Feeding Bottle Testing in India: BIS Standards, Safety Tests and Certification

• Feeding bottle testing helps check product safety, material quality and durability.
• BIS has separate standards for plastic, glass and stainless steel feeding bottles.
• IS 14625:2015 covers plastic feeding bottles.
• IS 5168:2018 covers glass feeding bottles.
• IS 18800:2023 covers stainless steel feeding bottles for infants.
• Important tests include leakage, drop resistance, wall thickness, capacity and chemical safety.
• Manufacturers should check the latest BIS amendments before applying for certification.
• Proper testing and quality control help reduce product defects and compliance problems.

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Introduction

A feeding bottle Testing in India is a small product, but its quality makes a big difference in a baby’s everyday life. Parents use these bottles regularly to feed milk and formula to their infants. This is why manufacturers need to be careful about the materials, design and safety of every bottle they produce.

For example, imagine a feeding bottle that starts leaking when filled with warm milk. Another bottle may develop cracks after repeated washing or sterilisation. These problems may look small during manufacturing, but they can create inconvenience and safety concerns for parents.

This is where feeding bottle testing becomes important. It helps manufacturers check whether their products meet the required safety, quality and performance standards before they reach the market.

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established different Indian Standards for plastic, glass and stainless steel feeding bottles. Each category has its own requirements, so manufacturers must understand which standard applies to their product.

In this guide, we explain feeding bottle testing in simple language, including BIS standards, important laboratory tests, material requirements, certification procedures and common mistakes manufacturers should avoid.

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What Is Feeding Bottle Testing?

Feeding bottle testing is the process of checking a baby feeding bottle for material quality, strength, durability, chemical safety and overall performance.

The main purpose is to make sure that the bottle is suitable for its intended use and meets the requirements of the applicable Indian Standard.

A typical feeding bottle may have several components:

• Bottle body
• Feeding teat or nipple
• Cap or protective cover
• Locking ring
• Measurement markings
• Sealing and connecting components

Every component has a different purpose. The bottle body should maintain its shape, the teat should be suitable for feeding, and the cap should fit properly to prevent leakage.

Testing requirements also depend on the material used. Plastic, glass and stainless steel bottles have different properties, so their testing procedures are not exactly the same.

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Why Is Feeding Bottle Testing Important?

When manufacturing products for infants, quality should never be treated as an optional feature. A feeding bottle must be suitable for regular use and should meet the relevant safety requirements.

Here are some important reasons why testing matters.

1. Helps Protect Infant Health

A feeding bottle comes into direct contact with milk and other liquids. If unsuitable materials are used, certain substances may migrate into the contents.

Chemical safety testing helps identify these risks and checks whether the material meets the applicable requirements.

2. Checks Strength and Durability

Feeding bottles are used regularly and may be dropped accidentally or exposed to repeated cleaning.

Testing helps manufacturers understand whether their products can withstand the conditions specified in the relevant standard.

3. Reduces Leakage Problems

Nobody wants a feeding bottle that leaks during use. Leakage testing checks whether the assembled bottle can hold liquid properly under the specified conditions.

4. Improves Product Quality

Testing helps identify problems in raw materials, product design and manufacturing. Manufacturers can correct these issues before producing large quantities.

5. Supports BIS Compliance

Following the applicable BIS standard is important for manufacturers and importers. Product testing helps establish whether a sample meets the relevant technical requirements.

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BIS Standards for Feeding Bottle Testing in India

BIS has separate Indian Standards for different types of feeding bottles. Manufacturers should identify the correct standard according to the material and product category.

Indian Standard	Product Category
IS 14625:2015	Plastic Feeding Bottles
IS 5168:2018	Glass Feeding Bottles
IS 18800:2023	Stainless Steel Feeding Bottles for Infants

1. IS 14625:2015 - Plastic Feeding Bottles

IS 14625:2015 covers plastic feeding bottles for infants. It specifies requirements relating to material quality, physical properties and product performance.

Important testing areas include:

• Physical construction
• Wall thickness
• Capacity
• Transparency
• Leakage resistance
• Drop resistance
• Ageing resistance
• Compressive deformation resistance
• Permanency of printed markings

These checks help manufacturers maintain consistent product quality.

The standard has received amendments, including a fifth amendment in 2026. Manufacturers should check the latest applicable version through official BIS sources before arranging laboratory testing.

2. IS 5168:2018 - Glass Feeding Bottles

Glass feeding bottles are valued for their transparency and resistance to staining. However, manufacturers must pay attention to their physical quality and impact-related safety.

Testing helps evaluate:

• Glass quality
• Dimensions
• Surface condition
• Physical construction
• Leakage performance
• Mechanical performance

The bottle should meet the requirements of the applicable standard before commercial production.

3. IS 18800:2023 - Stainless Steel Feeding Bottles

IS 18800:2023 covers stainless steel feeding bottles for infants.

It includes relevant material, chemical safety and performance requirements.

Important testing areas may include:

• Material verification
• Heavy metal migration
• Leakage performance
• Drop performance
• Deformation resistance
• Teat durability, where applicable
• Permanency of pigments
• Product information and instructions

Manufacturers should select suitable stainless steel and other components according to the standard.

Important: The applicable requirements depend on the product material, design and current regulatory provisions. Always verify the latest standard and amendments before starting the testing process.

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Important Tests Conducted on Feeding Bottles

A feeding bottle may look perfect from the outside, but its actual quality can only be evaluated through suitable inspections and tests.

Here are some important feeding bottle testing procedures.

1. Physical Requirements Test

Physical testing checks the basic construction and characteristics of the bottle.

The laboratory may examine:

• Bottle shape and construction
• Wall thickness
• Capacity
• Surface finish
• General appearance
• Manufacturing defects

This helps identify problems such as uneven walls, poor finishing and visible defects.

2. Wall Thickness Test

Wall thickness plays an important role in the strength of a feeding bottle.

If the walls are too thin, the bottle may become weak. Uneven thickness may also affect product performance.

During testing, the laboratory measures the thickness at specified locations and compares the results with the applicable standard.

3. Capacity Test

Feeding bottles are available in different sizes, such as 60 ml, 120 ml, 150 ml and 250 ml.

The capacity test checks whether the actual volume matches the specified or declared capacity.

This is important because parents depend on measurement markings while preparing and measuring milk or formula.

4. Transparency Test

Transparency is particularly important for transparent plastic feeding bottles.

Parents should be able to see the liquid level inside the bottle clearly.

This test checks whether the bottle meets the required transparency characteristics and helps identify excessive cloudiness or discolouration.

5. Leakage Test

Leakage is one of the common complaints associated with poorly manufactured feeding bottles.

The leakage test checks whether the assembled bottle can hold liquid without unwanted leakage under the conditions specified in the standard.

The laboratory may examine the bottle body, neck, closure area, locking ring and sealing performance.

A properly designed bottle should hold liquid during normal intended use.

6. Drop Test

Feeding bottles may accidentally fall from a table, kitchen counter or parent’s hand.

The drop test evaluates how the bottle responds to impact. After the specified test procedure, the sample is checked for cracks, breakage and other unacceptable damage.

This is particularly important for glass feeding bottles because broken glass can create serious hazards.

7. Ageing Resistance Test

Feeding bottles may go through repeated washing, cleaning and sterilisation.

Over time, certain materials may change their appearance or physical properties.

Ageing resistance testing evaluates the product after exposure to specified conditions. It may help identify discolouration, cracking, surface deterioration and changes in physical strength.

8. Compressive Deformation Resistance Test

During regular handling, a feeding bottle may experience pressure or squeezing.

This test checks whether the bottle can withstand the specified compressive force without unacceptable deformation.

It helps manufacturers understand whether the bottle maintains its required shape after testing.

9. Chemical Safety and Migration Testing

Chemical safety is especially important for products used by infants.

A feeding bottle comes into direct contact with milk and other liquids. Therefore, the materials used in its manufacture should be suitable for the intended food-contact application.

Chemical migration testing helps determine whether unwanted substances can transfer from the bottle material into the liquid under specified conditions.

Depending on the material and applicable requirements, testing may cover:

• Heavy metal migration
• Specific chemical migration
• Overall migration
• Restricted substances
• Pigment and colourant safety
• Other relevant chemical parameters

For plastic food-contact materials, the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, prescribe applicable migration requirements. Relevant testing provisions include IS 9845, subject to the applicable material category and current regulatory requirements.

Manufacturers should remember that passing a physical strength test does not automatically confirm chemical safety. Both aspects need attention.

10. Permanency of Pigment Test

Some feeding bottles have printed measurement markings, designs or coloured components.

These markings should remain stable under the conditions specified in the standard.

The permanency of pigment test checks whether printed colours or markings fade or transfer during the specified testing procedure.

This is important because measurement markings help parents identify the quantity of liquid inside the bottle.

11. Teat and Nipple Testing

The feeding teat is another important part of the product because it comes into direct contact with the baby’s mouth.

Depending on the applicable requirements, relevant checks may include:

• Material quality
• Dimensions
• Tear resistance
• Flexibility
• Durability
• Resistance to specified cleaning or sterilisation conditions

Manufacturers should remember that the bottle standard does not automatically cover every requirement for rubber or silicone teats. Separate applicable requirements may need to be considered.

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Material Requirements for Feeding Bottles

The material used in a feeding bottle directly affects its quality, durability and performance.

Manufacturers should select materials according to the applicable Indian Standard.

Material	Important Quality Considerations
Polypropylene (PP)	Heat resistance, physical strength and chemical suitability
Polyethersulfone (PES)	Thermal performance and durability
Glass	Physical integrity and surface quality
Stainless steel	Grade verification and corrosion resistance
Silicone and other teat materials	Flexibility, durability and material suitability

Not every material is permitted for every feeding bottle category. Manufacturers should check the specific requirements of the applicable standard before selecting raw materials.

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Difference Between Plastic, Glass and Stainless Steel Feeding Bottle Testing

Although all three types of bottles are designed for infant feeding, their testing requirements are different.

Testing Area	Plastic	Glass	Stainless Steel
Physical inspection	Applicable	Applicable	Applicable
Leakage testing	Applicable	Applicable	Applicable
Drop or impact testing	As specified	As specified	As specified
Deformation testing	Important	As specified	As specified
Chemical safety	Important	Applicable	Important
Material verification	Important	Important	Important
Teat evaluation	Where applicable	Where applicable	Where applicable

The laboratory should follow the correct Indian Standard instead of applying one common testing checklist to every feeding bottle.

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BIS Certification for Feeding Bottles in India

BIS certification is an important compliance requirement for feeding bottles sold in India.

Section 11(2) of the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 1992, provides that feeding bottles cannot be sold or distributed unless they conform to the BIS Standard Mark requirements.

Manufacturers and importers should therefore understand the applicable standard and certification requirements before placing their products on the Indian market.

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Step-by-Step BIS Certification Process

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Indian Standard

First, identify the material and category of the feeding bottle.

• Plastic - IS 14625:2015
• Glass - IS 5168:2018
• Stainless steel - IS 18800:2023

Step 2: Select Suitable Raw Materials

Check the materials used in the bottle body, teat, cap, locking ring and other components. Maintain relevant material specifications and supplier records.

Step 3: Prepare Product Samples

Prepare representative samples for laboratory testing. Check the product design, dimensions and manufacturing quality before sending them to the laboratory.

Step 4: Conduct Laboratory Testing

Submit samples to a suitable laboratory for testing against the applicable Indian Standard.

If a sample fails, identify the reason and take corrective action before proceeding further.

Step 5: Prepare the BIS Application

Prepare the required product and manufacturing details, including factory information, raw material specifications, manufacturing processes and quality-control arrangements.

Step 6: Factory Inspection

BIS may inspect the manufacturing facility to evaluate production arrangements, testing facilities, equipment calibration and quality-control procedures.

Step 7: BIS Licence and Standard Mark

After fulfilling the applicable requirements and receiving the BIS licence, the manufacturer can use the Standard Mark according to the licence conditions.

Important: A laboratory test report alone is not a BIS licence. Manufacturers must complete the applicable certification requirements before using the BIS Standard Mark.

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Documents Required for Feeding Bottle Testing and BIS Certification

Proper documentation helps manufacturers manage the testing and certification process.

The exact documents depend on the product category, manufacturing location and application requirements.

Document	Purpose
Company registration documents	Establishes business identity
Factory address proof	Confirms manufacturing location
Product specifications	Provides technical details
Raw material details	Identifies materials used
Manufacturing process flowchart	Explains production
Product drawings	Shows product dimensions
Laboratory test reports	Provides testing evidence
Machinery details	Describes manufacturing equipment
Testing equipment list	Identifies quality-control facilities
Calibration records	Shows equipment accuracy
Quality-control records	Demonstrates production checks
Packaging and marking details	Explains product identification

Foreign manufacturers may need additional documents and an Authorized Indian Representative, depending on the applicable BIS certification route.

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Common Problems Manufacturers Face During Feeding Bottle Testing

Many manufacturers focus on product design and production but overlook small compliance details.

1. Selecting the Wrong Material

Using unsuitable plastic, metal or other materials can create compliance problems.

Solution: Check the applicable Indian Standard before finalising raw materials.

2. Ignoring Chemical Safety

Some manufacturers focus only on physical strength and leakage.

Solution: Evaluate chemical migration and material requirements before commercial production.

3. Poor Bottle Design

Uneven wall thickness, weak joints and poorly designed closures can affect product performance.

Solution: Conduct design reviews and preliminary quality checks before laboratory testing.

4. Incorrect Measurement Markings

Unclear or non-permanent measurement markings can create product-quality problems.

Solution: Check marking accuracy, visibility and pigment permanency.

5. Incomplete Documentation

Missing product drawings, material details or calibration records can make certification difficult.

Solution: Maintain an organised technical file for every feeding bottle model.

6. Not Checking Standard Amendments

Relying on an outdated standard can result in incorrect testing preparation.

Solution: Verify the latest applicable standard and amendments through official BIS sources.

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How to Choose the Right Laboratory for Feeding Bottle Testing

Choosing a suitable laboratory is an important step for manufacturers.

Before selecting a laboratory, consider the following points:

• Testing experience: Check whether the laboratory handles your particular feeding bottle category.
• NABL accreditation: Verify whether the required tests are included in its accreditation scope.
• Testing facilities: Confirm that suitable physical and chemical testing equipment is available.
• Standard knowledge: Check whether the laboratory follows the latest applicable standard.
• Test reports: Reports should clearly identify the product, test methods and results.
• BIS recognition: Where required, verify whether the laboratory is recognised or accepted by BIS for the relevant certification process.

Remember that NABL accreditation and BIS recognition are not the same. Manufacturers should verify the specific laboratory requirements for their certification application.

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Feeding Bottle Quality Control Before Production

Quality control should not start only when a laboratory test is scheduled. Manufacturers should monitor product quality throughout the production process.

Raw material inspection: Check incoming materials against approved specifications and supplier documents.

Mould and design inspection: Ensure that the mould produces bottles with consistent dimensions and wall thickness.

Production monitoring: Monitor relevant production parameters and maintain manufacturing records.

Visual inspection: Look for cracks, sharp edges, surface defects and irregular markings.

Closure inspection: Check whether the cap, locking ring and bottle body fit together correctly.

Batch testing: Conduct regular quality checks to identify defects before dispatch.

Record maintenance: Keep production, inspection, calibration and corrective-action records.

These practices help manufacturers identify problems early and maintain consistent product quality.

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Diligence Certifications in Feeding Bottle Testing and BIS Certification

Preparing a feeding bottle for testing and BIS certification can involve several technical and documentation-related steps.

Manufacturers may have questions about the correct Indian Standard, material requirements, laboratory selection, test reports and certification documents.

Diligence Certifications helps businesses understand and manage product compliance requirements.

Our support can include:

• Identifying the applicable BIS standard.
• Explaining product testing requirements.
• Guiding manufacturers on documentation preparation.
• Assisting with laboratory coordination.
• Reviewing available test reports and technical documents.
• Providing guidance on the BIS application process.
• Helping manufacturers understand certification requirements.

Diligence Certifications provides compliance and certification consultancy. We are not a physical testing laboratory and do not conduct laboratory tests ourselves.

Our objective is to help manufacturers understand the applicable requirements and prepare their products and documents before proceeding with certification.

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Conclusion

A feeding bottle may look simple, but manufacturing a safe and reliable product requires attention to material quality, physical strength and chemical safety.

Feeding bottle testing helps manufacturers identify problems related to leakage, material selection, chemical migration and product durability.

Understanding IS 14625, IS 5168 and IS 18800 is an important starting point for businesses manufacturing plastic, glass and stainless steel feeding bottles.

Manufacturers should also check the latest BIS amendments, prepare the necessary documents and select suitable laboratories before proceeding with certification.

With proper testing and quality control, businesses can reduce manufacturing defects, improve product reliability and prepare their feeding bottles for the Indian market.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)