From Coke to Kingfisher, beverage makers rush to import cans as BIS delays choke local supply
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Summary: Beverage companies scramble to import cans due to BIS delays, stifling India’s local packaging supply.
India’s beverage industry is dealing with an unexpected packaging crunch, and it has little to do with falling demand. From soft drink giants like Coca-Cola to beer brands such as Kingfisher, companies are now turning to imported aluminium cans as delays in regulatory approvals choke local supply.
At the heart of the issue is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Several domestic can manufacturers are still waiting for mandatory certifications, which means beverage companies are unable to source cans locally — even though factories are ready and capable of producing them. With approvals taking longer than expected, brands have been left with few options.
To keep production lines moving, many companies have started importing cans from overseas markets. While this helps avoid disruptions, it comes at a cost. Imported cans are more expensive due to freight charges, customs duties, and longer delivery timelines. For large players, the added expense is manageable, but smaller beverage companies are feeling the pressure more acutely.
Industry executives say the situation is particularly frustrating because India already has the infrastructure to meet demand domestically. The problem isn’t capacity, but paperwork. Delays in certification have created a bottleneck at a time when canned beverages — from fizzy drinks to energy drinks and beer — are growing in popularity across urban and semi-urban markets.
There’s also concern that relying on imports goes against the broader push for local manufacturing. Many in the industry argue that faster approvals would support Indian suppliers, reduce costs, and make the supply chain more resilient. Several companies have urged authorities to streamline the BIS process so local manufacturers can step in without further delay.
For consumers, the impact hasn’t been obvious yet. Shelves remain stocked, and prices have largely stayed stable for now. But if the approval logjam continues, companies warn that higher costs could eventually trickle down the line.
For the beverage sector, importing cans is a temporary fix, not a sustainable solution. The industry is hoping regulatory clearances pick up pace soon, allowing domestic suppliers to fully participate and support India’s growing appetite for canned drinks — without depending on shipments from abroad.
