The Haryana Branch Office of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) conducted a search and seizure operation at M/s Jainalco Industries Limited in Rohtak over suspected violation of the BIS Act, 2016. The firm was found holding pharma-grade aluminium foil without a valid BIS licence.
BIS Seizes Aluminium Foil Worth Rs 14 Lakh in Rohtak Raid
The enforcement team discovered the company in possession of aluminium foils meant for pharmaceutical purposes. These products fall under Indian Standard IS 16011 and are covered by the applicable Quality Control Order (QCO).
According to The Tribune, Madhurima Madhav, Director and Head of the Haryana Branch Office, confirmed the firm lacked a valid BIS licence despite the product being covered under the mandatory quality standards.
Details of the Seized Pharma-Grade Aluminium Foil
As part of the enforcement action, the BIS team seized around 250 rolls of aluminium foil. The total weight of the seized material is approximately three tonnes, with an estimated market value of Rs 14 lakh.
The operation was carried out by a BIS team that included Anant Kumar, a Scientific Officer with the department. The action comes as part of the bureau's ongoing efforts to enforce quality control regulations on products that directly impact public health and safety.
"The firm was found to be in possession of aluminium foils meant for pharmaceutical purposes, covered under Indian Standard IS 16011, without a valid BIS licence." — Madhurima Madhav, Director and Head, BIS Haryana Branch Office
Why BIS Licence Matters for Pharma-Grade Products
Pharma-grade aluminium foil is a critical material used in packaging medicines and pharmaceutical products. The Quality Control Order makes it mandatory for manufacturers to obtain a BIS licence before producing or stocking such materials. This ensures the products meet the required safety and quality standards.
Operating without a valid licence means the company bypassed the mandatory quality checks that protect consumers. The BIS Act, 2016 gives the bureau the authority to conduct such search and seizure operations when there is reasonable suspicion of non-compliance.
Our Take: Strict Enforcement Needed for Pharma Packaging
This seizure highlights a serious gap in the pharmaceutical supply chain. When a manufacturer produces pharma-grade foil without a BIS licence, there is no guarantee that the material meets the safety standards required for drug packaging. This puts patients at risk, as substandard packaging can compromise the quality and effectiveness of medicines.
In our view, the BIS action is a necessary step. However, one raid is not enough. The bureau must conduct regular inspections of all firms dealing in pharma-grade materials to ensure full compliance. Companies that repeatedly violate the BIS Act should face stricter penalties to deter others from cutting corners.
Consumers and pharmaceutical companies alike should verify that their packaging suppliers hold valid BIS licences. This is not just a legal requirement — it is a matter of public health safety.