The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified sweeping changes to alcohol regulations, mandating clearer labelling norms and expanding category definitions across segments. The new rules will come into effect from July 1, 2026, giving manufacturers, importers and state excise authorities time to transition to the revised framework. The changes are being positioned as a move to bring greater transparency to the market and empower consumers with clearer information about what they are drinking.

One primary change is mandatory disclosure on labels. Alcoholic beverage companies will now be required to clearly mention the number of standard drinks contained in a bottle. A standard drink has been defined as containing 10 grams of pure ethanol. The declaration must be easy to read and printed in a manner that allows consumers to quickly understand how much alcohol they are consuming. This marks a significant shift from earlier practices where such disclosures were either absent or inconsistent across brands and states.

Making it easy for Consumers

FSSAI officials say the objective is simple. Consumers should know the strength of the product and the quantity of alcohol in a format that is comparable across beer, wine and spirits. India’s alcohol labels traditionally focused on alcohol by volume, or ABV, which many consumers do not fully understand. By converting this into standard drinks per bottle, regulators believe the information becomes more practical and relevant. The move also aligns India more closely with international labelling practices seen in markets such as Australia and parts of Europe.

Expanded Definitions

Alongside labelling reforms, FSSAI has expanded and clarified definitions of several alcohol categories. Emerging segments such as mead, flavoured wines, wine-based beverages and ready-to-drink spirit mixes now have more precise definitions under the regulations. Craft products and hybrid beverages that previously fell into grey areas will now be classified under clearer standards. The changes are expected to reduce ambiguity and disputes over product categorisation, especially for newer brands entering the market.

The wine segment in particular sees tighter specification norms. Definitions around sparkling wine, fortified wine and flavoured wine have been refined. Limits on ingredients and production standards have been more clearly outlined. Similar clarity has been introduced in the beer and spirits categories. Industry executives say this will help streamline approvals, though it will require careful scrutiny of formulations to ensure compliance.

Redesigning Labels

For the alcohol industry, the transition will involve logistical and financial adjustments. Companies will have to redesign labels, exhaust old inventory and seek fresh approvals where required. Given that alcohol remains a state subject in India, coordination between central FSSAI regulations and state excise labelling requirements will be crucial. Many states mandate their own warning statements, excise stamps and pricing declarations. Manufacturers will now need to incorporate the new standard drink information without violating state-specific rules.

Large multinational companies are expected to adapt relatively smoothly. Most already operate in markets with similar labelling requirements. However, smaller distillers, craft brewers and boutique wineries may face higher compliance costs. Printing new labels, recalibrating packaging lines and updating regulatory filings will add to operational expenses. Industry bodies have welcomed the extended deadline, saying it provides breathing room to plan production cycles and manage existing stock. The International Spirits and Wine Association of India (ISWAI) hassignalled support for steps aimed at improving transparency and aligning Indian norms with broader global practices, including better labelling and consumer information, particularly as the market grows and evolves.

India-specific labels

Importers will also have to ensure that overseas suppliers adjust packaging for the Indian market. Imported wines and spirits will need India-specific labels that include the mandatory standard drink declaration. This could increase turnaround time and costs for foreign producers looking to access the Indian market.

Public health advocates have largely supported the move. They argue that clearer labelling will encourage responsible consumption. When consumers can see the number of standard drinks in a bottle, they may be more conscious of intake. The measure is part of a broader global trend towards greater transparency in alcohol marketing and labelling. While the regulations do not impose new restrictions on advertising or availability, they signal a stronger emphasis on informed choice.

Industry representatives, meanwhile, stress that awareness campaigns will be important. Simply printing the number of standard drinks may not be enough if consumers do not understand what it means. Some companies are considering educational initiatives to explain how standard drinks translate into responsible drinking guidelines.

The reforms also come at a time when India’s alcohol market is evolving rapidly. Premiumisation is on the rise. Craft spirits and artisanal beers are gaining popularity. Ready-to-drink cocktails are expanding in urban centres. Clearer definitions could encourage innovation by giving entrepreneurs confidence about how their products will be classified. At the same time, stricter compliance will ensure that products meet uniform safety and quality benchmarks.

FSSAI has described the changes as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen food safety and consumer protection. Alcoholic beverages fall under the broader food safety framework, and regulators have been gradually updating standards to reflect market realities. By formalising definitions and standardising disclosures, the authority aims to reduce confusion in the marketplace.

As July 2026 approaches, the industry will focus on implementation. Companies will be reviewing artwork, recalculating alcohol content in terms of standard drinks and coordinating with printers and excise officials. Retailers may also need to update point-of-sale information. While the transition may pose short-term challenges, many stakeholders believe that clearer rules ultimately create a more predictable business environment.

For consumers, the most visible change will be on the bottle. There will now be a clearer indication of how many standard drinks the container holds. Regulators hope this small addition will make a meaningful difference. In a market as large and diverse as India’s, even incremental improvements in transparency can have wide impact.

The new regulations represent both a compliance exercise for the industry and a consumer awareness initiative for the public. Whether the standard drink declaration changes drinking behaviour remains to be seen. What is certain is that India’s alcohol sector is entering a more structured and clearly defined regulatory phase, with transparency at its core.