BIS Issue A New Standards For Tea Bags Under IS 19787:2026 Complete 2026 Guide

• BIS issue New Standards For Tea Bags Under IS 19787:2026 in 2026 — India's first dedicated Indian Standard specifically covering tea bags used for brewing.
• The standard sets requirements for tea bag materials, food contact safety, and restricted substances including plastics that release microplastics.
• Manufacturers and importers of tea bags sold in India must align their products with IS 19787:2026 to meet BIS compliance norms.
• Consumers benefit directly: the standard ensures the tea bag you dip in boiling water meets verified food safety and quality benchmarks.

Introduction

In 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued IS 19787:2026 — a new Indian Standard for tea bags. This standard specifies the material requirements, food contact safety criteria, and restricted substances for tea bags sold in India. It addresses growing consumer concerns about microplastics leaching from nylon and polypropylene-based tea bags into hot beverages.

All tea bag manufacturers and importers must comply with IS 19787:2026 to sell products in the Indian market. The standard is part of India's broader push to align food packaging safety with international best practices and protect public health.

Why Did BIS Issue a New Standards For Tea Bags?

India is among the world's largest producers and consumers of tea. Millions of households and offices use tea bags every single day. Yet, until 2026, there was no standalone Indian Standard dedicated specifically to tea bags as a product — covering the bag itself, the material it is made from, and whether it is safe to use with hot water.

BIS had existing standards for tea quality — such as IS 3633 for black tea and IS 15344 for green tea — but these covered the tea leaves inside the bag, not the bag material itself. IS 19787:2026 fills that gap.

The timing is not a coincidence. Scientific research published between 2019 and 2024 raised serious alarms globally. Studies found that a single plastic tea bag steeped in boiling water can release billions of micro and nanoplastic particles into your cup. These particles — primarily from nylon, polypropylene, and PET materials commonly used in tea bags — were found to be absorbed by human intestinal cells. India's regulatory body acted to set clear, enforceable boundaries.

BIS Indian Standards for Tea: At a Glance

What is BIS IS 19787:2026? Complete Guide to India's New Tea Bags Standard  

IS 19787:2026 is a new Indian Standard issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifically for tea bags. It is developed under the Food and Agriculture Division of BIS and is applicable to tea bags intended for use in preparing hot tea beverages — the bags that you dip or steep in hot or boiling water.

The standard covers several important dimensions that were previously unregulated at the national level:

• Material composition of the tea bag — what the filter/bag material can and cannot be made from
• Food contact safety — ensuring materials that come into contact with hot water are safe for consumption
• Restricted and prohibited substances — specific chemicals and polymers that must not be present beyond threshold limits
• Physical requirements — including heat resistance, tensile strength, and impermeability to tea particles
• Labelling requirements — what information must be declared on tea bag packaging
• Sampling and testing methods — procedures for verifying compliance

In simple terms: IS 19787:2026 is the rulebook for every tea bag sold in India. If the bag material is unsafe, the standard flags it. If a restricted plastic is present, the standard prohibits it.

Restricted Materials Under IS 19787:2026 – What Is Not Allowed?

This is the section that has the most direct impact on consumers and manufacturers. IS 19787:2026 addresses materials known to pose food safety risks, particularly when a tea bag is exposed to high-temperature water during brewing.

Why Certain Plastics Are Restricted

The concern with plastic-based tea bag materials is well documented in peer-reviewed science. When tea bags made from nylon (polyamide), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are steeped in water at or above 70°C — which is normal brewing temperature for most teas — these materials begin to degrade and shed particles.

Research has consistently found that plastic tea bags are a significant source of microplastic and nanoplastic exposure in beverages. At typical black tea brewing temperatures of 95–100°C, the degradation rate and particle release are substantially higher than at room temperature.

Key Restricted / Regulated Substances

Note: The exact numerical threshold limits (migration limits, parts per million values) are specified within the IS 19787:2026 document. Manufacturers and compliance teams should refer directly to the BIS published standard for precise test parameters.

Permitted and Encouraged Materials Under IS 19787:2026

The standard does not just restrict — it provides clarity on what materials are acceptable and preferred for tea bag manufacturing in India:

Key Requirements Under IS 19787:2026

Material and Physical Requirements

The standard sets out minimum physical performance criteria for tea bag materials to ensure they function safely in hot water environments. These include:

• Heat Resistance: Tea bag material must withstand brewing temperatures (typically 85°C–100°C) without structural breakdown, tearing, or excessive leaching.
• Wet Tensile Strength: The bag must not rupture or disintegrate when immersed in hot water, preventing tea leaf contamination of the beverage.
• Filtration Performance: The material must retain tea particles while allowing adequate infusion of flavour and colour into the water.
• Migration Limits: Any material in contact with hot water must not migrate substances beyond the permissible limits set under food safety norms, including BIS food contact material standards and FSSAI regulations.

Labelling Requirements

IS 19787:2026 requires that tea bag packaging carry accurate material declarations so consumers can make informed choices. Labelling must include:

• Material composition of the tea bag filter (e.g., 'Made from unbleached abaca and wood pulp fibre' or 'Contains food-grade PLA bioplastic')
• Whether the bag is compostable, biodegradable, or contains synthetic polymer components
• Any relevant food contact certifications or compliance declarations
• Manufacturer or importer name and contact details
• Country of manufacture

Sampling and Testing

BIS specifies standardised sampling procedures and test methods for verifying that tea bags meet IS 19787:2026 requirements. Testing typically includes:

• Migration testing — measuring substance transfer from bag material into hot water under simulated brewing conditions
• Physical tests — wet tensile strength, puncture resistance, and dimensional consistency
• Chemical analysis — for restricted substances including PP, PA, PET, ECH, and PFAS
• Sensory tests — ensuring the bag material does not impart colour, odour, or taste to the brewed beverage

Who Does IS 19787:2026 Apply To?

IS 19787:2026 applies to all entities in the tea bag supply chain that sell or distribute tea bags within India:

How to Get BIS Certification for Tea Bags Under IS 19787:2026

If you are a manufacturer or importer of tea bags and want to demonstrate compliance with IS 19787:2026, the BIS Product Certification (ISI Mark) scheme is the pathway. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process:

Step 1 – Review the Standard: Obtain a copy of IS 19787:2026 from the BIS Manak Online portal (www.manakonline.in) or BIS Connect. Study all material, labelling, and test requirements.

Step 2 – Internal Audit: Audit your current tea bag materials against the restricted substances list. Identify any non-compliant components (e.g., polypropylene heat seals, nylon mesh) and initiate reformulation.

Step 3 – Pre-testing in BIS-Recognised Lab: Submit tea bag samples for testing at a NABL-accredited or BIS-recognised laboratory. Obtain test reports confirming compliance with IS 19787:2026 parameters.

Step 4 – Apply for BIS Certification: Submit the application online through the BIS Connect portal (www.services.bis.gov.in). Upload required documents including factory details, test reports, quality manual, and production flow chart.

Step 5 – BIS Factory Inspection: A BIS officer will conduct an inspection of your manufacturing facility to verify production processes, quality controls, and compliance with standard requirements.

Step 6 – Grant of License: On successful inspection, BIS grants a product certification licence to use the ISI mark on your tea bag packaging.

Step 7 – Ongoing Compliance: Licenses are subject to surveillance testing and periodic factory audits to maintain certification. Any change in material or process must be notified to BIS.

Documents Required for BIS Certification For Tea Bags

• Completed BIS application form (online via BIS Connect portal)
• Test reports from NABL-accredited / BIS-recognized laboratory confirming IS 19787:2026 compliance
• Factory registration certificate and GST registration
• Manufacturing process flowchart and quality control plan
• List of raw materials used with supplier declarations
• Labelling samples or artwork for the product packaging
• Import documents (for importers) — Bill of Lading, supplier conformity declaration

BIS Certification For Tea Bags Fees

BIS certification fees include an application fee, grant-of-licence fee, and annual marking fee based on production volume. The exact fee schedule is available at the BIS official website (www.bis.gov.in) and is subject to periodic revision. Applicants should check the latest fee structure at the time of application.

Validity and Renewal For Tea Bags

A BIS product certification licence for tea bags under IS 19787:2026 is typically valid for one to two years, subject to satisfactory surveillance. Renewal applications must be submitted before expiry. BIS may conduct surprise inspections at any point during the validity period.

Benefits of IS 19787:2026 for Consumers, Manufacturers, and the Market

For Consumers

• Assurance that the tea bag material in contact with your hot beverage meets verified food safety standards
• Reduced exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic-based tea bag materials
• Clearer labelling helps you make informed choices about the tea bag materials you use daily
• Protection from harmful chemicals like epichlorohydrin and PFAS in tea bag paper

For Manufacturers

• A clear, nationally recognized compliance framework replacing ambiguity in material selection
• BIS certification (ISI Mark) builds consumer trust and brand differentiation
• Alignment with global food packaging safety trends makes Indian tea bag brands more competitive in export markets
• Early compliance avoids future market disruption when enforcement begins

For the Market and Environment

• Accelerates the shift away from single-use plastic tea bags toward compostable, biodegradable alternatives in India
• Reduces plastic pollution from discarded tea bags, which are a significant source of microplastic contamination in soil and water
• Supports India's commitments under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for plastic packaging
• Encourages domestic manufacturing of natural fibre tea bag materials using India's abundant resources like abaca, cotton, and jute

India's IS 19787:2026 in a Global Regulatory Context

India is not alone in addressing tea bag safety. Regulatory bodies worldwide have been moving in the same direction, driven by mounting scientific evidence on microplastics in food contact materials:

India's IS 19787:2026 is therefore a timely and proactive step — positioning India alongside the EU as a global leader in food contact material safety regulation for tea products.

What Should Tea Brands in India Do Right Now?

If you are a tea brand, manufacturer, or importer operating in India, here is your practical 2026 action checklist:

• Audit your current tea bag supplier — ask for material composition data and check it against the IS 19787:2026 restricted substances list.
• If your bags contain polypropylene heat seals or nylon/PET mesh, initiate transition to PLA, abaca, or natural fibre alternatives immediately.
• Test your products at a NABL-accredited laboratory under IS 19787:2026 parameters before the enforcement deadline.
• Update your product labelling to include clear material declarations as required under the standard.
• Apply for BIS ISI Mark certification to demonstrate compliance and gain market advantage.
• Monitor BIS notifications for enforcement date announcements and any amendments to IS 19787:2026.
• Train your quality assurance and procurement teams on the new standard requirements.

Conclusion: IS 19787:2026 Is a Step in the Right Direction for Every Tea Drinker in India

India has a deep, daily relationship with tea. For most people, it is the first thing they reach for in the morning. That cup of tea deserves the same safety standards as any other food or beverage product — and IS 19787:2026 ensures that the bag holding your tea leaves is not silently adding billions of plastic particles to your drink.

BIS issuing IS 19787:2026 is a meaningful, overdue development. It brings tea bags within a formal food safety regulatory framework, aligns India with global best practices, and gives both manufacturers and consumers a clear, trustworthy benchmark.

For manufacturers: start your compliance journey today. For consumers: look for BIS-certified or natural-material tea bags. For the industry: this is the future — and it is already here.

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