The Central Environment Authority (CEA) says the new directive of the Consumer Affairs Authority, making the SLS Product Certification Mark on water bottles mandatory, is effective from April 1, 2026.
Issuing a notice, the CEA said the move has been taken to ensure public safety, particularly for children.
According to the CEA, the products that must carry the SLS certification mark are as follows;
- Plastic bottles suitable for repeated use in carrying liquid beverages must comply with SLS 1616 specifications.
- Feeding bottles made of plastic materials for infants must comply with SLS 1306 specifications.
The CEA further pointed out that under Section 12(1) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003:
- Locally manufactured bottles must carry the SLS certification mark.
- Imported bottles must be approved by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI).
The CEA also warned that the sale, manufacture, packaging, transportation, storage, import, distribution, or display of non-compliant bottles is strictly prohibited.
Earlier in October, the Consumer Affairs Authority issued a Gazette notification on regulating locally manufactured reusable plastic bottles for carrying drinkable liquids and feeding bottles made of Polymer Materials, requiring them to carry the SLS Product Certification Mark issued by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution. (Newswire)