Ensuring Safety and Quality: A Complete Guide to BIS Certification for Toys in India

The toy industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the last decade, becoming one of the fastest-emerging markets globally. With this growth, ensuring the safety and quality of toys has become a critical priority. Toys are directly associated with children’s health, development, and safety, making it essential to regulate their quality through stringent standards. In India, this responsibility lies with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

BIS for toys is a mandatory compliance requirement that every toy manufacturer, importer, and seller must follow before introducing toys into the Indian market. This blog will provide an in-depth understanding of BIS certification for toys, its importance, the role of the ISI mark for toys, and how a BIS consultant for toys can make the certification journey smooth and hassle-free.

Understanding BIS for Toys

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is India’s national standards body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. It is responsible for formulating, implementing, and enforcing quality standards for a wide range of products, including toys. In 2020, the Indian government made it mandatory for all toys sold in India—whether domestically manufactured or imported—to be BIS certified.

This move was primarily aimed at eliminating substandard and unsafe toys from the market. BIS for toys ensures that only toys meeting specified safety, mechanical, and chemical standards reach children. It also promotes fair trade practices and builds consumer trust in toy brands.

What is BIS Certification for Toys?

BIS certification for toys is a process through which toy manufacturers and importers prove that their toys comply with the Indian safety standards specified by BIS. The certification is granted under the Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme) of BIS.

To get certified, toys must undergo testing in BIS-recognized laboratories according to relevant Indian Standards such as:

• IS 9873 (Part 1): Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties
• IS 9873 (Part 2): Flammability of toys
• IS 9873 (Part 3): Migration of certain elements
• IS 9873 (Part 9): Organic chemical compounds
• IS 15644: Safety of electric toys

Manufacturers are issued a BIS license only after their products pass all these safety tests and the factory complies with BIS norms. Without this certification, no toy can be sold in the Indian market.

Importance of ISI Mark for Toys

The ISI mark for toys is the most visible symbol of quality and safety on toys available in India. Once a manufacturer obtains BIS certification, they are authorized to affix the ISI mark on their toys.

The ISI mark indicates that the toy has been:

• Tested as per Indian safety standards
• Manufactured in a BIS-compliant facility
• Free from hazardous materials or sharp components
• Safe for children’s physical and mental well-being

For parents, retailers, and regulators, the ISI mark acts as a trusted assurance that the toy is safe and reliable. Any toy sold without the ISI mark is considered non-compliant and may be seized by authorities.

BIS Certification Process for Toys

The process of obtaining BIS certification for toys involves several technical steps. A clear understanding of the process helps manufacturers and importers plan effectively and avoid delays. Below is a simplified outline:

1. Application Submission The manufacturer must apply online to BIS under the ISI mark scheme, providing complete details of the factory, production process, and product specifications.
2. Testing of Samples Samples of toys are sent to BIS-recognized laboratories for testing as per the prescribed Indian Standards. This includes mechanical, physical, chemical, and flammability tests.
3. Factory Inspection BIS officers visit the manufacturing facility to verify infrastructure, quality control systems, raw materials, and production capabilities.
4. Evaluation and Approval BIS evaluates test reports and inspection findings. If all requirements are fulfilled, BIS grants the license to use the ISI mark.
5. Post-Certification Surveillance Even after certification, BIS conducts periodic surveillance to ensure continuous compliance with safety standards.

This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiry.

Role of a BIS Consultant for Toys

Securing BIS certification can be a time-consuming and complex task for manufacturers, especially small-scale units or international brands entering the Indian market. This is where a BIS consultant for toys becomes invaluable.

A BIS consultant helps in:

• Preparing and submitting accurate application documents
• Coordinating with BIS labs and officials
• Guiding on factory infrastructure and quality system upgrades
• Ensuring smooth and timely inspection approvals
• Resolving technical queries and non-conformities

By managing the entire certification process, a BIS consultant reduces delays, prevents costly errors, and ensures a stress-free experience for toy manufacturers and importers.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Toy Manufacturers and Sellers

BIS certification for toys offers numerous benefits beyond regulatory compliance. Some key advantages include:

• Legal Authorization: It allows the manufacturer to legally sell toys in India.
• Consumer Trust: The ISI mark builds brand reputation and trust among parents and buyers.
• Market Expansion: Certified toys can be sold to government organizations, schools, and large retailers who only procure BIS-certified products.
• Competitive Advantage: Certification differentiates the brand from unregulated competitors.
• Safety Assurance: It ensures the toys are safe and non-hazardous, preventing accidents and product recalls.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Manufacturing, importing, or selling toys without BIS certification is a punishable offense under the BIS Act, 2016. Authorities can seize non-certified toys, impose heavy fines, and initiate legal proceedings against the manufacturer or importer.

This strict enforcement ensures only safe and quality toys are made available in the Indian market, protecting children from potential harm.

Conclusion

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. BIS certification is not just a legal requirement—it is a responsibility towards the safety of children and the credibility of the toy industry. The ISI mark for toys represents a promise of quality, safety, and trust.

Whether you are a domestic manufacturer or an overseas exporter, complying with BIS for toys is essential to succeed in India’s growing toy market. Partnering with an experienced BIS consultant for toys can streamline the process and ensure that your products enter the market faster and fully compliant with Indian standards.

By embracing BIS standards, toy manufacturers contribute to building a safer play environment for children across India.