What Are the Requirements for BIS ISI Certification for Non-Electric Toys in India?

Every toy in the market must be designed keeping in mind numerous safety aspects regarding its design. Whether or not it is about jigsaw puzzles made of wood, soft toys, plastic rattles, or construction blocks, each product should be created in such a way as to reduce the possible dangers like sharp edges, small parts, and dangerous materials. For every toy producer that works with toys in India, following the safety regulations is not only about getting a high-quality product, but it is also about legal obligations that must be satisfied.

BIS ISI Certification for Non-Electric Toys provides an effective instrument for assessing toys against the Indian safety standards. As part of India’s mandatory toy certification system, manufacturers have to become familiar with the applicable Indian Standard, the product testing requirements, the manufacturing controls, and the licensing procedure before they put the covered toys on the market.

Then what precisely are the requirements for a manufacturer to get certification? This blog outlines the essential requirements for both Indian and foreign companies who wish to obtain BIS ISI Certification for Non-Electric Toys, from determining the relevant standard through to preparing for the factory assessment.

What Does BIS ISI Certification Mean for Non-electric Toys?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards authority in India and is responsible for the execution of product certification programs and issuing licenses to qualified manufacturers whose goods are compliant with the applicable Indian Standards. 

The term non-electric toys means toys that require no electricity for their functioning.

These toys include:

• dolls, stuffed toys and other figurines
• building blocks and construction kits
• puzzles and board games
• rattles and simple developmental toys
• non-powered ride-on toys and playing tools as per the requirements of the relevant standard.

The order states that toys covered under The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, shall obtain mandatory certification from the BIS. The route for non-electric toys would be to divert them to Scheme I (ISI Mark Scheme), with ISI Standard 9873 (Part 1) being the standard recognized by BIS for this category.

The certification is given to the manufacturer for the particular product and for the manufacturing premises in question, not merely to a trader or brand owner, and the licence allows the manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark within the scope approved for it.

What Are the Basic Requirements for Obtaining BIS ISI Certification?

Manufacturers should make sure before they apply for BIS Certification in India that their products, production facilities, and quality-control systems are ready for inspection.

• Product conformity
• Manufacturing infrastructure
• Quality-control arrangements
• Testing capability
• Product identification and traceability

The completion of these requirements before submitting an application can avoid unnecessary inquiries and delays through the certification process.

What Does the BIS Certification Process for Non-Electric Toys Entail?

It is not just a case of filing an application; the manufacturer needs to provide proof that the product meets the requisite standards and that they have a manufacturing process that can ensure compliance.

Stage 1: Find the Relevant Indian Standard

The first step is to identify the relevant Indian Standard for the non-electric toy; manufacturers must be familiar with the necessary safety regulations, ensure that the product’s design and components comply with specific standards, and make any necessary changes to the production process.

Step 2: Product Testing and Documentation.

The toy samples have to be tested according to the prescribed procedures in a laboratory that has been approved by BIS in accordance with the relevant certification process. At this stage, the manufacturers produce the technical documents, gather information about their factory and manufacturing processes, and fill in the required application forms.

Step 3: Application Submission

Manufacturers make their applications via the BIS online portal together with the required documents and the relevant fees. The application usually contains the product specifications, details of the factory, any necessary test reports, and other supporting records specified by BIS. The authority then checks the submission to ensure that it is complete and in compliance.

Step 4: BIS Factory Inspection

The officials of the BIS have the authority to visit the place where the toys are manufactured in order to examine the method of production, the machinery, the quality control measures, and the testing facilities. They also check that the manufacturer is able to produce toys consistently that comply with the relevant Indian Standard. Samples can be taken during the inspection if it is necessary to do so.

Step 5: Product Testing and Laboratory Report Submission

Samples which are collected or submitted in accordance with the prescribed procedure are tested to see if they conform with the relevant Indian Standard, and the laboratory report is sent to BIS for assessment in accordance with the applicable certification requirements.

Step 6: Closure of Non-Conformities, If Any

Wherever testing or factory inspection shows there to be defects, the manufacturer has to take steps to correct the situation. This could include enhancing the production controls, dealing with the product defects, submitting further documents, or making arrangements for additional testing as required by BIS.

Step 7: Payment of Licence and Marking Fees

When the application has met the relevant certification requirements, the manufacturer has to make the payments prescribed. These will be the applicable licence fee, annual fee, and marking fee, as set out in the present BIS fee structure.

Step 8: Grant of the ISI Licence

Once the necessary evaluation, inspection, testing, and payment procedures have been successfully completed, BIS may issue a licence covering the approved product range. The manufacturer will then be able to use the ISI Standard Mark on certified non-electric toys, provided that the licence conditions and the relevant marking requirements are followed.

What Documents are Needed to Obtain BIS ISI Certification for Toys?

The checklist in question varies according to the product, the factory, and the method of administration. Before submitting their applications, the manufacturers should prepare the relevant documents.

Commonly required records include:

• Basic data of the manufacturing unit and the product segment
• Evidence of the manufacturing unit’s address (for example, a deed showing ownership or a utility bill, etc.)
• Trademark registration certificate (if brand name is used and registered)
• Manufacturing licence / statutory approvals (where relevant – such as pollution
• control and industry-specific approvals)
• Product drawings/design schematics
• Installed manufacturing capacity
• List of materials used, and specification
• Details of manufacturing machinery and equipment
• The layout plan of the factory, including production and testing areas, and storage areas
• A detailed manufacturing process flow is given
• In-house test equipment and calibration information
• Information about the quality control personnel
• Factory organisational chart

For applicants from abroad, it may be necessary to provide further documents concerning the foreign manufacturer, the authorised Indian representative, and the prescribed undertakings.

Making sure that your application is complete and consistent will help to reduce the delays caused by missing information or by inconsistencies between the application, the factory records, and the product specifications.

BIS ISI Certification Cost for Non-Electric Toys

The amount that has to be paid for BIS ISI Certification of non-electric toys will vary according to the type of toy, the relevant Indian Standards, the laboratory testing needed, the factory’s infrastructure, and the documentation required. The total cost may also differ depending on whether the manufacturer is based in India or is foreign.

The table below is given for general guidance when planning. Although these figures are only indicative, they should not be regarded as the official fee schedule for toy certification.

The exact cost can only be established once the relevant Indian Standards have been identified, the tests required, the different types of product, and the certification route have been determined. Manufacturers from foreign countries might have to pay extra costs connected with inspection of their overseas factories and the associated arrangements. Read more also: BIS Certification for Electronic Products.

Estimated Timeline and Validity of BIS ISI Certification

• The time needed to obtain BIS ISI Certification for non-electric toys is determined by the extent of documentation prepared, the results of laboratory testing, the factory inspection, and the time required to deal with any observations made by BIS.
• The estimated time needed for certification is 30 to 40 working days (depending on the process and the completion of all the requirements).
• In some instances, the time taken will be longer than expected. For particular AIF products, the 180-day timeframe should be confirmed for the specific application.

The validity of the licence and the procedure for renewing it are determined by the licence awarded by BIS and the applicable regulations. Manufacturers should review the conditions of their licence and apply for renewal during the period specified in order to remain in compliance.

What Kinds of Challenges Can Delay Obtaining BIS Certification?

A toy might seem simple to produce, but the process of certifying it can still present technical and administrative difficulties.

• Incorrect standard selection
• Product testing failures
• Incomplete factory readiness
• Unclear product grouping
• Documentation discrepancies
• Foreign factory coordination

In order to deal with these challenges, the manufacturers should look through the BIS product manual that applies, check the scope of the required testing, and carry out a readiness assessment prior to filing an application. Read more also: Certificate for Foreign Toys Manufacture

How Can UMSPCS Assist with the BIS ISI Certification for Non-electrical Toys?

To deal with toy certification, it is necessary to coordinate the technical requirements, the factory’s readiness, product testing, and the regulatory documentation. UMSPCS provides businesses with assistance throughout the various stages of product compliance.

With 6+ years of compliance experience and exposure to 600+ product compliance requirements across multiple industries, we can assist manufacturers and businesses with:

• Standard identification
• Application preparation
• Documentation support
• Testing coordination
• Factory readiness guidance
• Regulatory query support
• Foreign manufacturer assistance

The extent of the assistance offered varies according to the product, the place where it is manufactured, and the requirements relevant to the application. It is up to BIS to make the final decision as to whether a BIS licence should be granted.

Conclusion

Getting BIS ISI Certification for non-electric toys entails much more than just choosing a standard and filling in a form. Manufacturers have to determine the relevant requirements set out in the IS 9873 series, set up appropriate production and quality-control systems, carry out the required testing, and meet BIS’s licensing conditions.

If you are an Indian manufacturer who is about to launch a new range of toys or a business based overseas which intends to supply to the Indian market, carrying out compliance planning at an early stage can help in reducing avoidable delays and contribute to a smoother certification process.

UMSPCS can assist you in understanding the relevant requirements, in organizing the documentation, and in going through the certification process by using a structured compliance approach.

Looking to get BIS ISI Certification for non-electric toys? 

Connect with UMSPCS now to talk about your product certification requirements.

Read more also: Why Is BIS Certificate Under IS 13252 Important for Passport Readers

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have BIS ISI Certification for non-electric toys in India?

The toys that are the subject of the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, have to meet the relevant BIS certification requirements, with any applicable exemptions and amendments.

2. What Indian Standard covers non-electric toys?

Part 1 of IS 9873 is the main standard applicable to non-electric toys; however, other parts of the IS 9873 series might also be relevant according to the toy’s characteristics and its intended use.

3. Is it possible for an Indian importer to apply for BIS certification rather than the manufacturer?

Within the standard Scheme-I framework, the licence is given to the manufacturer, and an importer or brand owner cannot take out a manufacturer’s licence in their own name unless they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

4. Do foreign manufacturers of non-electric toys have to obtain BIS certification?

Yes, foreign manufacturers who are supplying toys that are the subject of the compulsory certification order usually have to get the relevant BIS licence by means of the foreign manufacturer certification route.

5. Is it possible for a single BIS licence to cover multiple non-electric toy models?

Yes, they could. Models that satisfy the BIS grouping criteria concerning design, materials, and product subcategory might be classified as part of a series. The exact scope will depend on the BIS requirements and their approval.