometer, surfactant, torque wrench and stopwatch.

Joint Leak Test

For certain vacuum insulated stainless-steel containers, the Product Manual identifies a separate Joint Leak Test.

This is a routine test carried out with three samples from each control unit.

The equipment includes:

Weighing balance with 10 mg accuracy
Water bath/tub

Staining Test

For stainless-steel products, staining performance is assessed under the applicable requirement.

The Product Manual recommends three samples once every three months.

PUF Insulation

Where Polyurethane Foam (PUF) or another similar thermal insulation material is used, the insulation is checked according to the applicable requirements.

The Product Manual identifies:

Clause 7.12 – Checking of PUF Insulation

with a recommended frequency of one sample once every three months.

The density of PUF is measured using a weighing balance according to Annex F.

Shoulder Strap Length

Where a shoulder strap is provided, its length is checked against the applicable requirement.

The Product Manual identifies Clause 7.13.1 and recommends three samples per control unit.

Stability Test

Container stability is important to prevent accidental tipping during use.

The Product Manual identifies:

Clause 7.13.2 – Stability of Flask

as a routine test with three samples per control unit.

The test uses a plane inclined at 10 degrees.

Seepage Test

The Product Manual also includes a seepage test under Clause 7.14.

Three samples are recommended once every three months, with each variety produced during the period to be tested at least once.

Glass Lid Requirements

Where a glass lid is provided, specific performance requirements apply.

The BIS LIMS database currently lists separate tests for:

Glass-lid fragmentation
Ball drop
Thermal shock
Free fall
Thickness of glass lid
Thickness of stainless-steel rim

These tests are associated with the relevant glass-lid performance requirements of IS 2347.

Internal Utensils

Some insulated food containers may be supplied with internal utensils.

The current BIS requirements include checks for:

Material
Thickness
Plastic lid thickness, where applicable
BPA, where applicable

The BIS LIMS database identifies these as separate testing parameters.

Product Grouping for IS 17569:2021

Product grouping is a critical part of the BIS certification process.

The current Product Manual divides products based on:

Classification I – Material Type

Plastic outside + stainless steel inside
Stainless steel both sides
Plastic both sides
Combinations
Lid/bottom variations
Glass lid with beading
Hot/cold box with inserts

Classification II – Insulation Type

Vacuum insulated
Thermal insulated Type 1
Thermal insulated Type 2

Classification III – Nominal Capacity

Up to 1,000 ml
Above 1,000 ml to 5,000 ml
Above 5,000 ml to 20,000 ml

Classification IV – Usage

Table top
Transportation

For each material, insulation and usage combination, the highest nominal capacity from each applicable capacity group is selected for independent testing. The factory test reports of other capacities intended to be covered must also be submitted.

BIS Sample Requirement

The current BIS Product Manual specifies:

8 Nos.

as the sample size for IS 17569:2021.

During surveillance, BIS may also draw samples of the inner-container raw material for independent chemical-composition testing.

Control Unit for Insulated Containers

The Product Manual recommends defining the control unit as:

Quantity of all insulated containers of the same type, nominal capacity and usage, manufactured by the same method under similar conditions in a day.

This definition is important for:

Routine testing
Batch identification
Production records
Traceability
Quality Assurance Planning

Quality Assurance Plan

The BIS Product Manual expects manufacturers to implement a Quality Assurance Plan containing regular testing and in-process controls.

The manufacturer must:

Define the control unit
Define testing frequency
Define sample quantity
Maintain test records
Submit the Quality Assurance Plan to the BIS Branch Office for information
Ensure conformity across the production covered by the plan

In-House Testing Facilities

The Product Manual expects manufacturers to establish a suitably equipped and staffed in-house laboratory for routine tests and factory-only requirements.

Tests that can be subcontracted may be performed through:

BIS-recognized/empanelled laboratories
NABL-accredited laboratories complying with ISO/IEC 17025

For MSME manufacturers, the Product Manual provides flexibility to use common cluster facilities, shared testing facilities or recognized/NABL-accredited laboratories for routine testing.

Large-scale manufacturers are expected to maintain suitable routine-test facilities and a calibration plan, although sharing-of-testing-facilities provisions are also available according to BIS guidelines.

Testing Equipment for IS 17569:2021

The current BIS Product Manual provides an indicative equipment list.

Important equipment includes:

Vernier calipers
Micrometers
Coating thickness gauge
Measuring jars
Hot plate
Thermometers
Refrigerator
Stopwatches
Torque wrench
Drop impact fixture
Pendulum impact fixture
Weighing balance
Handle test fixture
Shoulder-strap test fixture
Water bath/tub
Inclined plane
Equipment for food-contact migration testing
Equipment for sensorial testing
PUF-density testing equipment

The BIS Product Manual states that the equipment list is indicative and not exhaustive.

BIS Factory Inspection for Insulated Containers

Factory assessment is an important stage of BIS certification.

During inspection, BIS may examine:

Manufacturing Machinery

Equipment for stainless-steel fabrication, plastic moulding, welding, insulation and assembly.

Raw Material

Identification and traceability of stainless steel, plastic, glass, silicone, insulation and other components.

Welding

Welding arrangements and control of welding defects.

Insulation

Vacuum or thermal insulation process and material controls.

Lid and Closure

Inspection of stainless-steel, plastic or glass lids and gaskets.

Handle and Shoulder Strap

Strength and dimensional controls.

Laboratory

Availability of applicable routine testing facilities.

Calibration

Calibration records for measuring and testing equipment.

Quality Control

Incoming, in-process and final inspections.

Records

Production, test, raw-material and batch records.

Food Safety Testing

Because these containers are intended for food storage, food-contact material conformity is an important part of the certification process.

The current BIS LIMS listing includes:

Leaching test for food-grade stainless steel
Sensorial test
BPA testing for polymer
Silicone gasket overall migration
Silicone gasket defects
Glass-lid performance tests
Material and thickness checks
Coating lead and cadmium tests

Manufacturers should maintain appropriate supplier certificates and test reports for food-contact materials and components.

Marking Requirements

The current BIS Product Manual states that the Standard Mark given in the licence schedule shall be marked on each insulated container, provided the marked product conforms to all requirements of the specification. It also requires the CM/L licence number and BIS website information to be marked at an appropriate place on the product or package.

The Product Manual specifies the wording:

“For details of BIS certification please visit www.bis.gov.in”.

The manufacturer must apply the Standard Mark only to conforming products covered by the BIS licence.

Rejection and Non-Conforming Products

The Product Manual requires all production covered by the licence and conforming to the Indian Standard to be marked with the Standard Mark.

Non-conforming production must be disposed of in a way that does not violate the provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

Manufacturers should maintain a documented system for:

Identification of rejected products
Segregation
Rework, where permitted
Disposal
Corrective action
Records

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Typical documents may include:

Company registration documents
Factory address proof
Factory layout
Manufacturing process flow chart
Machinery list
Product drawings
Product specifications
Capacity details
Material combination details
Insulation type
Usage type
Stainless-steel specifications
Plastic material details
Glass specifications
Silicone gasket details
Insulation-material details
Raw-material test certificates
Supplier certificates
Food-contact test reports
BPA test reports, where applicable
Testing equipment list
Calibration certificates
Quality Assurance Plan
Inspection procedures
Production records
Test records
Product photographs
Packing details
Marking details
Test certificate/documentation format
Authorised signatory documents
Trademark documents, where applicable

The final document requirements depend on the product configuration and proposed BIS licence scope.

Common Reasons for BIS Certification Delays

Manufacturers may experience delays because of:

Incorrect product classification
Incorrect capacity grouping
Wrong material declaration
Incorrect insulation type
Incomplete food-contact material documentation
BPA non-conformity
Coating lead or cadmium failure
Migration-test failure
Heat-retention failure
Cold-retention failure
Leakage failure
Joint leakage failure
Impact-test failure
Handle-strength failure
Shoulder-strap failure
Stability failure
PUF-density issues
Glass-lid test failure
Welding defects
Thickness non-conformity
Missing calibration records
Incomplete test records
Incorrect sample selection
Factory not ready for inspection
Incorrect BIS marking

A pre-certification review of the product, materials, testing capability and licence scope can help reduce avoidable delays.

BIS Certification Cost for Insulated Containers

There is no single fixed BIS certification cost for every manufacturer.

The total cost may depend on:

BIS application fees
Laboratory testing
Product type
Material combination
Insulation type
Usage type
Capacity groups
Glass-lid configuration
Internal utensils
Food-contact testing
Factory assessment
Testing equipment
Calibration
Documentation
Retesting, if required
Consultancy charges

Current BIS LIMS listings show laboratory-specific charges for IS 17569:2021. One current listing shows ₹27,800 excluding taxes for the listed scope, while another current listing shows ₹31,500 excluding taxes. Detailed clause-wise charges are also published by BIS for various tests.

These are laboratory-specific testing charges and not the complete BIS certification cost.

Current BIS Testing Charges

Current BIS LIMS data provides examples of individual testing charges for IS 17569:2021, including:

Test	Example Listed Charge
Manufacture and Workmanship	₹250
Material	₹300
Thickness	₹500
Coating – Lead	₹500
Coating – Cadmium	₹500
BPA	₹500
Capacity	₹300
Heat Retention	₹450
Cold Retention	₹400
Drop Impact	₹500
Pendulum Impact	₹450
Handle Strength	₹450
Shoulder Strap Strength	₹400
Leakage	₹450
Joint Leak	₹400
Staining	₹400
PUF Insulation	₹500
Shoulder Strap Length	₹350

These rates are examples from current BIS LIMS listings and can vary by laboratory and testing scope.

BIS Certification Timeline

The certification timeline can vary according to:

Product configuration
Capacity range
Material combination
Insulation type
Usage type
Sample readiness
Laboratory availability
Food-contact testing
Test results
BIS application scrutiny
Factory readiness
Factory assessment
Observation closure

Manufacturers can reduce avoidable delays by finalising their capacity groups, material declarations, product configuration and testing arrangements before submitting the BIS application.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Insulated Food Containers

Regulatory Compliance

Helps manufacturers meet applicable BIS and QCO requirements.

ISI Mark

Allows eligible manufacturers to use the BIS Standard Mark on approved products.

Food-Contact Safety

Material and food-contact testing helps establish conformity for applicable components.

Thermal Performance

Heat and cold retention testing evaluates the container's insulation performance.

Better Product Reliability

Impact, leakage, handle and stability tests support reliable product performance.

Customer Confidence

BIS certification can strengthen confidence among household and institutional buyers.

Market Acceptance

Certification supports legal market access where BIS certification is mandatory.

Better Quality Control

The Quality Assurance Plan and routine testing framework support consistent production.

Why Choose Qualitance India?

Qualitance India provides professional BIS Certification Consultancy for manufacturers seeking BIS and ISI Mark certification.

For Insulated Containers for Food Storage as per IS 17569:2021, our consultancy support can include:

Product applicability assessment
IS 17569:2021 requirement review
Material classification
Insulation-type assessment
Usage-type assessment
Capacity-group assessment
Product grouping guidance
Food-contact material review
BPA compliance guidance
Testing strategy
Sample selection guidance
Sample preparation
Laboratory testing coordination
BIS application assistance
Factory inspection preparation
Quality Assurance Plan support
Testing equipment guidance
Observation closure support
BIS licence assistance

Our support is designed to help manufacturers manage the certification process from product assessment and scope finalisation through laboratory testing, BIS application, factory inspection and licence approval.

Contact Qualitance India

Phone: +91 93106 15170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com Website: qualitanceindia.com

BIS Certification Process – Quick Flow

Product Identification ↓ IS 17569:2021 Requirement Review ↓ Material Type Assessment ↓ Insulation Type Assessment ↓ Usage Type Assessment ↓ Capacity Group Assessment ↓ Product Grouping & Scope Finalisation ↓ Documentation Preparation ↓ Sample Preparation – 8 Nos. ↓ Material & Food-Safety Testing ↓ Heat / Cold Retention Testing ↓ Impact, Leakage & Strength Testing ↓ BIS Application ↓ Application Scrutiny ↓ Factory Assessment ↓ Observation Closure ↓ BIS Licence Grant ↓ ISI Mark on Approved Insulated Containers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is IS 17569:2021?

IS 17569:2021 is the Indian Standard for Insulated Containers for Food Storage.

2. Is BIS certification mandatory for insulated food containers?

Yes. IS 17569:2021 is included under the Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use (Quality Control) Order, 2024 and the BIS compulsory certification framework.

3. Which BIS scheme applies?

Certification is operated under Scheme-I of the BIS Conformity Assessment Regulations, 2018.

4. What types of containers are covered?

The Product Manual identifies stainless steel, plastic and combination material configurations, including products with glass lids and hot/cold boxes with inserts.

5. What insulation types are covered?

The Product Manual identifies:

Vacuum insulated containers
Thermal insulated Type 1
Thermal insulated Type 2

6. What usage types are covered?

The standard identifies:

Table top
Used for transportation

7. What capacity groups are covered?

The Product Manual divides capacity into:

Up to 1,000 ml
Above 1,000 ml up to 5,000 ml
Above 5,000 ml up to 20,000 ml

8. What is the BIS sample size?

The current BIS Product Manual specifies 8 Nos. for sampling.

9. What are the main tests for insulated food containers?

Important tests include capacity, heat retention, cold retention, drop impact, pendulum impact, handle strength, shoulder-strap strength, leakage, joint leakage, staining, PUF insulation, stability, seepage and relevant food-contact material tests.

10. What stainless-steel materials can be used?

The Product Manual identifies relevant grades including N1/N2 under IS 15997, 304 series under IS 5522 and 316/316L under IS 6911 for applicable components.

11. Is BPA testing required?

Where polymer components are applicable, the BIS LIMS testing scope includes BPA testing.

12. Are silicone gaskets tested?

Yes. The current BIS LIMS listing includes overall migration and defects testing for silicone gaskets.

13. Are glass lids covered?

Yes. Where a glass lid is provided, the Product Manual refers to applicable safety-glass performance requirements, and BIS LIMS lists fragmentation, ball drop, thermal shock and free-fall testing.

14. What is the heat-retention testing frequency?

For 1-hour and 6/12-hour heat retention, the recommended frequency is once a month for each capacity and material. The 24-hour heat-retention test is recommended once every three months.

15. What is the cold-retention testing frequency?

Three samples are recommended once a month for each capacity and material.

16. Is leakage testing required?

Yes. Leakage testing is a routine factory test, with three samples from each control unit under the recommended levels of control.

17. Is joint leakage testing required?

Yes, particularly for vacuum-insulated stainless-steel containers covered by the applicable requirement.

18. What is the control unit?

The recommended control unit is all insulated containers of the same type, nominal capacity and usage manufactured by the same method under similar conditions in one day.

19. Is a Quality Assurance Plan required?

Yes. The Product Manual requires manufacturers to implement a Quality Assurance Plan for regular testing and in-process controls.

20. Can testing be subcontracted?

Tests identified as suitable for subcontracting may be performed through BIS-recognized/empanelled laboratories or laboratories having valid NABL accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025.

21. Are MSMEs allowed to use shared laboratories?

Yes. The Product Manual provides MSMEs with options to use common cluster facilities, shared testing facilities or recognized/NABL-accredited laboratories for routine testing.

22. What marking is required?

The Standard Mark must be marked on each conforming insulated container, and the licence number and BIS website details must also be provided at an appropriate place on the product or package.

23. How much does testing cost?

Current BIS LIMS listings show laboratory-specific total charges such as ₹27,800 and ₹31,500, depending on the laboratory and scope. Individual test charges are also listed separately.

24. Is the laboratory testing fee the complete BIS certification cost?

No. BIS application charges, factory assessment, equipment, calibration, documentation, food-contact testing, retesting and consultancy may be additional.

25. Can Qualitance India help with IS 17569:2021 certification?

Yes. Qualitance India provides product assessment, classification and grouping guidance, documentation, sample preparation, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application support and factory inspection preparation.

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Cold Box BIS Certification
Stainless Steel Insulated Container BIS Certification
BIS Certification Consultancy

Related BIS Certification Services

BIS Certification for Insulated Flask – IS 17790:2022
BIS Certification for Domestic Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask/Bottle – IS 17526:2021
BIS Certification for Stainless Steel Utensils
BIS Certification for Food Contact Products
BIS Certification for Food Storage Containers
BIS Certification for Household Products
BIS & ISI Mark Certification
BIS Factory Inspection Assistance
BIS Laboratory Testing Coordination
BIS Certification Consultancy

Conclusion

IS 17569:2021 – Insulated Containers for Food Storage establishes requirements for insulated containers used for storing and transporting food in domestic applications. The current BIS Product Manual classifies these products based on material type, insulation type, usage and nominal capacity and provides detailed grouping and testing requirements.

The BIS Product Manual identifies three capacity groups: up to 1,000 ml, above 1,000 ml up to 5,000 ml and above 5,000 ml up to 20,000 ml. For each material, insulation and usage combination, the highest capacity from the applicable group is independently tested, while factory test reports for the other intended capacities are required for scope consideration.

The standard includes important performance tests such as heat retention, cold retention, drop impact, pendulum impact, handle strength, shoulder-strap strength, leakage, joint leakage, staining, PUF insulation, stability and seepage. It also includes food-contact requirements involving stainless steel, plastic, silicone, coatings, BPA and glass lids, where applicable.

The current Product Manual specifies 8 samples for certification and requires manufacturers to maintain a Quality Assurance Plan with appropriate testing and in-process controls.

For food-contact components, manufacturers should pay particular attention to material declarations, supplier certificates, BPA compliance, migration requirements, lead and cadmium limits, silicone gasket requirements and glass-lid safety testing. These requirements can have a direct impact on the laboratory testing programme and certification timeline.

The Insulated Flask, Bottles and Containers for Domestic Use (Quality Control) Order, 2024 specifically includes IS 17569:2021 and requires covered products to bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence according to Scheme-I, subject to applicable provisions and exemptions.

Current BIS LIMS listings show laboratory-specific testing charges for IS 17569:2021, including examples of ₹27,800 and ₹31,500 excluding taxes, while individual test charges are also published separately. These laboratory charges should not be treated as the complete BIS certification cost.

For manufacturers, successful BIS certification depends on proper planning of the material combination, insulation type, usage type, capacity groups, food-contact materials, testing facilities, Quality Assurance Plan, calibration, sample preparation, factory inspection and product marking.

Qualitance India provides end-to-end BIS Certification Consultancy for Insulated Containers for Food Storage as per IS 17569:2021, including product assessment, material and type review, capacity grouping, documentation, sample preparation, laboratory testing coordination, BIS application support and factory inspection preparation.

For BIS Certification and ISI Mark Consultancy for Insulated Containers for Food Storage, contact Qualitance India today.

Phone: +91 93106 15170 Email: info@qualitanceindia.com Website: qualitanceindia.com