BIS Certification for Toys

Get your BIS Certification for Toys with BIS Consultancy Services, where we provide end-to-end guidance on the registration procedure as per BIS guidelines. With a BIS license for toys, businesses gain the legal right to manufacture electronic and non-electronic toys in India. The certification also permits the import of toys from foreign countries, ensuring that only safe and standard-compliant products reach Indian consumers.

Consumers today are highly aware of quality and safety, especially when it comes to children’s products. Toys, being one of the most widely sold categories,must meetthe highest safety benchmarks. To regulate quality, the Government of India established the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the BIS Act, 2016, as the National Standards Body. BIS certifies products, including toys, to confirm that theyare safe, durable, and hazard-free.

Certified products carry the ISI mark, a trusted symbol of quality. Since January 1, 2021, the Central Government has made ISI marking mandatory for all toys manufactured, sold, or stored in India. The Toys (Quality Control) Order further strengthens this requirement, making certification compulsory for both domestic and imported toys. Today, BIS operates with over 20,000 standards across industries, ensuring quality and consumer safety.

Certification for toys is not just a regulatory formality, it is a commitment to child safety and product reliability. Toys undergo rigorous testing before receiving BIS approval, and only compliant products are allowed in the market.

Key benefits of BIS certification include-

• Assurance – Guarantees a standard level of quality, durability, and safe performance.
• Authenticity – Builds consumer trust and enhances brand credibility.
• Safety – Restricts the use of hazardous chemicals and ensures environmental protection.
• Legal Protection – Minimizes risks of penalties, bans, or legal actions.
• Market Access – Enables manufacturers to expand into domestic and international markets.

Types

BIS follows different schemes of certification depending on the product category. For toys, the applicable schemes are

1. ISI Scheme

The ISI Mark Certification is issued for products manufactured in India that comply with Indian Standards. Toys fall under the mandatory list of products requiring certification under this scheme. As per the Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020, certification applies to both electrical and non-electrical toys.

1. Electrical Toys – IS 15644
2. Non-Electrical Toys – Covered under multiple standards, including:

• IS 9873 (Part 1): 2018 – Mechanical and physical safety aspects
• IS 9873 (Part 2): 2017 – Flammability safety
• IS 9873 (Part 3): 2017 – Migration of certain elements
• IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017 – Swings, slides, and activity toys
• IS 9873 (Part 7): 2017 – Finger paints safety
• IS 9873 (Part 9): 2017 – Phthalates esters in toys and children’s products

2. CRS Scheme

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) covers electronics and IT products.
While primarily for electrical and digital goods, toy manufacturers dealing with electronic toys must comply with CRS requirements. Products must be tested in BIS-recognized labs before registration.

3. FMCS Scheme

The Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) allows overseas toy manufacturers to obtain BIS certification for exporting toys to India. This ensures that imported toys comply with the same standards as those produced locally.

The Toys (Quality Control) Order issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry mandates compliance with seven Indian Standards. These align with international standards set by ISO and IEC, ensuring global compatibility.

Key safety concerns addressed include-

• Prohibition of harmful chemicals like phthalates, cadmium, and lead.
• Prevention of choking hazards due to small detachable parts.
• Structural safety for activity-based toys like swings and slides.

The certification is mandatory for all toys intended for children up to 14 years of age. Parents can lodge complaints against non-certified toys, and BIS has the authority to recall defective or unsafe products.

The BIS license is granted only after thorough evaluation of a manufacturer’s setup, testing capabilities, and product compliance.

Steps involved include

1. Application – Submission through Form-V as per BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
2. Inspection – Evaluation of the factory’s infrastructure, production process, and quality control measures.
3. Testing – Samples tested in BIS-recognized laboratories or the manufacturer’s in-house laboratory (where permitted).
4. Verification – Results compared against applicable standards.
5. Grant of License – Issuance of the BIS license with a validity of 2 years.

For large or complex products, factory-based testing may be considered instead of third-party testing.

The documentation requirements differ for domestic and foreign manufacturers.

1. For Foreign Manufacturers-

• Company establishment documents (branch/liaison office approvals, RBI permissions, etc.)
• Authorized Indian representative nomination form
• Manufacturing process flowchart
• Quality control system documents (manuals, plans, test formats)
• Equipment and testing facility details
• Product/component drawings
• Appointment letters and qualifications of technical staff
• Independent laboratory test reports (if applicable)
• Factory layout and location map
• Application fee proof

2. For Domestic Manufacturers-

• Factory and office address proof
• Incorporation documents (MoA, Incorporation Certificate, MSME registration, if applicable)
• Manufacturing process details
• Equipment list and outsourcing details (if any)
• Testing laboratory details with calibration certificates
• Factory layout and site map
• Test reports (internal or third-party)
• Authorization letters for signatories

A BIS license is valid for 2 years and can be renewed upon reassessment and submission of updated compliance documents.

Applications may be rejected if-

• Samples are not submitted within 30 days of recording.
• Products fail testing more than once.
• The manufacturer lacks adequate testing facilities.
• No qualified technical staff is available.
• Corrective actions are not implemented as advised.
• The applicant defaults on BIS fee obligations.

Non-compliance with BIS certification requirements can lead to severe penalties. Under the Toys (Quality Control) Order:

• First offense – Imprisonment for up to 2 years or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
• Subsequent offenses – Fines of up to ₹5 lakh, along with possible cancellation of licenses.

Additionally, non-certified toys may be seized from retail outlets, warehouses, or airports during BIS enforcement drives.

Step 1 – Connect

Reach out to BIS Consultancy Services to discuss your business requirements and compliance needs. Our initial consultation typically takes 20/30 minutes.

Step 2 – Manager

A dedicated account manager is assigned to understand your product category, guide you through the documentation, and assist in the complete registration process.

Step 3 – Update

Track your application status in real-time through our platform. Stay updated with every stage: submission, inspection, testing, and approval.

Step 4 – Completion

Once approved, your BIS certification and registration documents are delivered to your registered email and physical address.

Conclusion

Certification for toys is no longer optional, it is mandatory for safety, compliance, and credibility. With BIS Consultancy Services, manufacturers and importers can navigate the complex registration process with ease. Our team ensures smooth execution, right from consultation to certification, so your business remains compliant and competitive.