India extends quality control deadline for aluminium beverage cans to avert peak-season shortages 

INDIA – India has extended the timeline for the rollout of mandatory quality control norms for aluminium metallic cans used for alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and food processing, easing concerns about supply shortages ahead of the peak summer season.  

The decision comes as demand for cans has been growing at double-digit rates, driven by rapid adoption across the beverage industry. 

Executives across the beverage and alcoholic drinks sectors said the move will help stabilise supply. Vinod Giri, director general of the Brewers Association of India (BAI), said: “The extension of the timeline for BIS certifications by the DPIIT on imported cans is very timely, and prevents a big potential crisis for the beer and other beverages industries.” 

Earlier this year, beverage and beer makers warned of an acute shortfall in can availability, with reports indicating companies were doubling imports and urging the government to delay compliance deadlines to avoid disruption.  

Under the revised schedule, the Cookware, Utensils and Cans for Foods and Beverages (Quality Control) Order, 2026, will be implemented for large packs from October 2026, for small units from January 2027, and for micro enterprises from April 2027. 

Giri said the extension would allow manufacturers to better prepare for seasonal demand. “This will help alcobev companies prepare better for the upcoming summer season when the demand for beer and even soft drinks shoots up,” he said.  

“Beer makers prefer domestically made empty cans as they cost significantly lower than imported cans. However, domestic capacity is currently short by over 20%. Can manufacturers are investing in adding capacity but it takes time.” 

BAI has been in continuous dialogue with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) since August last year.  

According to the industry body, beer makers faced an annual deficit of 120–130 million units of 500-ml cans in 2025, and if the gap were not met through imports, it would have resulted in a revenue shortfall of about Rs 1,300 crore for state governments. 

Aluminium cans were brought under mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification through a quality control order issued in April last year. The government said the move was aimed at improving product freshness, consumer safety and ease of recycling.  

The BIS standards require both domestic and imported can makers to meet strict technical specifications covering material composition, lids, shapes, seam integrity, pressure resistance, leakage prevention, chemical stability, and coating adherence. 

However, certification can be time-consuming, with some approvals requiring inspections of overseas manufacturing plants, contributing to delays in supply.  

Cans now account for more than 25% of annual soft drink and beer sales in India, having doubled in just two years due to convenience, premium appeal and improved recycling efficiency. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.