India has introduced mandatory quality control requirements for three categories of animal feed products under the Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on October 12, 2026. The order requires covered products to comply with specified Indian Standards and carry the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Standard Mark under an appropriate licence.
Issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the order was dated October 7, 2026. It aims to strengthen quality compliance in the animal feed sector, with important implications for cattle nutrition, dairy farming and feed manufacturing businesses.
Three Products Covered Under the New Order
The order identifies three products that must comply with their corresponding Indian Standards. These include mineral mixtures used to supplement cattle feed, animal feed-grade dicalcium phosphate, and common salt and cattle licks intended for animal consumption.
| Product covered | Applicable Indian Standard |
|---|---|
| Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds | IS 1664 |
| Dicalcium phosphate, animal feed grade | IS 5470 |
| Common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption | IS 920 |
Manufacturers of these products must ensure conformity with the applicable standards and use the BIS Standard Mark under a licence issued in accordance with the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
The order specifies that the latest versions of the relevant Indian Standards, including amendments notified by BIS from time to time, will apply.
Implementation Timeline for Manufacturers
The notification establishes different compliance deadlines for general enterprises, micro enterprises and small enterprises. These staggered timelines give smaller businesses additional time to meet the prescribed requirements.
| Enterprise category | Compliance deadline |
|---|---|
| General enterprises, excluding micro and small enterprises | April 1, 2027 |
| Small enterprises | July 1, 2027 |
| Micro enterprises | October 1, 2027 |
These dates apply to the products covered by the order. Businesses manufacturing or supplying the specified products should assess their enterprise classification, review the relevant standards and begin preparing for certification ahead of their applicable deadlines.
The order also provides an exemption for goods or articles intended for export.
Significance for India’s Dairy Industry
Mineral supplementation is an important component of dairy cattle nutrition. Depending on their composition and the animals’ nutritional requirements, mineral mixtures can help supply essential minerals that may be insufficient in the basal diet. Appropriate supplementation supports animal health, reproduction and productive performance.
Dicalcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphorus used in animal nutrition, while common salt and cattle licks can contribute to meeting animals’ mineral and sodium requirements when appropriately formulated and used.
By bringing these products under mandatory quality control requirements, the order establishes a more formal compliance framework for important inputs used in livestock feeding. Consistent product quality is relevant to dairy farmers, feed manufacturers, cooperatives and distributors who depend on reliable animal nutrition products.
However, certification does not replace good feeding management. Dairy farmers must continue to provide balanced rations according to the animal’s age, body condition, stage of lactation and production needs. Supplementation should be appropriate to the existing diet and, where necessary, guided by qualified animal nutrition professionals.
Responsibilities of BIS and Feed Businesses
Under the order, the Bureau of Indian Standards is designated as the certification and enforcement authority for the products listed in the notification. The order further states that violations are punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.
For manufacturers, the new requirements may involve reviewing product specifications, quality assurance procedures, testing arrangements and certification documentation. Feed suppliers and dairy cooperatives may also need to review procurement practices to ensure that covered products comply with the applicable requirements once the relevant deadlines take effect.
Businesses should consult the official Gazette notification and the latest BIS documentation to confirm the precise requirements applicable to their products.
Preparing for the 2027 Compliance Deadlines
With the first implementation date approaching in April 2027, manufacturers of mineral mixtures, feed-grade dicalcium phosphate, common salt and cattle licks should begin assessing their readiness. Micro and small enterprises should also account for their respective extended deadlines.
The Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026, represents a regulatory development for India’s livestock nutrition supply chain. For the dairy sector, its implementation could strengthen attention to feed-input quality and encourage greater accountability among manufacturers and suppliers.
Effective implementation, timely certification and awareness among stakeholders will be important to ensuring that the requirements translate into reliable quality assurance for the products used in India’s dairy and livestock industries.
