BIS Certification for Toys: Latest Rules and Safety Requirements
Toys are made for children, so their safety is extremely important. A toy should not have sharp edges, unsafe chemicals, easily detachable small parts, or other features that can harm a child.
In India, toys covered under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 are subject to mandatory BIS certification requirements. Manufacturers and importers need to ensure that their toys meet the applicable Indian Standards and carry the required BIS Standard Mark before selling them in the Indian market. The order came into force on 1 September 2020.
The main safety standards include the IS 9873 series for non-electric toys and IS 15644:2006 for electric toys. BIS's current product information also reflects updates to the toy standards, including IS 9873 (Part 1):2025, the fifth revision covering mechanical and physical safety aspects.
This guide explains the latest important rules, safety requirements, certification process, documents, testing requirements, and common questions about BIS Certification for Toys.
What Is BIS Certification for Toys?
BIS certification confirms that a toy meets the relevant Indian Standard for safety and quality.
For toys covered by the Toys (Quality Control) Order, manufacturers need to obtain a BIS licence under the applicable certification scheme and use the BIS Standard Mark as permitted by the licence.
BIS lists toys under its compulsory certification framework. The applicable toy standards include different requirements depending on the type and features of the toy.
For businesses looking for BIS Certification Online, it is important to understand that the process is not simply an online registration. It involves product testing, documentation, manufacturing facility requirements, quality control and BIS assessment as applicable.
Is BIS Certification Mandatory for Toys in India?
Yes. Toys covered by the Toys (Quality Control) Order are subject to mandatory BIS certification.
The QCO requires applicable toys to conform to the relevant Indian Standards and bear the Standard Mark under a BIS licence.
This applies to businesses involved in manufacturing or importing covered toys for sale in India.
Therefore, a business should not assume that a toy can be sold simply because it has passed a private laboratory test. The applicable BIS requirements must also be followed.
BIS Certification for Toys: Latest Rules
The key rules businesses should know include:
1. Toys must meet applicable Indian Standards
The Toys (Quality Control) Order refers to specific Indian Standards for toy safety.
The major standards include:
- IS 9873 (Part 1) – Mechanical and physical properties
- IS 9873 (Part 2) – Flammability
- IS 9873 (Part 3) – Migration of certain elements
- IS 9873 (Part 4) – Swings, slides and similar activity toys
- IS 9873 (Part 7) – Finger paints
- IS 9873 (Part 9) – Certain phthalates in toys and children's products
- IS 15644:2006 – Safety of electric toys
BIS's product certification information identifies these standards under the compulsory toy certification framework.
2. Updated standards should be checked
The standards applicable to toys can be revised over time.
For example, BIS currently lists IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 as the fifth revision covering safety aspects related to mechanical and physical properties.
Therefore, manufacturers should check the latest applicable Indian Standard and BIS product requirements before testing or applying for a licence.
3. Testing is an important part of certification
Toy samples may need to be tested against the applicable requirements.
Depending on the toy, testing can cover areas such as:
- Mechanical and physical safety
- Flammability
- Migration of certain elements
- Chemical safety
- Phthalates
- Finger paints
- Electric toy safety
- Construction and material-related requirements
BIS-recognised laboratories have testing facilities for various toy standards. BIS laboratory information, for example, lists testing under IS 9873 Parts 2 and 3 and other applicable toy standards.
What Safety Requirements Apply to Toys?
The safety requirements depend on the type of toy.
Mechanical and Physical Safety
Toys should be designed so that they do not create unnecessary risks during normal use or reasonably foreseeable misuse.
Requirements can relate to:
- Sharp points
- Sharp edges
- Small parts
- Strength of components
- Accessibility of internal parts
- Moving parts
- Hinges and folding mechanisms
- Strings and cords
- Projections
- Toy construction
These requirements help reduce risks such as cuts, choking, pinching and other injuries.
Flammability
Certain toys and materials can catch fire easily.
IS 9873 Part 2 deals with flammability requirements for toys. The purpose is to reduce the risk associated with toys or toy materials that can burn rapidly.
Chemical Safety
Children may put toys in their mouths or come into direct contact with them.
For this reason, chemical safety is an important part of toy testing.
IS 9873 Part 3 deals with the migration of certain elements. Testing can include elements such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury and others, depending on the applicable requirements.
Phthalates
Some plastic materials may contain phthalates, which are regulated in certain children's products.
IS 9873 Part 9 covers certain phthalate esters in toys and children's products.
Electric Toy Safety
Electric toys have additional safety risks because they contain electrical components.
Electric toys are covered by IS 15644:2006 – Safety of Electric Toys under the compulsory toy certification framework.
Testing can involve electrical and construction-related safety requirements applicable to the toy.
BIS Certification Online vs BIS CRS Registration Online
This is an important point for manufacturers and online sellers.
Many businesses search for BIS CRS registration online when they want approval for an electronic product. However, BIS CRS and BIS certification for toys are not the same process.
What is BIS CRS?
The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is a BIS registration scheme mainly covering notified electronics and IT products under the applicable government orders.
BIS describes Scheme-II as the registration scheme for notified electronics and IT goods.
Which route applies to toys?
Toys covered under the Toys (Quality Control) Order are under the compulsory BIS certification framework associated with the applicable Indian Standards and Standard Mark.
Therefore, businesses should not automatically apply for BIS CRS registration online just because a toy contains electronic features.
The applicable standard and regulatory route should be checked based on the actual product.
BIS Certification vs ISI Certification Online
Another common search term is ISI Certification Online.
ISI Mark is the Standard Mark used under BIS certification for products covered by the relevant certification scheme.
For toys covered under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, the BIS certification route allows the applicable toy to carry the BIS Standard Mark after meeting the required conditions and obtaining the appropriate licence.
So, when a business searches for ISI Certification Online for toys, it should understand that the process involves more than filling out an online form.
It may involve:
- Identifying the correct Indian Standard
- Reviewing the product and manufacturing process
- Testing samples
- Preparing technical and manufacturing documents
- Applying through the applicable BIS process
- Factory assessment, where applicable
- Addressing any observations
- Obtaining the BIS licence
- Following ongoing testing and compliance requirements
Who Needs BIS Certification for Toys?
BIS certification requirements can apply to businesses such as:
- Toy manufacturers in India
- Toy importers
- Foreign manufacturers supplying covered toys to India
- Businesses manufacturing toys under their own brand
- Manufacturers producing toys for another brand
- Certain sellers involved in placing covered toys in the Indian market
The exact compliance requirement depends on the product, manufacturer, applicable standard and regulatory arrangement.
Documents Required for BIS Certification for Toys
The exact documents can vary depending on the product and application. Common documents may include:
- Applicant details
- Manufacturing unit details
- Address proof
- Factory information
- Details of manufacturing machinery
- Manufacturing process information
- Product specifications
- Raw material details
- Test reports
- Quality control details
- Details of testing equipment
- Calibration records, where applicable
- Layout of the manufacturing premises
- Details of technical and quality personnel
- Trademark or brand-related documents, where applicable
- Product drawings or specifications
BIS may require additional information depending on the application and applicable standard.
Process for BIS Certification for Toys
A general certification process can be understood in the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the Applicable Standard
First, determine which Indian Standard applies to the toy.
A non-electric toy and an electric toy may have different requirements.
Step 2: Review Product Specifications
Check the toy's materials, design, age group, components, packaging and intended use against the applicable requirements.
Step 3: Testing
The required toy samples should be tested according to the applicable Indian Standard through the prescribed testing process.
BIS maintains information on recognised laboratories and testing facilities.
Step 4: Prepare the Application
The manufacturer needs to prepare the required technical and manufacturing documents and submit the application through the applicable BIS process.
Step 5: BIS Assessment
Depending on the certification route and application, BIS may assess the manufacturing facility, quality control system, testing arrangements and product conformity.
Step 6: Resolve Observations
If BIS identifies any issue during assessment or document review, the applicant needs to take corrective action and provide the required response.
Step 7: Grant of Licence
After the applicable requirements are successfully completed, BIS may grant the licence for the relevant product and varieties.
Step 8: Maintain Compliance
Certification does not mean that compliance ends after obtaining the licence.
Manufacturers must continue to maintain product quality, testing, records and other applicable BIS requirements.
Why Is BIS Certification Important for Toy Businesses?
Builds Consumer Trust
Parents are more likely to trust toys that meet recognised safety requirements.
Supports Legal Compliance
BIS certification helps businesses comply with mandatory product requirements applicable to toys.
Reduces Product Safety Risks
Testing helps identify potential mechanical, physical, chemical and electrical safety problems.
Helps Build Brand Reputation
A safety-focused compliance approach can improve confidence in a toy brand.
Supports Market Access
For products covered by mandatory requirements, compliance is important before placing them in the Indian market.
Common Mistakes Toy Manufacturers Should Avoid
Businesses should avoid these common mistakes:
- Choosing the wrong Indian Standard
- Treating BIS certification as only an online formality
- Using outdated standards
- Selling toys without completing mandatory compliance
- Ignoring chemical safety requirements
- Using materials without proper testing
- Failing to maintain quality control records
- Using the BIS Standard Mark without proper authorisation
- Assuming electronic toys automatically fall under BIS CRS
- Not checking the latest BIS amendments and product requirements
How Corpbiz Can Help With BIS Certification for Toys
Corpbiz assists businesses with compliance-related requirements, including BIS certification support.
Our team can help businesses understand the applicable Indian Standard, documentation, testing requirements, and BIS application process.
Whether you are searching for BIS Certification Online, BIS CRS Registration Online, or ISI Certification Online, it is important to first identify the correct certification route for your product.
For toys, the applicable BIS certification requirements should be checked based on the toy type, applicable Indian Standard, and current regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is BIS Certification mandatory for toys in India?
Yes. Toys covered by the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 are subject to mandatory BIS certification requirements. The order came into force on 1 September 2020.
2. What is BIS Certification for Toys?
BIS Certification for Toys confirms that applicable toys meet the relevant Indian Standards and certification requirements prescribed by BIS.
3. Is BIS CRS Registration Online required for toys?
Not generally. BIS CRS is a separate registration scheme mainly covering notified electronics and IT products. Toys covered by the Toys (Quality Control) Order follow the applicable BIS certification framework rather than automatically using the CRS route.
4. What is ISI Certification Online for toys?
The term is commonly used to describe the online process associated with obtaining BIS certification and the right to use the applicable Standard Mark. Toy manufacturers should follow the BIS certification route applicable to their product.
5. Which standard applies to non-electric toys?
The IS 9873 series covers different safety aspects of toys. The applicable part depends on the type and characteristics of the product. BIS currently lists IS 9873 Part 1:2025 for mechanical and physical safety aspects.
6. Which standard applies to electric toys?
Electric toys are covered by IS 15644:2006 – Safety of Electric Toys under the compulsory toy certification framework.
7. Does every toy need the same testing?
No. Testing requirements can vary according to the type, materials, construction and features of the toy.
8. Can imported toys be sold in India without BIS certification?
Toys covered by the mandatory requirements need to comply with the applicable BIS requirements before being placed on the Indian market. Importers should verify the certification requirements applicable to the specific product and manufacturer.
9. Can I apply for BIS Certification Online?
The BIS application process includes online components, but certification involves more than submitting an online form. Product conformity, testing, documentation, manufacturing facilities and other applicable requirements also need to be addressed.
10. Why should toy manufacturers check the latest BIS standards?
BIS standards and regulatory requirements can be revised. For example, BIS currently lists the fifth revision of IS 9873 Part 1 from 2025. Businesses should therefore verify the current applicable standard before beginning certification.
Conclusion
Toy safety is an important compliance requirement in India. Manufacturers and importers should make sure that their products meet the applicable Indian Standards before selling them in the market.
The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, along with applicable amendments and current BIS standards, forms an important part of the regulatory framework for toys. The applicable requirements can cover mechanical and physical safety, flammability, chemical safety, phthalates and electrical safety.
If you are planning BIS Certification for Toys, do not confuse it with BIS CRS Registration Online. Toys covered under the mandatory toy framework follow the applicable BIS certification route and Standard Mark requirements.
Before starting the application, businesses should check the latest BIS requirements, identify the correct standard and complete the required testing and documentation.
Author Profile
Atul Shukla
Legal & Compliance Advisor – Corpbiz
Atul Shukla writes about business compliance, regulatory approvals, certifications and legal requirements in India. His content focuses on making complex compliance topics easier for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, importers and growing businesses to understand.
About Corpbiz:
Corpbiz is a legal-tech and business compliance platform that assists businesses with regulatory registrations, certifications, licences and ongoing compliance requirements.
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