Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026
Detailed Information

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MFAHD) authorised the Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026, under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016, on 7th October 2026. The Gazette of India published the order on 12th October 2026. The order came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. It makes compliance with Indian Standards and the BIS(ISI) mark compulsory for three products.  

Important Updates Under the Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026

Under the Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients Quality Control Order, 2026, the list of products includes mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds IS 1664, dicalcium phosphate animal feed grade IS 5470, and common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption IS 920. 

Implementation dates are phased:

1 April 2027 for general enterprises, 1 July 2027 for small enterprises, and 1 October 2027 for micro enterprises. Goods meant for export are exempt. BIS is both the certifying and enforcing authority.

Overview of Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026

The key details, regulatory scope and implementation dates for the enterprises are summarised below: 

List of Products Covered Under the QCO

This order covers three specified products:

• Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds:

Covered under Indian Standard IS 1664, titled "Mineral mixtures for supplementing cattle feeds- Specification”. This standard specifies the quality required for mineral supplements added to cattle feed to meet animals' mineral nutrition needs.

• Dicalcium Phosphate, animal feed grade:

Covered under Indian Standard IS 5470, titled “ Dicalcium Phosphate, animal feed grade - Specification”. The standard ensures the quality criteria for dicalcium phosphate used in animal feed as a source of calcium and phosphorus. 

• Common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption:

Covered under Indian Standard IS 920, titled “Specification for common salt and cattle licks for animal consumption”. This standard lays down the quality requirements for salt and lick blocks given to cattle as a source of sodium and other minerals. 

• QCO Implementation Dates for Enterprises

The order applies to general, micro, and small enterprises as per the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act (MSMED), 2006. The dates of implementation are:  

Penalty for Violating the QCO

Any person who violates any provision of this Order shall be punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

• BIS Certification and ISI Mark Requirement: Under this order, Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 becomes mandatory:
• BIS License: All manufacturers of covered animal feeds and feed substances must obtain a valid BIS license.
• ISI Mark: Manufacturers with a BIS license must mark products with the ISI Mark. 

QCO for Manufacturers, Dealers, Traders and Farmers

This order changes the animal feed industry by requiring compliance with BIS Quality Control Order standards, helping companies operate smoothly and assuring farmers of safe animal feed.

• Manufacturers: Apply for a BIS license, test the product to the correct standard, and place the ISI mark on their product before the deadline.
• Dealers and traders: Under the BIS Act, 2016, any contravention of the order is punishable once the applicable deadline passes.
• Farmers and dairy farmers: Look for the Standard Mark on the products. This is an easy way to check that a product meets its required standard.

Conclusion

The Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026 marks a major step toward standardising animal nutrition in India. By mandating BIS certification and the ISI mark for mineral mixtures used to supplement cattle feed, animal feed-grade dicalcium phosphate, common salt and cattle licks, the government aims to improve safety, accountability, and quality. Manufacturers of all sizes supplying the domestic market need to prepare for upcoming compliance deadlines.

Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026 PDF