BIS for Toys: Ensuring Safety and Quality in Every Toy

In today's competitive toy market, parents, importers, and manufacturers are more concerned than ever about the safety and quality of toys. With toys directly affecting children's health and well-being, strict quality assurance and standard compliance become essential. In India, this responsibility is handled by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

BIS for Toys is not just a formality—it is a crucial regulation that ensures toys meet the required safety, quality, and performance benchmarks. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or startup in the toy industry, understanding BIS certification for toys is key to building trust, staying compliant, and succeeding in the Indian market.

What is BIS for Toys?

The term BIS for Toys refers to the mandatory requirement of obtaining certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards to manufacture, sell, or import toys in India. Under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, it is compulsory for all toys sold in India to comply with Indian Standards (IS) specified by BIS.

This regulation applies to both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers. Without a valid BIS license, toys cannot be legally sold or distributed in the Indian market.

Applicable Standards for BIS Certification for Toys

BIS has specified two key standards for toy certification:

• IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 – Safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties of toys

• IS 15644: 2006 – Safety requirements of electric toys

All toys, whether traditional, battery-operated, or electronic, must comply with either or both standards depending on the product category.

Why BIS Certification for Toys is Mandatory in India

The Indian government has made BIS certification for toys mandatory for several reasons:

• Child Safety: Ensures toys are free from sharp edges, toxic materials, and hazardous mechanical parts.

• Consumer Trust: The ISI mark for toys acts as a symbol of reliability and quality assurance.

• Compliance with Law: As per the Quality Control Order, selling uncertified toys is a legal offense.

• Level Playing Field: Both local and foreign toy brands follow the same compliance process, maintaining fair competition.

What is the ISI Mark for Toys?

The ISI Mark for Toys is the official certification symbol issued by BIS. It shows that the toy has been tested and approved as per Indian safety standards. Any toy without the ISI mark is considered non-compliant and is banned from sale in India.

When a toy bears the ISI mark, it confirms that:

• The toy passed physical and chemical safety tests.

• It is manufactured under BIS-approved conditions.

• It follows continuous quality control and surveillance.

Types of Toys Covered Under BIS Certification

BIS certification applies to a wide variety of toys, including:

• Plastic toys

• Wooden toys

• Metal toys

• Battery-operated toys

• Electronic and smart toys

• Toys with lights and sounds

• Educational toys and puzzles

Whether a toy is made locally or imported, if it is intended for use by children under 14 years of age, it must be BIS certified.

The BIS Certification Process for Toy Manufacturers

Getting the BIS certification for toys involves a step-by-step process:

1. Determine the Applicable Standards

Identify whether your toy falls under IS 9873 or IS 15644 or both. Most non-electric toys fall under IS 9873, while electric toys require compliance with IS 15644.

2. Application Filing

Submit the online application on the BIS portal along with necessary documents:

• Business license

• Product details

• Test reports (from BIS-recognized labs)

• Manufacturing unit layout

• Quality control plan

3. Product Testing

Your toys must be tested in a BIS-approved laboratory. Tests include:

• Drop test

• Sharp point and edge tests

• Toxicity and chemical test

• Performance checks

4. Factory Inspection

BIS officials may inspect your factory to verify production quality, machinery, and infrastructure.

5. Grant of ISI License

Once your application is approved, you will receive an ISI license for your toy category. This allows you to use the ISI Mark for Toys.

Role of a BIS Consultant for Toys

Navigating BIS procedures, especially for new businesses and importers, can be challenging. That’s where a BIS consultant for toys plays an important role. They offer expert support with:

• End-to-end documentation

• Liaising with labs and BIS officials

• Fast-track processing

• Avoiding delays or rejections

• Guiding foreign manufacturers for FMCS route

With a professional ISI consultant for toys, you can simplify your certification journey and avoid costly mistakes.

What If You Are an Importer?

If you are importing toys to India, you must follow the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). Under this scheme:

• A BIS license is mandatory before import

• The foreign factory is inspected by BIS personnel

• Samples must be tested at BIS-approved labs in India

• Post-approval, ISI mark must be affixed on the toys

The process is strict but essential for compliance. A professional ISI Consultant for toys can help manage foreign certification cases efficiently.

Validity and Renewal of BIS License

The BIS license for toys is usually valid for two years. Manufacturers need to apply for renewal before expiry. Ongoing compliance, product testing, and quality audits are required to maintain license validity.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Toys

Getting your toys BIS certified offers several advantages:

✅ Trust and Safety – Boosts consumer confidence in your products
✅ Market Access – Legal entry into Indian retail and e-commerce platforms
✅ Brand Value – The ISI mark strengthens brand image
✅ Avoid Legal Trouble – Prevents penalties, product bans, and recalls
✅ Competitive Advantage – Compliance differentiates you from non-certified players

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Selling or distributing toys without BIS certification can result in:

• Fines up to ₹5 lakh or more

• Confiscation of stock

• Legal action and business closure

• Delisting from online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, etc.

Hence, it is critical to adhere to the BIS regulations at all times.

How EVTL India Can Help You Get BIS Certified for Toys

At EVTL India, we specialize in assisting toy manufacturers and importers with smooth BIS certification services. As a leading BIS consultant for toys, we provide:

• Complete application and documentation support

• Product testing coordination

• ISI mark license approval

• Factory audit assistance

• Post-certification compliance guidance

Whether you are based in India or abroad, our expert team simplifies the entire certification journey so you can focus on your business.

Conclusion

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The growing awareness around toy safety has made BIS certification a non-negotiable requirement in India. The presence of the ISI Mark for Toys is now a clear signal of quality, safety, and compliance. Every stakeholder in the toy industry—manufacturers, importers, sellers—must understand the importance of BIS certification.

If you're looking to enter or expand in the Indian toy market, getting BIS for toys is your first step toward a compliant and successful business. Partner with a trusted ISI consultant for toys like EVTL India to ensure your certification is done right—without delays, errors, or regulatory issues.