Aluminium Can Makers Get Breathing Room as Government Extends Quality Control Timeline to 2027
The government extends the BIS certification timeline for aluminium cans to bridge supply gaps.
The central government has extended the timeline for implementing mandatory quality control norms on aluminium cans used in the food processing and beverage sectors, a move that has been widely welcomed by alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturers ahead of the peak summer season. Industry players said the decision would help ease supply constraints and support uninterrupted production during a period of high demand.
Under the revised schedule, the Cookware, Utensils, and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026, will be rolled out in phases. Large manufacturing units will be required to comply from October 2026, small units from January 2027, and micro enterprises from April 2027. The order mandates that aluminium cans and related products conform to prescribed Indian Standards and carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.
The extension, notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on January 15, comes as a relief to beverage companies that typically begin stocking from mid-January in preparation for surging summer consumption. Manufacturers had expressed concerns that immediate enforcement could disrupt supplies, as domestic aluminium can capacity remains insufficient to meet rising demand.
Aluminium cans were brought under mandatory BIS certification from August 2025 through a quality control order aimed at improving product quality and compliance. However, the move led to short-term disruptions, with India continuing to depend on imports to bridge a domestic capacity shortfall of over 20%. Key suppliers such as Ball Beverage Packaging India and Can-Pack India have indicated that capacity expansion will take at least six to twelve months.
Industry bodies said the extension would allow can manufacturers time to add production capacity while enabling beverage companies to meet seasonal demand through imports. The Brewers Association of India (BAI) described the decision as timely, warning that delays in BIS certification for imported cans could have triggered a major supply crisis. BAI Director General Vinod Giri said the move would help beverage makers better prepare for the summer surge.
The extended timeline is also expected to benefit food companies that use aluminium cans for premium products. With consumption of beverages in metallic cans rising sharply—particularly among younger consumers—industry stakeholders said the government’s decision strikes a balance between enforcing quality standards and ensuring business continuity during a critical growth phase.
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