Is BIS Certification mandatory for Toys?

BIS Certification is mandatory for all types of toys sold in India. All toys made for children under the age of 14 need the ISI Mark under the Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020 under Schemes I and Schedule II. BIS has mandated this on all electric and non-electric toys. This order was promulgated by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to prevent the market from low-quality toys.

This order applies to all toys imported into India, and manufacturers abroad are also obligated to obtain a valid product certification for any manufacturer of toys in India. Let’s delve deeper into this blog to know more about the certification process of toys in India.

What is the Toys Quality Control Order (QCO)?

The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, was notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The original QCO was published on February 25, 2020, and became applicable from the January 2021 date of implementation, which was extended to give parties time to comply.

This QCO requires BIS Certification in India for toys under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The requirement and standard for safety regulations expect manufacturers and importers to comply with Indian safety standards to produce toys and to affix the ISI mark certification before selling the toy.

Types of Toys Certification Under BIS Scheme-I

To simplify the process for manufacturers, the ministry has decided to classify all toys into two categories for BIS toy licensing, rather than applying multiple Indian standards to each one. For each type, one primary standard will be applied against which a licence will be given, and secondary standards will be applied against which additional testing may be required.

Process for Obtaining BIS Certification for Toys

To ensure that toy manufacturers meet rigorous standards, the BIS certification procedure is made up of several steps to ensure that a certified or licensed toy manufacturer adheres to these standards. The following is a brief overview of the certification process:

Step 1: Application: Manufacturers will apply to the BIS with all the required documents and fees.

Step 2: Factory Inspection: An inspection of the factory will be conducted by BIS personnel to evaluate production facilities, quality control systems, and compliance with safety requirements.

Step 3: Sample Testing: Toy samples will be tested for compliance against standards by BIS laboratories or BIS-recognized laboratories.

Step 4: Issue of License: A license would be issued if the inspections, factory inspections, and testing comply with the BIS standards, thereby allowing the manufacturer to use the ISI mark.

Step 5: Continuous Surveillance: The BIS will conduct ongoing surveillance at regular intervals and sample products from the market and manufacturing units.

Basic Requirements for BIS Registration for Toys in India    

Below, you can find the requirements for BIS Registration for Toys: 

• To facilitate the BIS Certification for the import of toys or toys manufactured locally, the applicant can select whichever of the prescribed standards applies based on the type of toy.
• The samples will be tested by BIS for conformity to the primary standard and relevant secondary standard, which includes IS 9873 parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9. Toys must comply with the standards under which they are being tested.
• If BIS Certification is requested under different types of toys (i.e., non-electrical and electrical toys), each toy must be applied for separately. 
• A manufacturer of toys that manufactures toys (i.e., importing and/or manufacturing locally), having many locations, must submit separately for every manufacturing unit, according to Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 
• If the toy manufacturer does marketing and distribution but not manufacturing, that order does not apply to their business activities to begin with. 
• Concerning Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, BIS Certification for toys will only be provided to the manufacturer.

Documents Required For BIS Certificate of Toys In India      

Below you can through the list of documents required for BIS Certification of toys:

• Quality Control Parameters and their records
• Factory Registration Documents & Information
• Details of Authorized Signatory and other related documents
• Identity proof
• Adequate testing facilities
• Laboratory testing report and other information as per the BIS norm
• Manufacturing process flow chart

Why is BIS Certification for Toys Important?

Let’s go through the importance of BIS Certification for Toys in India:

• Consumer Safety: Children are vulnerable users. Ensuring non-toxic materials and safe designs prevents injuries and health hazards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance with BIS standards can lead to legal penalties, product seizures, or bans on sales.
• Market Access: Only BIS-certified toys are allowed to be imported, sold, or distributed in India. This makes certification essential for business continuity.
• Brand Trust: The ISI Mark certification assures parents of the toy’s quality, boosting brand reputation and customer trust.

BIS Quality Control Initiative for Toys

BIS uses its market and factory surveillance programs to check compliance. As of January 2023, around 2,500 toys had been sampled from various manufacturers and sellers, and 83% of toys either fit into Category A or C of compliance Issues. All manufacturers who were found to be non-compliant were directed to commence corrective actions.

To ensure adherence to standards, BIS undertakes enforcement raids to confiscate non-compliant toys. Through enforcement raids, BIS sustains the integrity of the certification process and the consumers from unsafe products. Inclusion of training courses allows manufacturers to gain knowledge in quality control and testing methods, which improves their ability to manufacture safe toys that comply with the standards.

BIS Certification Cost for Toys

Go through the table to know the cost of BIS Certification:

Summing Up!

BIS certification is vitally important for every toy sold in India, whether produced locally or imported. Compliance is not only a legal issue but also a matter of safety, quality, and trust when it comes to a product intended for a child, with stringent requirements under IS 9873 and IS 15644. Before any toys can enter the market in India, the manufacturer must first receive the ISI mark certification.

The typical BIS certification process can be difficult to follow and is ever-evolving from a regulatory and technical perspective. That’s why you need ERCS Pvt. Ltd as the best BIS Consultant for your certification process.