Introduction
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India released a draft notification on 30 October 2025 proposing important updates to the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. The draft, titled the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2025, aims to improve clarity, strengthen labelling standards, and align quality parameters with global benchmarks in the alcoholic beverage sector.
Acting under the powers of section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Authority has called for public comments, objections, or suggestions within sixty days of publication. Stakeholders can review the draft and share feedback for further consideration before the final regulation is notified.
Key Amendments Proposed
The draft introduces three specific changes under the existing Alcoholic Beverages Regulations. These cover adjustments in the standards for sparkling wine, wine-based beverages, and the labelling requirements for standard drinks.
1. Sparkling Wine (Regulation 3.1.2.2 – Clause i)
For Brut Sparkling Wine, the regulation now allows a tolerance limit. When the sugar content is declared as below 1.2 percent, a tolerance of 0.3 percent will apply. This clarification supports better quality control and creates a uniform standard for testing and product verification.
2. Wine-Based Beverages (Regulation 3.1.6)
The term “or special wine used” has been deleted. With this adjustment, the regulation now reads more clearly and eliminates ambiguity in classifying wine-based beverages. As a result, compliance reviews and documentation will become easier for both regulators and industry operators.
3. Labelling of Standard Drinks (Regulation 5.2)
The word “may” has been replaced with “shall”, making the declaration of standard drinks mandatory. This change will promote consumer awareness, ensure consistent labelling practices, and encourage responsible consumption through transparent communication of alcohol content.
Implications for the Industry
These amendments, though concise, are strategically significant.
- Mandatory labelling of standard drinks will improve transparency and give consumers clearer information about alcohol strength.
- The defined tolerance limit for sparkling wine will simplify analytical testing, reduce disputes, and support fair trade.
- Deleting ambiguous wording from wine-based beverage definitions will prevent misinterpretation during product registration and inspection.
Together, these measures reinforce FSSAI’s commitment to harmonizing India’s alcoholic beverage standards with international practices while promoting responsible business conduct.
Submission of Comments
FSSAI has opened a sixty-day window for stakeholders to send their feedback on the draft. Comments and suggestions must refer to the title Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2025, and be submitted within the prescribed time period.
The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Amendment Regulations, 2025, demonstrate FSSAI’s continued focus on strengthening India’s food safety framework. By refining definitions, improving labelling norms, and setting precise technical limits, the Authority aims to enhance both consumer trust and regulatory consistency. Once finalized, these updates will make the alcoholic beverages sector more transparent, accountable, and aligned with global quality standards.