Toys for kids are far more than just entertaining products- They are toys for shaping their developing bodies and minds. A delightful playtime moment can turn dangerous due to an electrical item, a harmful chemical, or a misplaced screw. The government of India has imposed BIS certification for all toys marketed in India in an effort to protect kids from harmful and unsafe toys. This rule is a solid security action meant to protect our children, rather than simply mandated by law.
We’ll look across each aspect of BIS certification for toys in this blog, which includes why it’s necessary, how it ensures child safety, what is required by the Indian standards, the certification process, and the required documentation, perks for importers and manufacturers, and how to avoid common difficulties.
1. What Is BIS Certification for Toys?
The evaluation of the conformity process, known as BIS ( the Bureau of Indian Standards) certification, promises that the products satisfy stated safety and quality requirements in India.
BIS certifications for toys refer to the product’s compliance with India’s strict toy safety regulation, such as toxicity, chemical safety, hardness, safety from electricity (for electric toys), and more. The government of India notified that all toy markets in India, no matter if they are manufactured locally or imported, need to be BIS certified and should carry the ISI mark under the Toys (Quality Control) Order,2020. No one can manufacture, store, import, sell, or show toys with BIS certification.
In simple terms:
- Compliance is a must for all toys.
- Goes to all toys of children, irrespective of where they’re coming from.
- Promises child safety and protects them from dangerous products.
2. What’s the importance of BIS certification for toys?
- Protects children from unsafe and dangerous products
Children learns and immediately employ their senses to explore the product.
Unsafe products might be around:
- Risk of choking (small parts)
- Sharp points and corners.
- Harmful chemicals like phthalates, lead, or mercury.
- Danger caused by electricity (in electric toys).
- Risk of burning.
Before any toy reaches the shelves, they are tested for these dangers through BIS certification.
- Indian Legal Regulatory
As per the toys (Quality Control) order, BIS certification is needed since January 1, 2021. According to Indian law, any violation of this standard by selling a toy without the BIS certification can result in product seizure, fines, or legal action.
3. Key Indian Standards for Toy Safety
The Indian Standards(IS), which define what counts as “safe” in terms of toys, are now the foundation of the BIS schemes. If it comes to toy certification, the two main demands are:
a. IS 9873 Series – Safety of Toys (Non-Electric)
A lot of toy categories with no electric or battery-powered components are protected with these standards.
| Standard | Safety Aspect |
| IS 9873 (Part 1) | Mechanical & physical safety |
| IS 9873 (Part 2) | Risk of fire |
| IS 9873 (Part 3) | Changing of some elements (chemical safety) |
| IS 9873 (Part 4) | Toys for games(swings, slides, etc.) |
| IS 9873 (Part 7) | Finger colours |
| IS 9873 (Part 9) | Restriction on particular phthalate esters |
b. IS 15644 – Safety of Electric Toys
Toys that operate with batteries or electricity must conform to these standards:
- Standards for electrical safety.
- Protection against short circuits.
- Avoid heating and safe battery enclosures.
This standard works together with chemical and physical security rules.
- What Types of Toys Need BIS Certification?
Every category of toy made for children to play is secured by the BIS certification, which includes:
- Non-electric toys: Board games, figures, and puzzles.
- Electric toy: Battery: remote control robots, cars and toys that produce sound
- Activity toys: games for both indoor and outdoor (slides).
- Stuffed dolls and soft toys.
- Art and craft toys.
If your product belongs to these categories and is designed for children, it has to conform to the BIS certification process, no matter whether you act as an importer or manufacturer.
5. The BIS Certification Process for Toys
Getting the BIS certification demands a variety of essential steps. Regardless of the complexity level, the process provides careful and safe protection:
Step 1: Identifying the appropriate Standards
Find out if the toy is electric (IS 15644) or non-electric (IS 9873), and note the other standards (e.g., burning or chemical shifting)
Step 2: Preparing the paperwork
Required documents include:
- Details regarding the company/factory registration.
- Process over quality control.
- Product specifications and drawings.
- Details of the basic supplies.
- Test results from BIS-approved labs only.
- Details of the registered person who signed.
- List of machines and factory layout.
Step 3: Submit Application to BIS
Visit the BIS online portal or approved agents to hand in all necessary documentation and data.
Step 4: Factory inspection & Sample Testing
BIS officers can take an inspection of the factory and take a product sample to test in BIS-approved labs to confirm that it complies with the required Indian Standards.
Step 5: Grant of BIS License
BIS confirms compliance by providing a license that enables the use of the ISI Standard Mark on toys with successful verification and testing.
6. Evaluate the Cost and Timeline
Depending on the type of product and the required tests, the cost of BIS certification for toys may vary from one product to another. Usually referred to as:
- Timeline: depends on the test results and complete submission of the application.
It typically takes three to six months for documentation to be approved. Lab testing, submitting documents, and certification fees belong to these expenses (keep in consideration that consulting fees are extra if your choice is to work with a compliance partner).
7. What are the Benefits of BIS Certification for Toy Manufacturers and Importers
Obtaining BIS certification provides multiple tactical advantages:
a. Legal Market Access
Without BIS certification, it is illegal to sell toys in India. BIS provides market access and avoids retail or customs seizures.
b. Consumer Trust and Brand Value
Toys displaying the ISI mark provide safety assurance to parents and consumers, which makes it an essential factor when it comes to the decisions of buying them.
c. Competitive Advantage
BIS compliance will set your brand above others as reliable, honest, and safe in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
d. Export Opportunities
Reaching foreign markets with similar safety standards is often made easier by sticking to globally accepted BIS standards.
8. Common Certification Difficulties and Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes, even experienced manufacturers make errors when trying for BIS certification. Here are some common errors in addition to advice regarding how to avoid them:
a. Misclassifying Toy Types
Make sure that the correct classification is made up front, as misunderstandings between the non-electric and electric categories can cause certification to be put on hold.
b. Incomplete Test Reports
One of the most typical causes for denial is insufficient testing documentation from licensed labs.
c. Poor Documentation Preparation
Approvals are delayed by errors in manufacturing processes, quality control methods, or product details.
d. Ignoring Secondary Standards
Toys might need to be examined against various IS standards (e.g., mechanical, burning, and shifting chemicals). Not accepting these standards will result in non-compliance.
9. How UMS Product Certification Services Can Help You
Our main focus at UMS Product Certification Services (UMSPCS) is to help importers, exporters, and toy manufacturers with each step of the BIS certification process. Whether you need assistance from professionals or are new to compliance, we provide:
Full Certification Support
Standard identification, lab coordination, documentation, submission, and BIS approval follow-up are all covered.
Before Evaluation and Compliance Verification
To avoid costly postponements, we review your product requirements and test reports before their submission.
Approved Representation for International Customers
UMSPCS can act as your Authorised Indian Representative (AIR) if you are an international manufacturer; this is an essential step for BIS ISI foreign applicants.
Expert Guidance on Preparing Documentation and Tests
We handle your documentation to fulfil BIS requirements and ensure that your samples are tested in approved laboratories.
Ongoing Support
We will assist you all as you go through your compliance journey, from the scope enhancement to certificate renewal.
Your path to BIS certification will be quicker, simpler, and less costly if you choose a trustworthy partner.
In Conclusion: Child Safety First
BIS certification for toys is a protection for children in India. Every manufacturer and importer needs to verify the quality and safety of toys; every child deserves a playful childhood.
Make sure your product is protected by the BIS certification to make sure millions of children in India have safer, healthier and happier childhoods.
Visit UMSPCS and verify if your product is safe, secure and compliant before entering into the Indian market.
