The government has extended the aluminium can certification deadline by six months, giving beverage can manufacturers more time to meet mandatory quality standards amid supply constraints affecting brands such as Diet Coke and beer makers.
According to an industry executive cited by The Economic Times, the revised deadlines for different categories of manufacturers were notified last week. The earlier deadline was October 31, 2026.
Large enterprises must comply from April 1, 2027, while small enterprises have until July 1 and micro enterprises until October 1, 2027.
The extension comes as domestic can makers struggle to expand production amid rising demand and uncertainty over global supplies following disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Aluminium can certification deadline revised for manufacturers
Aluminium beverage cans were brought under mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification through a quality control order in April 2025.
The rules require domestic and overseas manufacturers to meet technical standards covering materials, dimensions, sealing, pressure resistance, leakage and protective coatings. The requirements aim to improve product safety, freshness and recyclability.
However, the certification process can take time. Some applications require inspections of manufacturing facilities overseas, delaying the approval of additional suppliers.
The revised deadlines are expected to give manufacturers more time to complete certification while expanding production capacity.
Can shortage puts pressure on beverage brands
The extension comes as beverage makers face difficulties securing enough aluminium cans. Beer and soft drinks sold in cans account for more than a quarter of annual sales in their respective categories, according to the report. Their combined market presence has grown as consumer preferences shift towards canned beverages.
Domestic suppliers have struggled to keep pace with demand. The industry had expected to produce an additional 600 million cans in India but achieved only half that volume, Vinod Giri, director general of the Brewers Association of India, told ET.
Giri said the conflict in the Middle East had increased uncertainty over the global availability of empty cans. Overseas manufacturers certified by BIS have also been unable to meet India’s rising demand.
Imported cans cost up to 30% more
Beverage manufacturers have turned to imports from the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia to address supply gaps.
However, imported cans cost around 25-30 per cent more than domestically sourced alternatives, adding to packaging expenses.
Domestic production capacity is also difficult to expand quickly. Major suppliers have exhausted their existing capacity, while installing new production lines can take up to a year.
The shortage has affected brands such as Diet Coke, with some bottlers reportedly raising prices amid the aluminium can crunch.
Extension offers more time ahead of summer demand
The revised compliance schedule gives beverage companies and packaging suppliers additional time to secure inventories ahead of summer 2027, when demand for beer and soft drinks typically increases.
Giri said the extension would help beer companies plan and build inventory for the summer season.
The industry had sought regulatory relief as demand increased and domestic manufacturers struggled to add capacity. The revised deadlines provide more time for certification, but supply availability will also depend on production expansion and access to overseas suppliers.
