How to Get License for Mineral Water Plant in Pakistan
Mineral water is a popular drink in Pakistan due to the accessibility of various mineral water brands in the market. Apart from the bottled water, many people prefer to start their own mineral water plant as a business venture. However, before setting up such a plant, one needs to obtain a license from the relevant authorities. Here are the steps to get a license for a mineral water plant in Pakistan:
Step 1: Obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC)
The first step in getting a license for a mineral water plant is to get a BRC from the Registrar of Companies. This certificate serves as proof that your business is registered with the government. You can apply for a BRC by submitting the required documents and fees to the Registrar of Companies. The documents required vary depending on whether you’re setting up a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. Once you have secured a BRC, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The second step is to obtain a NOC from the EPA. This certificate states that your plant complies with environmental standards set by the government. You can apply for a NOC by submitting an application along with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to the EPA. The EIA report should detail the environmental impact of your plant, and include information on the waste management system, disposal method, and measures to control pollution. Once the EPA approves your application, they will issue a NOC.
Step 3: Apply for a License from the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA)
The third step is to apply for a license from the PSQCA. The PSQCA is responsible for ensuring that bottled water meets quality standards set by the government. Before applying for a license, you need to ensure that your plant meets the standards set by the PSQCA. You can do this by conducting a third-party lab test on a sample of water from your plant. Once the water meets PSQCA standards, you can apply for a license by submitting an application, a copy of your BRC, a NOC from the EPA, and a certificate from an accredited lab showing that your water meets the PSQCA standards.
Step 4: Pay the Relevant Fees
After submitting all the required documents, you need to pay the relevant fees for the license. These fees vary depending on the size of your plant and the number of processing units. You can find the fee schedule on the PSQCA website. Once you pay the fees, the PSQCA will conduct an inspection of your plant to ensure that it meets standards set by the government. If your plant passes the inspection, you will be issued a license.
Conclusion
Starting a mineral water plant in Pakistan requires a license from the relevant authorities. The license ensures that your plant meets quality standards set by the government and complies with environmental regulations. The steps involved in getting a license include obtaining a BRC, a NOC from the EPA, and a license from the PSQCA. Additionally, you need to ensure that your plant meets quality standards set by the PSQCA and pay the relevant fees. By following these steps, you can start your own mineral water plant in Pakistan and contribute to the growing demand for clean drinking water in the country.