Toys are a vital part of childhood—they entertain, educate, and support developmental milestones. However, not all toys are created equal. To protect children from potential hazards such as toxic materials, sharp edges, or mechanical failures, the Indian government has implemented strict regulations. One of the most important of these is the BIS Certification for Toys, a mandatory requirement for manufacturers and importers operating in India.

What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India, responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products through standardized benchmarks. BIS certification signifies that a product conforms to the relevant Indian standards and is safe for use.

For toys, BIS certification became mandatory from January 1, 2021, under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

Why is BIS Certification Important for Toys?

  1. Child Safety: Toys without safety standards can pose serious risks—choking hazards, toxic paint, flammable materials, or mechanical injuries. BIS certification ensures that these dangers are minimized.
  2. Quality Assurance: Certification confirms that the toy has been tested for durability, materials, and construction quality.
  3. Consumer Confidence: Parents and guardians can buy toys with BIS marks knowing that the products meet established safety norms.
  4. Market Regulation: It prevents the sale of cheap, unsafe imports and encourages manufacturers to uphold standards.

Scope of BIS Certification for Toys

Under the current regulations, all toys manufactured or imported for children under 14 years of age must comply with BIS standards. These include:

  • Mechanical and Physical Properties
  • Flammability
  • Chemical Composition (e.g., limits on heavy metals, phthalates, etc.)
  • Electrical Safety (for electronic toys)

Two primary standards are applied:

  • IS 9873 (Parts 1, 2, 3, etc.) – For non-electrical toys
  • IS 15644 – For electrical/electronic toys

Who Needs to Obtain BIS Certification?

  • Indian Manufacturers: Must get a BIS license to affix the ISI mark on their toys.
  • Foreign Manufacturers: Required to obtain certification under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) before selling or distributing their toys in India.

The Certification Process

  1. Application: Submit an application online through the BIS portal.
  2. Product Testing: Samples must be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory.
  3. Factory Inspection: BIS officials visit the manufacturing unit to verify compliance with standards and production capabilities.
  4. License Grant: Upon successful evaluation, BIS issues a license allowing the use of the ISI mark on certified toys.
  5. Surveillance & Renewal: Regular inspections and sample testing continue even after certification to ensure continued compliance.

Challenges for Manufacturers

  • Compliance Costs: Testing, inspections, and certification involve time and financial investment.
  • Adaptation for Small Businesses: Small-scale or unorganized manufacturers may struggle to meet the requirements without government or industry support.
  • Awareness: Many sellers, especially online retailers, may be unaware of the mandatory nature of the BIS certification.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling non-BIS-certified toys is illegal in India. Offenders can face:

  • Seizure of goods
  • Fines
  • Legal prosecution
  • Ban on sales and imports

Conclusion

BIS certification for toys is a crucial regulation aimed at protecting the most vulnerable consumers—children. While it presents some challenges for manufacturers, especially smaller ones, it ultimately fosters a safer, more trustworthy toy market in India. For parents, BIS-certified toys provide peace of mind; for businesses, they offer a path to quality assurance and long-term credibility.