BIS Certification for Toys in India: What Every Manufacturer and Importer Should Know

Visit any toy shop in India, and you will find them overflowing with dolls of various colours, puzzles, building blocks and ride-on cars. The part that no parent knows about is the inspection that needs to be done after manufacturing every toy. With the introduction of mandatory BIS Certification toys by the government, the inspection became mandatory.

This guide is specifically intended for those who manufacture, import and distribute toys in India. We at UMSPCS have been helping various organisations through this process and thus have tried to make it as practical as possible.

What is BIS certification for toys?

BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. It is the national agency that determines standards for quality and safety. The ISI mark can be put on products only after they have undergone testing and have fulfilled the standards.

In the case of toys, certification is compulsory according to the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020. This pertains to all those toys that are either designed or intended to be used by children up to 14 years of age. According to the order, manufacturing, importing, selling, stocking or distribution of such toys without the mark is not permitted.

Why did the government make it compulsory?

The reason is very clear; children bite, chew, pull, and throw toys. If a toy is shedding its pieces or has toxic paints, then it may pose danger to the child.

Prior to the order, there was a very high percentage of imported toys, which did not go through any rigorous testing process. Painted toys that had heavy metal content and other health risks were common.

Which standards apply?

The main reference is IS 9873, the Indian standard for toy safety, which is split into parts:

• Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties (sharp edges, small parts, strength)
• Part 2: Flammability
• Part 3: Migration of certain chemical elements, such as lead and other heavy metals
• Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities

Electric toys are tested against additional safety requirements, and some toy categories have their own specific standards. Which ones apply to you depends on what you make, so check this before you start testing.

The certification process, step by step

The process looks long on paper, but it follows a clear order.

1. Identify the right standard. Work out which part of IS 9873 (and any other standard) covers your product.

2. Create your documents. You’ll need the manufacturing process details, a list of testing equipment, quality control plans and factory information.

3. Apply on the BIS portal. The application goes online with the required fees and documents.

4. Factory inspection. A BIS officer visits your manufacturing unit to check whether you have the machinery, testing facilities and quality systems to produce compliant toys consistently.

5. Sample testing. Samples are drawn and sent to a BIS-recognised laboratory.

6. Grant of licence. If the factory and test results are satisfactory, BIS issues the licence, and you can begin using the ISI mark along with your licence number.

7. Keep it up. A licence isn’t a one-time prize. BIS can run surveillance visits and market sampling, and you’ll need to renew it when it expires.

What about foreign manufacturers?

Overseas producers supplying toy products to India may seek certification under the Foreign Manufacturer Certification Scheme (FMCS). This is a comparable procedure, but the testing takes place at the manufacturing location outside of India. Additionally, the cost and time involved tend to be higher. Importers are advised to ensure that their manufacturer is BIS licensed before placing orders, as liability does not end at the border.

Common mistakes that delay certification

From our experience, the same problems keep appearing:

• Choosing the wrong standard or missing a part that applies
• Incomplete or inconsistent documents
• Not having in-house testing equipment ready for the inspection
• Using raw materials or paints with no proper test reports
• Assuming a sample that passed once guarantees every batch will pass

A little preparation before you apply saves weeks of back-and-forth later.

What happens if you skip certification?

It is not worth taking that chance. The sale of unregistered toys may result in the confiscation of goods, hefty fines, and even criminal proceedings under the provisions of the BIS Act. Apart from the above-mentioned, even one accident may ruin the brand image forever. There is an increasing need to prove BIS compliance.

How UMSPCS can help

The technicalities associated with the paperwork may seem daunting for new applicants. At UMSPCS, we help you through the entire process, from identifying the right standards to documentation and testing. We also help you prepare for the factory inspection after issuing your license. Our goal is to save you time to enable you to design and sell fantastic toys.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is BIS certification mandatory for all toys?
 It’s mandatory for toys intended for children under 14 years that fall under the Toys (Quality Control) Order. Some items may be excluded, so check your product category.

2. How long does it take to get BIS certification for toys?
 It varies with how ready your documents and factory are. Typically, it can take a few weeks to a few months. Delays usually come from incomplete files or test failures.

3. How much does it cost?
 Costs include application fees, testing charges, inspection fees and consultancy support if you use it. The total depends on your product range and whether you are a domestic or foreign manufacturer.

4. Can I sell imported toys without a BIS licence?
 No. Imported toys covered by the order must come from a manufacturer holding a valid BIS licence and must carry the ISI mark.

5. How long is the BIS licence valid?
 BIS licences are granted for a fixed period and must be renewed before they expire. Check the validity on your licence document.

6. Do I need separate certification for each toy design?
 Licences are generally granted for specific products or categories, so adding new types of toys may require extending your licence. Confirm with BIS or your consultant.

7. Can small manufacturers apply?
 Yes. BIS has some provisions and concessions for micro and small enterprises, which can ease the process.

 Source:- https://mtctecertification.mystrikingly.com/blog/bis-certification-for-toys-in-india-what-every-manufacturer-and-importer