- Glass feeding bottles are covered under IS 5168:2018, with glass composition and material requirements specified by the applicable standard.
- Key tests include thermal shock resistance, impact resistance, capacity and graduation accuracy, alkalinity, and applicable chemical-safety requirements.
- Batch-wise sampling and quality control must follow the applicable BIS Scheme of Inspection and Testing. Verify the prescribed lot size and sampling frequency before stating that each control unit contains 1,000 bottles or fewer.
- BIS certification timelines depend on testing, factory inspection, and application completeness. Domestic and Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) applicants should confirm current processing estimates with BIS rather than relying on fixed 30- or 180-working-day timelines.
Introduction
BIS certification for glass feeding bottles is mandatory in India for products covered by IS 5168:2018. The standard specifies applicable requirements for glass material, product quality, and performance. Testing must follow the relevant provisions of the standard and its applicable amendments.
Key requirements may include thermal shock resistance, impact resistance, capacity and graduation accuracy, alkalinity, and applicable chemical-safety tests. Manufacturers must prepare the required production and quality-control facilities, submit samples for testing through the applicable BIS-recognized laboratory route, and complete the prescribed factory assessment under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) through the Manakonline portal.
The certification process also involves compliance with the applicable batch-wise inspection and sampling requirements. Domestic manufacturers and foreign manufacturers applying under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) should confirm current processing timelines with BIS, as testing, factory inspection, and application completeness affect the time required for license grant. Frequently quoted estimates of 30 working days for domestic applications and 180 working days for FMCS applications should not be treated as guaranteed timelines.
What Is BIS Certification for Glass Feeding Bottles?
BIS certification for glass feeding bottles is mandatory in India for products covered by IS 5168:2018 — Glass Feeding Bottles. The standard specifies requirements for material, dimensions, capacity, workmanship, thermal shock resistance, and other performance and safety parameters.
Glass feeding bottles must comply with the applicable Indian Standard before they can be legally marketed under the mandatory certification requirements. Manufacturers must obtain the required BIS license under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) and comply with the license conditions.
After the license is granted, the manufacturer can use the ISI Standard Mark in accordance with BIS requirements. The mark helps buyers identify products covered by the applicable certification.
Scope and Material Requirements Under IS 5168
IS 5168:2018 establishes requirements for glass feeding bottles, including their material, construction, dimensions, capacity, and performance.
- Glass material: The glass must comply with the material requirements specified in IS 5168. Confirm the applicable glass composition and grade against the current standard.
- Product scope: The standard covers glass feeding bottles. Rubber teats and plastic or metallic closures are addressed separately and are not covered by the glass-bottle specification itself.
- Capacity and dimensions: Bottles must meet the prescribed capacity, dimensional, and wall-thickness requirements.
- Finish and workmanship: The bottle must comply with the standard's requirements for manufacture, finish, and appearance.
- Scale and graduations: Volume markings must meet the applicable accuracy and marking requirements.
- Batch sampling: Manufacturers must follow the applicable BIS inspection and testing requirements, including the prescribed control-unit sampling procedures.
Important: Do not assume that every glass composition or bottle design automatically qualifies. Verify the material specifications, product scope, and applicable amendments before submitting samples for certification.
Why Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Glass Feeding Bottles?
Glass feeding bottles are used to store and deliver infant feeds and may undergo repeated cleaning and sterilization. Their material quality and ability to withstand specified conditions are therefore important aspects of product conformity.
Key Reasons for Certification
- Thermal shock resistance: Evaluates the bottle's ability to withstand the temperature changes specified in the standard.
- Material safety: Applicable chemical tests assess compliance with the standard's material-safety requirements.
- Capacity accuracy: Ensures that the bottle's capacity complies with the prescribed requirements.
- Dimensional consistency: Checks the bottle's dimensions and wall thickness against the applicable specifications.
- Graduation accuracy: Helps ensure that volume markings meet the standard's requirements.
- Pigment permanency: Evaluates the permanency of applicable printed or coloured markings.
BIS certification provides a formal conformity-assessment process. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a product is entirely risk-free under every condition of use.
IS 5168:2018 — Key Quality Parameters and Tests
| Parameter | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Material | Compliance with the specified glass material requirements |
| Description and workmanship | Manufacture, finish, and appearance |
| Capacity | Compliance with the prescribed capacity requirements |
| Dimensions and wall thickness | Bottle dimensions and wall-thickness requirements |
| Scale and graduations | Accuracy and conformity of volume markings |
| Permanency of pigments | Durability of applicable printed or coloured markings |
| Limit of alkalinity | Compliance with the standard's alkalinity requirements |
| Thermal shock resistance | Performance under the prescribed temperature-change test |
| Migration of heavy and toxic elements | Compliance with applicable limits for the specified elements |
This table is a summary for guidance. Refer to the current edition of IS 5168:2018, its applicable amendments, and the official BIS Product Manual for the complete requirements, test methods, acceptance limits, and inspection frequencies.
Manufacturers should also maintain the required testing equipment, production controls, calibration records, and quality documentation in accordance with the applicable BIS certification requirements.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Glass Feeding Bottles?
BIS certification for glass feeding bottles is required for products covered by the applicable mandatory certification requirements in India. The following businesses should assess their licensing and compliance obligations:
- Domestic manufacturers: Indian manufacturers producing glass feeding bottles covered by IS 5168:2018.
- Foreign manufacturers: Overseas manufacturers supplying glass feeding bottles to India must follow the applicable Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) requirements.
- Private-label and D2C brands: Businesses selling bottles under their own brand should verify that their manufacturing partner holds a valid BIS license covering the relevant product.
- Importers and distributors: Businesses importing or distributing products subject to mandatory BIS certification must ensure that the products meet the applicable requirements.
- E-commerce sellers: Online sellers should verify product certification and comply with applicable marketplace and legal requirements before listing products.
Important: A BIS license is generally associated with the manufacturer and the approved product scope. Importers, brands, and retailers should not assume that they automatically need separate manufacturing licenses.
Eligibility Criteria for BIS Certification of Glass Feeding Bottles
Manufacturers applying for a BIS license under IS 5168:2018 should prepare the following:
- Eligible manufacturing unit: The application must relate to the actual manufacturing facility producing the glass feeding bottles.
- Product conformity: The glass material, bottle design, dimensions, capacity, and performance must meet the applicable standard.
- Manufacturing facilities: The factory must have the required production machinery, moulds, process controls, and quality-control arrangements.
- Testing facilities: The manufacturer must meet the testing and quality-control requirements specified in the applicable BIS product manual.
- Product testing: Samples must undergo the tests required under the applicable certification procedure.
- Foreign manufacturers: Overseas applicants must meet the relevant FMCS requirements, including appointment of an eligible Authorised Indian Representative (AIR).
A registered business and GST registration may be relevant supporting details, but they do not independently establish eligibility for a BIS license.
Documents Required for BIS Certification of Glass Feeding Bottles
Preparing the relevant documents in advance helps manufacturers organise their application and respond to BIS queries efficiently.
| Document Category | Documents or Information to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Business details | Legal business name, address, and applicable registration documents |
| Authorised signatory | Identity proof and authorisation documents required for the application |
| Factory details | Manufacturing address, factory layout, machinery, and production-process information |
| Product technical file | Bottle drawings, dimensions, capacities, and product specifications |
| Material details | Glass composition and relevant material specifications |
| Testing records | Applicable sample test reports and other testing evidence required by BIS |
| Quality-control facilities | Testing equipment details, calibration records, and quality-control procedures, as applicable |
| Product marking | Proposed capacity markings, product information, packaging details, and applicable ISI marking information |
| Trademark or brand documents | Trademark or brand authorisation documents, where required |
| FMCS documents | Overseas factory details and AIR appointment documents for foreign manufacturers |
| Declarations | Prescribed application declarations, undertakings, and affidavits, as applicable |
The exact document checklist depends on the applicable BIS application procedure and the manufacturer's circumstances. Consult the current product manual and application instructions before filing.
Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process for Glass Feeding Bottles
The general process for obtaining BIS certification for glass feeding bottles includes the following steps:
- Confirm the applicable standard: Review IS 5168:2018 and its applicable amendments to establish the product requirements.
- Define the product scope: Identify the bottle designs, capacities, and variants for which certification is sought.
- Prepare the manufacturing unit: Ensure that the production facilities, process controls, and quality-management arrangements meet the applicable requirements.
- Prepare technical documentation: Compile product drawings, material specifications, factory information, and other prescribed documents.
- Arrange sample testing: Follow the applicable BIS testing procedure and submit samples for the required tests, including relevant thermal shock, impact, dimensional, and chemical tests.
- Submit the application: Apply through the BIS Manakonline portal under the applicable Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) procedure. Foreign manufacturers must follow the relevant FMCS process.
- Complete factory assessment: BIS assesses the manufacturing facility, production processes, testing arrangements, and quality-control system as required.
- Resolve observations: Address any deficiencies identified during document review, sample testing, or factory assessment.
- Obtain the licence: BIS may grant the licence once the applicable conformity and procedural requirements have been satisfied.
- Maintain ongoing compliance: Follow the applicable inspection, testing, marking, recordkeeping, and surveillance requirements throughout the licence period.
Before applying: Verify the current BIS product manual for IS 5168:2018. Do not assume that every test must be performed for every variant, that a separate external test report is always required before filing, or that surveillance follows a fixed rotation unless the applicable BIS procedure confirms it.
BIS Certification Fees for Glass Feeding Bottles: Approximate Cost Breakdown
The cost of BIS certification for glass feeding bottles depends on the applicable certification requirements, product scope, testing arrangements, manufacturing facilities, and whether the applicant is a domestic or foreign manufacturer.
| Cost Component | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| BIS application fee | Government fee applicable to the certification application |
| Laboratory testing charges | Testing against applicable requirements of IS 5168:2018 |
| Testing equipment and facilities | Equipment, calibration, and testing arrangements required under the applicable BIS product manual |
| Factory inspection | Applicable inspection charges, including overseas inspection costs under FMCS where relevant |
| Licence and marking fees | Applicable fees for licence grant, renewal, and use of the ISI Standard Mark |
| Consultancy charges | Optional assistance with documentation, testing coordination, and inspection preparation |
The total cost varies according to the manufacturer's circumstances and the applicable BIS fee schedule. Laboratory charges and equipment investments are separate cost considerations, while professional consultancy fees are optional.
Before budgeting, verify the current BIS application, inspection, license, and marking fees using official BIS resources. Do not rely on an estimated total without confirming the applicable fee schedule.
Timeline: How Long Does BIS Certification for Glass Feeding Bottles Take?
The time required for BIS certification for glass feeding bottles depends on application completeness, sample testing, factory assessment, and the resolution of any non-conformities.
Domestic manufacturers should prepare their technical documents, manufacturing facilities, and quality-control arrangements before applying. Foreign manufacturers applying through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) should also allow time for overseas factory assessment and completion of the applicable Authorized Indian Representative requirements.
Frequently quoted estimates of 30 working days for domestic applications and up to 180 working days for FMCS applications should not be treated as guaranteed approval periods. Confirm current processing guidance with BIS before committing to a product launch.
Common causes of delay include:
- Incomplete product documentation: Missing drawings, dimensions, or capacity details.
- Testing failures: Products that do not meet applicable thermal shock, dimensional, or chemical-safety requirements.
- Factory deficiencies: Inadequate production controls or testing arrangements.
- Unresolved observations: Delays in responding to questions raised during document review, testing, or factory assessment.
Validity and Renewal of BIS Certification for Glass Feeding Bottles
A BIS license for glass feeding bottles remains subject to the validity period and conditions specified by BIS. Manufacturers must renew the license as required to continue using the ISI Standard Mark lawfully.
To maintain certification:
- Track the licence expiry date and begin renewal preparations well in advance.
- Maintain updated production records, test reports, and quality-control documentation.
- Keep manufacturing facilities and testing arrangements compliant with applicable BIS requirements.
- Submit the prescribed renewal application and fees within the required period.
- Cooperate with applicable BIS inspections, surveillance, and market-sample testing.
Manufacturers must not use the ISI Standard Mark outside the scope or validity of their license. Manufacturing or selling products in violation of applicable mandatory certification requirements may lead to regulatory action under the relevant law.
Benefits of BIS-Certified Glass Feeding Bottles
- Product conformity: Certification demonstrates conformity with the applicable requirements of IS 5168:2018 within the licence scope.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps manufacturers and businesses meet the mandatory certification requirements applicable to these products.
- Retail and marketplace readiness: Supports product-compliance checks by distributors, retailers, and e-commerce platforms.
- Consumer confidence: The authorised ISI Standard Mark helps consumers identify products covered by BIS certification.
- Brand credibility: Demonstrates a manufacturer's commitment to documented quality control and product conformity.
Certification does not eliminate every possible product risk, but it provides a formal conformity-assessment framework for products covered by the applicable Indian Standard.
How Glass Feeding Bottle Certification Differs From Plastic Feeding Bottle Certification
Manufacturers producing both glass and plastic feeding bottles must consider the separate Indian Standards applicable to each product category.
| Comparison | Glass Feeding Bottles | Plastic Feeding Bottles |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable standard | IS 5168:2018 | IS 14625:2015, subject to applicable amendments |
| Material requirements | Glass material and related product requirements | Permitted polymer and related product requirements |
| Key testing areas | Thermal shock, dimensions, capacity, alkalinity, and applicable chemical-safety requirements | Material conformity, dimensions, leakage, impact, and other prescribed performance requirements |
| Certification process | Applicable BIS Scheme-I requirements | Applicable BIS Scheme-I requirements |
A manufacturer seeking certification for both product categories must meet the product-specific technical requirements applicable to each standard. Confirm the appropriate application scope and license arrangements with BIS.
Consequences of Selling Non-Certified Glass Feeding Bottles
Glass feeding bottles covered by mandatory BIS certification requirements must comply with the applicable certification provisions before being manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
Non-compliance may lead to regulatory action, penalties, restrictions on sale, or other consequences under applicable law. The exact consequences depend on the nature of the violation and the relevant statutory provisions.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors should verify that products covered by mandatory certification have the required valid licence. Online sellers should also check applicable legal and marketplace requirements before listing products.
BIS compliance is an ongoing responsibility, not simply a one-time application. Manufacturers must continue to meet applicable product, testing, marking, and licence conditions.
Silvereye Certifications: BIS Certification Support for Glass and Plastic Feeding Bottles
Obtaining BIS certification for glass feeding bottles involves preparing product specifications, manufacturing information, testing arrangements, and quality-control documentation in line with the applicable standard.
Silvereye Certifications can support manufacturers and businesses with:
- Standard and scope guidance: Reviewing proposed bottle sizes, designs, capacities, and applicable requirements.
- Documentation support: Organising product drawings, technical specifications, factory information, and other required documents.
- Laboratory coordination: Helping applicants understand the testing process and coordinate applicable sample testing.
- Inspection preparation: Reviewing manufacturing facilities, production controls, and quality records before assessment.
- Renewal and compliance support: Helping businesses track licence validity and prepare for applicable renewal and surveillance requirements.
For businesses manufacturing both glass and plastic feeding bottles, support may also cover the separate requirements of IS 5168 and IS 14625, as applicable.
The final certification decision rests with BIS, based on the applicable requirements and assessment results.
Conclusion
BIS certification for glass feeding bottles requires conformity with IS 5168:2018, suitable manufacturing and testing arrangements, product testing, and compliance with the applicable certification scheme.
Before applying, manufacturers should confirm the relevant material and product requirements, prepare complete technical documentation, establish the required quality controls, and verify current fees and processing guidance with BIS.
Careful preparation can reduce avoidable delays and help businesses maintain compliance throughout the licence period. Silvereye Certifications can assist with documentation, testing coordination, inspection preparation, and renewal planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification mandatory for glass feeding bottles in India?
Yes. Glass feeding bottles must be certified under IS 5168:2018 through BIS's ISI Mark Scheme-I before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India.
What materials are approved under IS 5168 for feeding bottles?
IS 5168:2018 requires high-quality, sterilisable borosilicate or soda-lime glass that is safe for repeated food contact and resistant to thermal shock.
What tests does a glass feeding bottle undergo for BIS certification?
Key tests include thermal shock resistance, impact/mechanical strength, volume and graduation accuracy, permanency of pigments, limit of alkalinity, and migration of heavy and toxic elements.
How long does BIS certification for glass feeding bottles take?
Domestic manufacturers typically get certified in around 30 working days. Foreign manufacturers applying under FMCS should plan for up to 180 working days, since it includes an overseas factory audit.
Does IS 5168 cover the cap, teat, or ring of a glass feeding bottle?
No. IS 5168:2018 covers the glass bottle body itself; the hood, cap, ring, teats, and sealing disc are addressed under separate specifications.
What documents are required for BIS certification of glass feeding bottles?
Business registration proof, authorised signatory ID, factory details, drawings for every declared size/design, a valid test report from a BIS-recognised lab, and label artwork.
Is a factory audit compulsory for glass feeding bottle BIS certification?
Yes. BIS conducts a factory audit to check manufacturing capability, batch-wise control-unit sampling practices, and quality control before granting the license.
Can a foreign manufacturer get BIS certification for glass feeding bottles?
Yes, through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), which requires an overseas factory audit and an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) based in India.
Do I need a separate certification for plastic feeding bottles?
Yes. Plastic feeding bottles are certified separately under IS 14625:2015, which tests food-grade polymer safety, leak-proof sealing, and drop resistance — different from the glass-specific tests under IS 5168.
What happens if I sell glass feeding bottles without BIS certification?
It is non-compliant with the BIS Act, 2016, and can lead to seizure of stock, penalties, delisting from e-commerce marketplaces, and reputational damage in a trust-sensitive category like infant products.
How much does BIS certification for glass feeding bottles cost?
Costs include the application fee, lab testing charges, test equipment investment, factory audit fee, and annual minimum license/marking fee. Confirm current figures with BIS or a certification consultant, since they vary by size/design and lab.
Can Silvereye Certifications help with glass feeding bottle certification?
Yes, Silvereye Certifications supports manufacturers and importers with scope and documentation guidance, lab coordination, factory audit readiness, and renewal support for BIS certification under IS 5168 (and IS 14625 for plastic bottles).
