The Indian government has extended the deadline for mandatory quality certification of aluminium beverage cans by six months, providing significant relief to soft drink and beer manufacturers grappling with supply chain disruptions. This decision comes as beverage companies face persistent shortages of packaging materials and struggle to meet growing consumer demand, particularly ahead of the crucial summer season.
Originally set for October 31, 2026, for large enterprises, the new compliance deadline is now April 1, 2027. Small enterprises have until July 1, 2027, to meet the requirements, while micro enterprises are granted an extension until October 1, 2027. The move aims to give manufacturers sufficient time to secure necessary supplies and prepare for anticipated demand spikes.
Addressing India's Aluminium Can Shortage
Beverage companies across India have been struggling to acquire enough aluminium cans, which now account for over a quarter of annual beer and soft drink sales—a share that has doubled in the past two years. Domestic production capacity has not kept pace with this surge in demand. Vinod Giri, Director General of the Brewers Association of India (BAI), noted that the industry had hoped for an additional 600 million cans from local production but achieved only half that volume.
The global supply chain has also been impacted by external factors. Giri highlighted that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have introduced considerable uncertainty regarding the worldwide availability of empty cans. While companies have explored importing cans from regions like the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, these imported options come with a 25-30% higher cost, adding pressure to packaging expenses.
The Importance of BIS Certification
Aluminium cans were brought under mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification through a quality control order issued in April 2025. These regulations are designed to ensure that all cans meet specified quality and safety standards before they are supplied to the market, safeguarding consumer interests. However, these certification requirements have added another layer of complexity for manufacturers already seeking diverse suppliers.
Establishing new manufacturing lines for cans can take up to a year, making it challenging for the industry to rapidly scale up domestic capacity. The extended deadline offers a much-needed window for companies to adapt to these new quality standards while simultaneously working to stabilize their packaging supply chains.