Understanding ISI and FSSAI Certifications: Ensuring Product Quality and Safety in India. In India, ISI (Indian Standards Institute) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certifications are vital indicators of a product’s authenticity, quality, and safety. Every day, consumers rely on FSSAI-certified packaged food items, including snacks, dairy products, and bottled water, to ensure they meet government-approved food safety standards.
Similarly, when purchasing durable goods like refrigerators, electric irons, and other home appliances, the ISI mark signifies that the product has been quality tested and meets Indian safety standards. Whether it’s the water we drink or the electronics we use, these certification marks help build trust and protect consumer health and interests.
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ISI vs FSSAI
The main difference between ISI and FSSAI is that ISI is the standard authority for setting guidelines on all the products manufactured in India apart from food, On the other hand, FSSAI is an authority for setting guidelines on all the Food items manufactured and traded in India. ISI was formed during the late ’90s and FSSAI was established in the mid-’20s.
The term ISI is used as an abbreviation of Indian Standard Institution which was primarily formed to certify the products manufactured and traded in India. Registration for ISI institutions was taken under the Society Registration Act, 1860. This body was reformed as BIS in October 2017 under the National Standard Body of India.
The term FSSAI is referred to the certificated and license issued under the Food Safety and Security Act, 2006. It handles issues related to all the edible items throughout India and frames regulatory guidelines to sell food items. It follows the scientific fundamentals to store, sell, distribute, trade, and import edible items in India.
Comparison Table Between ISI and FSSAI
| Parameters of Comparison | ISI | FSSAI |
| Head Quarters | The headquarters of ISI is situated in New Delhi in FDA Bhawan. | The headquarters of FSSAI is situated in Old Delhi in Manak Bhawan. |
| Established | ISI was established in the year 1986 on 23rd December. | FSSAI was established in the year 2006. |
| The objective | The objective of ISI is to issue certification to quality goods and to set a standard for good products. | The objective to form FSSAI was to supply only quality food products in India. |
| Items Covered | The ISI certification covers all items manufactured and traded in India except Food products. | FSSAI license covers all edible food items manufactured, traded, and imported in India. |
| Regulatory Authority | The regulatory Authority for ISI in India is the National Standards Body of India. | The regulatory Authority for FSSAI in India is the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. |
What is ISI?
ISI, short for Indian Standards Institution, is a well-recognized mark that certifies the quality and safety of goods manufactured and sold in India. Today, ISI certification is officially governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)—a statutory body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
When purchasing electrical appliances such as electric irons, heaters, or kitchen equipment, it is essential to check for the ISI mark. This mark ensures that the product has passed rigorous quality control tests, especially for electric shock resistance and short-circuit protection, thereby ensuring consumer safety.
Role and Reach of BIS in India
The main objective of establishing the Indian Standards body was to protect Indian consumers from faulty or substandard products—whether manufactured domestically or imported from abroad. These quality standards not only safeguard public interest but also promote consumer trust and product credibility in the global market.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is headquartered in New Delhi and operates through four regional offices located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Chandigarh, along with 20 branch offices across India. This widespread network enables BIS to monitor compliance and provide certifications efficiently across the country.
Legal Framework and Global Alignment
Currently, ISI certification operates under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, which came into force on October 12, 2017. One of BIS’s key responsibilities is to develop and implement national standards that are aligned with international norms such as ISO certifications. This not only improves product quality but also boosts India’s reputation in global trade.
What is FSSAI?
FSSAI, short for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is the apex regulatory body responsible for monitoring and enforcing food safety standards across India. Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, with its headquarters in New Delhi.
If you’ve ever checked the back of a snack packet, biscuit, or packaged food item, you’ll notice a 14-digit FSSAI license or registration number. This number confirms that the product has been approved for human consumption and complies with food safety regulations in India. The license helps ensure that Indian citizens are protected from consuming harmful, adulterated, or toxic food substances.
Why FSSAI Certification is Essential for Food Businesses
Food manufacturing and processing units sometimes use harmful chemicals, preservatives, or adulterants, which can pose serious health risks. To prevent such malpractice, the Indian government mandates that every edible item manufactured, sold, distributed, or imported in India—excluding medicine—must carry a valid FSSAI license or registration number.
Whether you’re running a food stall, restaurant, café, cloud kitchen, or even packaging edible products under your own brand label, FSSAI compliance is legally required. Businesses must obtain:
- FSSAI Registration: For small food businesses with annual turnover up to ₹12 lakhs.
- FSSAI License: For firms with annual turnover exceeding ₹12 lakhs (either state or central license based on scale of operation).
Additionally, each branch or unit of a food business must secure a separate FSSAI license, ensuring consistent quality and traceability across all locations.
Main Differences Between ISI and FSSAI
India has established strict quality and safety regulations to ensure that consumers receive products that are safe, reliable, and authentic. Two of the most important certification authorities in this regard are the ISI (Indian Standards Institution), now governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). While both aim to protect consumers, they serve different industries and functions.
Below is a detailed comparison of ISI and FSSAI based on various parameters:
1. Certification & Licensing Structure
| Aspect | ISI Certification | FSSAI Licensing |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Certifies that products like electrical appliances, industrial goods, and construction materials meet Indian safety and quality standards. | Issues licenses and registrations for businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, sale, or import of edible food items. |
| Scope | Focuses on products and goods that require quality control (e.g., iron, fans, cement, electronics). | Covers all food businesses, from home kitchens to large food factories and restaurants. |
| Scale of Operation | Uniform certification for products. | Issues: • FSSAI Registration for units with turnover up to ₹12 lakhs. • FSSAI License for turnover above ₹12 lakhs. |
2. Logo Appearance
| Aspect | ISI Mark | FSSAI Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple, monochrome design featuring black and white colors, often placed near the product description or packaging label. | A colorful design using multiple colors like red, orange, green, and yellow, often seen on packaged food items with the 14-digit license number. |
3. Applicability to the Service Sector
| Aspect | ISI Certification | FSSAI Licensing |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | Not applicable to service-based businesses. ISI is strictly for goods and tangible products. | Applicable to both product and service sectors in the food industry, including restaurants, cafes, dhabas, food delivery kitchens, and street food stalls. |
4. Formation & Legal Framework
| Aspect | ISI / BIS | FSSAI |
|---|---|---|
| Established | ISI was formed in 1947, and later restructured under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. | FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with the rules coming into force in 2011. |
| Legal Framework | Governed by the BIS Act, 2016. | Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. |
5. Leadership & Administration
| Aspect | ISI / BIS | FSSAI |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. | Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. |
| Chairperson (as of latest update) | Mr. Pramod Kumar Tiwari (Director General, BIS). | Mr. Rajesh Bhushan (Chairperson, FSSAI). |
Final Thoughts
While ISI ensures the safety and performance of non-food products, FSSAI ensures that food products are safe for consumption. Both play a critical role in maintaining quality standards in India and boosting consumer trust. Whether you’re a manufacturer, trader, food processor, or restaurant owner, understanding these certifications helps you comply with Indian laws and enhance your brand credibility.
Conclusion: Between ISI and FSSAI
Whenever a company manufacture any product or food items, To ensure that such product will not cause any harm to the user the company is required to get its product tested under ISI and FSSAI. Suppose we purchase any gas pipe, in a case, there is a risk of leakage in the pipe, therefore, the company gets ISI certification on its products to get a safety check that pipe will not leak any gas through it and it is safe to use.
Same way if we consume any repacked product from the market then it must be ensured that there is no harm to the human body after the intake of the same. In such cases, the manufacturing and trading unit must be approved through an FSSAI license for the safe consumption of food items.