In pursuance of Sub rule 1 of Rule 15 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules

## Policy Analysis Report: Bureau of Indian Standards Notification Regarding Food Safety Management Systems **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on November 23, 2022, concerning Indian Standards for Food Safety Management Systems. The notification establishes updated standards, namely IS/ISO 22003-1:2022 and IS/ISO 22003-2:2022, and indicates the concurrent validity and eventual withdrawal of the previous standards, IS/ISO/TS 22003:2013. This report provides an overview of these changes, their implications for bodies providing audit and certification services in the food safety sector, and the expected impact on the industry. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the BIS notification issued on November 23, 2022, concerning Indian Standards for Food Safety Management Systems. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification effectively amends the existing standards related to Food Safety Management Systems by establishing new standards. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective is to update and refine the requirements for bodies providing audit and certification services for food safety management systems. The updated standards likely aim to improve the quality, consistency, and reliability of food safety audits and certifications within India. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification is an amendment to existing standards. The rationale for the amendment, inferred from the text, likely stems from the need to update and improve the existing standards (IS/ISO/TS 22003:2013) for auditing and certification bodies. This could be driven by evolving industry best practices, technological advancements, or the identification of gaps in the previous standards. The introduction of separate standards for "Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Food Safety Management Systems" (Part 1) and "Requirements for Bodies Providing Evaluation and Certification of Products, Processes and Services, Including an Audit of the Food Safety Management Systems" (Part 2) suggests a move towards greater specialization and clarity in the application of these standards. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces key changes by establishing two new standards while concurrently maintaining and eventually withdrawing the old standard: * **Specific Parts Changed:** The existing standards IS/ISO/TS 22003:2013 is being replaced. * **New Rule/Provision:** The notification establishes the following: * **IS/ISO 22003-1:2022:** *Food Safety Management Systems - Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Food Safety Management Systems*. * **IS/ISO 22003-2:2022:** *Food Safety Management Systems - Requirements for Bodies Providing Evaluation and Certification of Products, Processes and Services, Including an Audit of the Food Safety Management Systems*. * The earlier standards ISISOTS 22003: 2013 will be withdrawn on May 23, 2024. * **Difference/Effect:** The key difference is the division of the standard into two parts, focusing on different aspects of food safety management systems certification. Part 1 is specifically for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. Part 2 broadens the scope to include bodies evaluating and certifying products, processes, and services that include food safety system audits. This suggests a more comprehensive and potentially more rigorous approach to ensuring food safety standards. The introduction of the revised standards aims to improve the credibility and effectiveness of food safety certifications. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Bodies providing audit and certification of food safety management systems. * Organizations seeking certification of their food safety management systems. * Organizations seeking evaluation and certification of products, processes, and services. * The food industry in general. * The Bureau of Indian Standards itself. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the responsible agency for implementing and enforcing these standards. * **Timelines:** The new standards are established on November 23, 2022. The previous standards, ISISOTS 22003: 2013, will be withdrawn on May 23, 2024. Certification bodies and related organizations have until May 23, 2024 to transition to the new standards. * **Specific Changes to Implementation:** The new standards likely require certification bodies to update their audit and certification processes and training programs to align with the new requirements. Organizations seeking certification may need to adjust their food safety management systems to comply with the standards. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these changes are: * Improved quality and consistency of food safety audits and certifications. * Enhanced credibility and reliability of food safety management systems. * Increased confidence among consumers and stakeholders in the safety of food products. * Harmonization of Indian standards with international best practices. **9. Conclusion:** The BIS notification signifies a significant update to the standards governing food safety management systems in India. The introduction of IS/ISO 22003-1:2022 and IS/ISO 22003-2:2022 reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and aims to strengthen the robustness and credibility of food safety certification processes. It is crucial for affected industries to familiarize themselves with these updated standards to ensure compliance and maintain the highest levels of food safety.

Key Entities Referenced