The toy industry in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising demand for safe, innovative, and sustainable toys. With this growth, ensuring quality and safety has become a top priority for manufacturers, importers, and consumers alike. One of the most significant steps taken by the Indian government to regulate toy safety is the mandatory BIS for toys.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body of India responsible for ensuring that products available in the Indian market meet established safety, quality, and performance requirements. For the toy industry, BIS plays a crucial role in maintaining consumer trust, especially when it comes to children’s safety.

This blog explores the importance of BIS for Toys, the process of certification, the significance of the ISI Mark for Toys, and how a BIS consultant for toys can simplify compliance for manufacturers and importers.

Why BIS Certification for Toys is Mandatory

The Government of India has made BIS certification for toys mandatory under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to protect children from hazardous, substandard, and unsafe products. As per the Toys (Quality Control) Order issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), all toys sold in India—whether manufactured domestically or imported—must comply with Indian Standards and carry the ISI mark for toys.

This regulation ensures that toys are:

• Non-toxic and safe for children.

• Durable and of good quality, reducing the risk of breakage or choking hazards.

• Manufactured using approved raw materials without harmful chemicals.

• Tested against electrical and mechanical hazards to prevent injuries.

By enforcing these standards, BIS for toys ensures that parents can trust the products they buy for their children.

What is the ISI Mark for Toys?

The ISI mark for toys is the official certification mark issued by BIS. It is a symbol of quality, safety, and compliance with Indian Standards. A toy carrying the ISI mark assures consumers that it has passed stringent quality checks and safety tests.

There are two categories of toys under the BIS scheme:

1. Non-Electrical Toys – These include dolls, building blocks, balls, rattles, puzzles, and other non-battery-operated toys.

   • Covered under IS 9873 (Part 1, 2, 3, etc.) standards.

2. Electrical or Electronic Toys – Toys that operate using batteries or electricity, such as remote-controlled cars, musical toys, and robotic toys.

   • Covered under IS 15644 standards.

In both cases, obtaining the ISI mark for toys is mandatory before products can be sold in the Indian market.

Process of BIS Certification for Toys

Obtaining BIS certification for toys involves a structured process to ensure compliance with all applicable standards. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Application Submission

Manufacturers (domestic or foreign) must apply online through the BIS portal, providing details of the product, manufacturing facility, and testing reports.

2. Testing of Samples

Samples of toys must be tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory. Testing is carried out according to the relevant Indian Standards, covering aspects like:

• Mechanical safety

• Electrical safety

• Chemical testing for harmful substances

• Flammability resistance

3. Factory Inspection (for ISI Mark Licensing)

BIS officials conduct an inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify production processes, quality control measures, and testing capabilities.

4. Grant of Certification

Once the application and test reports are approved, BIS issues a license to use the ISI mark for toys.

5. Surveillance and Renewal

BIS regularly monitors certified manufacturers through surveillance inspections and product testing to ensure continued compliance.

Role of BIS for Toys in Consumer Safety

The mandatory BIS certification for toys is not just a regulatory requirement but also a powerful tool to:

• Protect children from unsafe products: BIS ensures that toys do not contain toxic substances or dangerous designs.

• Promote fair competition: Only compliant manufacturers can sell toys, which raises industry standards.

• Boost consumer trust: Parents are more confident buying toys that carry the ISI mark for toys.

• Support exports: BIS certification enhances the credibility of Indian toys in global markets.

Challenges Faced by Manufacturers and Importers

While BIS certification is critical, the process can be challenging due to:

• Extensive documentation requirements.

• Technical testing procedures.

• Costs involved in testing and certification.

• Delays in approval if applications are incomplete.

• Complexity for foreign manufacturers unfamiliar with Indian regulations.

This is where a BIS consultant for toys becomes invaluable.

Why Hire a BIS Consultant for Toys?

A professional BIS consultant for toys helps manufacturers and importers navigate the certification process with ease. Their expertise ensures faster approvals and compliance with regulations. Key benefits of hiring a consultant include:

• Guidance on applicable standards for specific toy categories.

• Assistance with documentation and application filing.

• Coordination with BIS-recognized laboratories for product testing.

• Handling inspections and audits smoothly.

• Ensuring timely certification without unnecessary delays.

• Support for foreign manufacturers in understanding Indian compliance requirements.

With the support of an experienced consultant, businesses can avoid costly mistakes and ensure uninterrupted market access.

Impact of BIS Certification on the Indian Toy Market

The mandatory BIS certification has transformed the Indian toy market in several ways:

• Improved quality and safety of toys available in the market.

• Increased trust among consumers, encouraging them to buy more certified toys.

• Growth opportunities for compliant manufacturers, as uncertified products are banned.

• Boost to the Make in India initiative, as domestic manufacturers align with global quality benchmarks.

• Strengthening India’s toy exports, since BIS certification demonstrates adherence to international-level safety standards.

Conclusion

EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. The toy industry is directly linked to the safety and well-being of children, making quality assurance a non-negotiable requirement. The BIS certification for toys and the ISI mark for toys serve as crucial safeguards, ensuring that only safe and high-quality products reach the hands of young consumers.

While the certification process can be complex, manufacturers and importers can streamline compliance with the help of a BIS consultant for toys, who provides end-to-end support. In a market where safety equals trust, BIS certification is not just a legal necessity—it is a brand’s promise to protect children and deliver uncompromised quality.