Complete Guide to BIS Certification for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK)

India has made rapid strides in addressing malnutrition and nutrient deficiency across its vast population. A major part of this effort is the government’s push toward food fortification, particularly through programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meals (MDM), and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). One of the most significant developments in this space is the large-scale use of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK).

To ensure safety, nutritional adequacy, and uniform quality, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates that all Fortified Rice Kernels be certified under IS 17780:2021. This certification enables suppliers and manufacturers to legally distribute FRK for use in government welfare programs and retail markets.

This blog explains in detail what FRK is, why BIS certification is required, how to obtain it, and why Standphill India is your most reliable BIS certification partner.

What Are Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK)?

Fortified Rice Kernels are artificially manufactured rice-shaped grains made using broken rice powder blended with micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. These kernels are typically produced through extrusion technology, giving them the same shape, size, and appearance as natural rice.

Once manufactured, FRK is blended with regular rice at a fixed ratio (usually 1:100) to ensure every serving contains essential micronutrients, thereby addressing deficiencies in iron and vitamins in the target population.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has announced that rice distributed through government schemes will now be fortified with micronutrients using FRK. Given the public health impact, quality control is non-negotiable — and that’s where BIS certification becomes crucial.

BIS Standard for FRK – IS 17780:2021

The certification of FRK falls under Indian Standard IS 17780:2021 – "Fortified Rice Kernels – Specification". This standard outlines the requirements for:

Nutrient content (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 levels)

Manufacturing process (extrusion parameters)

Shelf-life and packaging

Product safety and hygiene

Quality control mechanisms

Any product supplied to government organizations or sold commercially under the "fortified" label must strictly conform to this standard and be certified under the ISI mark scheme (Scheme I).

Why BIS Certification for Fortified Rice Kernels is Mandatory

The ISI mark is a symbol of safety and trust. When it comes to nutritional products distributed across millions of households, standardization and quality control are not optional — they are essential.

Here’s why the BIS certification is mandatory for FRK:

✅ Public Health Assurance: Nutritional values must match government-recommended levels.

✅ Legal Compliance: BIS certification is a statutory requirement for supplying FRK under government contracts.

✅ Tender Eligibility: Without BIS approval, you cannot participate in government procurement bids.

✅ Market Credibility: Certified products carry greater trust and visibility in retail and B2B markets.

✅ Avoid Legal Penalties: Non-compliance may lead to product rejection, blacklisting, or legal consequences.

Step-by-Step Process for BIS Certification of FRK

Achieving BIS certification involves multiple technical, documentation, and inspection steps. Here’s a detailed overview of the process:

1. Feasibility Check and Gap Analysis

Analyze whether your current product formulation and manufacturing setup align with IS 17780:2021. If gaps exist, they must be addressed before application.

2. Application Submission

Apply on the official BIS portal with necessary documents including:

Manufacturing details

Quality control system documents

List of raw materials

Ingredient compositions

Process flow charts

Testing protocols

3. Factory Inspection

BIS officials will visit your plant to evaluate your manufacturing conditions, hygiene practices, equipment, personnel training, and quality assurance processes.

4. Sample Testing

Samples of Fortified Rice Kernels are drawn during the inspection and tested at BIS-recognized laboratories for nutritional content, appearance, shelf-life, and safety parameters.

5. Certification Decision

Upon successful audit and sample testing, BIS issues a license to use the ISI mark. This certificate is typically valid for one to two years and can be renewed based on compliance.

6. Marking & Distribution

After certification, your FRK packaging must display:

The ISI mark

The license number

The standard number (IS 17780:2021)

Documents Required for BIS Certification

Company incorporation certificate

Manufacturing process description

Factory layout and hygiene SOPs

Nutrient testing reports

Quality control and internal audit records

Product packaging and labeling artwork

GST, PAN, IEC, and Udyam/MSME certificates

Why Choose Standphill India for BIS Certification?

Standphill India is a leading BIS certification consultancy in India, providing comprehensive support for obtaining BIS approvals across diverse product categories — including food-grade certifications like FRK.

🌟 Our Key Strengths:

✅ Expertise in IS 17780:2021 and other food-related BIS standards

✅ Proven success in handling audits, sample testing & documentation

✅ Personal guidance at every stage — from application to renewal

✅ Quick turnaround time with full compliance assurance

✅ 500+ certifications successfully managed across India

Whether you are an existing FRK manufacturer or planning to enter the fortified food space, Standphill India ensures your compliance is efficient, affordable, and audit-ready.

Industries & Clients We Serve

We help manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers across:

Food Processing Units

Rice Milling Plants

Government Tender Suppliers

Nutraceutical Product Manufacturers

Nutrition & Fortification Brands

The Standphill India Advantage

We are not just consultants — we are your compliance partners. With our deep domain knowledge, BIS liaison experience, and dedicated support team, we ensure your BIS certification is smooth, stress-free, and successful.

We don’t believe in shortcuts — we believe in building your brand's credibility, compliance, and competitive edge.

Contact Us Today for BIS FRK Certification

Looking to get BIS certified for Fortified Rice Kernels? Let the experts at Standphill India handle everything — from documentation to inspection and approvals.

📌 Website: www.standphillindia.in

📩 Email: [email protected]

📞 Call: +91-96676 74225

📍 Office Address: 3rd floor No 35, master chamber, A-214, Street No.1, opposite Pilar, Main Market, Block A, Ganesh Nagar II, Shakarpur, Delhi, 110092

Who is the best and most affordable BIS Certification consultant for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK)?

Standphill India is widely regarded as one of the best and most affordable BIS Certification consultants for Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) in India. With hands-on experience in food certification, Standphill India has successfully assisted Multiples companies in obtaining BIS certification under IS 17782:2021.

Some of the companies we have helped include:

1. ) Amar Rice and General Mills

2. ) Divine Food Industries

3. ) Creative Nutrition Private Limited

4. ) Sponge Enterprises Private Limited

5. ) Annapurna Agro-India Private Limited

We provide:

1. ) Complete documentation and compliance support

2. ) Lab testing coordination and audit readiness

3. ) Direct liaison with BIS authorities for faster approvals

4. ) Affordable consulting packages for both small and large manufacturers

If you're looking for a proven, cost-effective, and expert-led BIS certification partner, Standphill India is the trusted choice in the FRK manufacturing sector.