In recent years, the Indian government has taken a firm stand on toy safety and quality standards. The introduction of BIS Certification for Toys under compulsory registration has transformed the toy industry in India, especially impacting both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers. With increasing awareness among consumers and rising regulatory scrutiny, ensuring compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards has become a necessity rather than a choice.
Why Toy Safety Has Become a National Concern
Children interact with toys in intimate, physical ways—chewing, throwing, and hugging them. If toys are made of substandard materials or have design flaws, they can pose serious health hazards, such as choking, poisoning, or sharp edge injuries. Recognizing this, the Indian government, through the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Toys (Quality Control) Order, making it mandatory for toys to conform to Indian Standards and bear the ISI Mark for Toys.
The Legal Backbone: QCO and BIS Enforcement
The Quality Control Order (QCO) makes it compulsory for all toys sold in India—whether imported or locally produced—to meet specific Indian Standards. As per the directive, only toys with a valid ISI Certification for Toys can be legally sold in the market. These products must undergo rigorous quality checks and testing procedures before receiving certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards.
This move not only ensures the safety of children but also aligns Indian products with global standards, opening up international trade opportunities for compliant manufacturers.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Toys?
Any entity involved in the manufacturing, importing, or selling of toys in India needs to comply with BIS norms. The certification applies to two main categories:
Electric Toys: Toys that are powered by electricity or batteries.
Non-Electric Toys: All toys that operate without any electrical power source.
Each category has separate Indian Standards, and manufacturers need to get their products tested accordingly. Without proper certification, importers and sellers face confiscation of products and legal penalties.
Process to Obtain Certification: A Multi-Step Compliance Route
Acquiring BIS for Toys involves multiple stages, starting from product sample testing to factory inspection and document verification. Below is a breakdown of the standard process:
Application Submission: The manufacturer (or authorized Indian representative in case of foreign entities) must apply through the BIS online portal.
Product Testing: Samples are sent to BIS-recognized labs for testing as per IS 9873 (for non-electric toys) or IS 15644 (for electric toys).
Factory Audit: BIS officials visit the production site to evaluate manufacturing capability, quality control mechanisms, and working conditions.
Grant of License: If the product and factory meet all necessary conditions, BIS grants a license to use the ISI mark on certified toys.
Post-Certification Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic surveillance to ensure continued compliance.
Common Challenges Faced by Toy Manufacturers
Navigating the certification journey is not always straightforward. Many businesses—especially MSMEs—face hurdles such as:
Lack of awareness about applicable standards
Difficulties in setting up in-house testing facilities
Unfamiliarity with compliance documentation
Delays due to improper submissions or failed audits
This is where a reliable BIS consultant for toys becomes essential. Such professionals provide end-to-end assistance in understanding standards, preparing documentation, coordinating with test labs, and liaising with BIS officials.
Impact on Toy Importers and Foreign Brands
The Indian toy market is flooded with imported toys, mainly from China and Southeast Asia. Post the implementation of mandatory BIS certification, many small and unregistered foreign players found themselves unable to meet the standards. This has had two major impacts:
Improved Market Entry Barriers: Only serious and quality-focused players now have access to the Indian toy market.
Growth for Domestic Brands: Local manufacturers who meet BIS norms have witnessed a rise in consumer trust and domestic demand.
Foreign brands can still operate in India but must obtain certification through the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), which includes stringent factory inspections abroad.
Role of the ISI Mark in Gaining Consumer Trust
The ISI mark is more than just a symbol—it represents quality assurance, safety, and compliance with national standards. For toys, displaying the ISI mark assures parents that the product has been vetted for harmful substances like lead, sharp parts, or mechanical defects. It also serves as a marketing advantage for brands, enabling them to build a positive reputation in a highly competitive sector.
The Future of BIS and Indian Toy Industry
India is gradually transitioning into a self-reliant toy manufacturing hub under the "Make in India" initiative. With BIS regulations in place, manufacturers are now pushed toward adopting better quality control systems, cleaner materials, and child-safe designs. This proactive shift is likely to benefit the entire ecosystem:
Consumers get safer products.
Manufacturers gain access to new markets.
Retailers can sell certified toys without legal risks.
New regulations are expected to expand to related areas like educational toys, digital games, and smart toys integrated with AI or IoT functionalities. Stakeholders should stay updated with BIS notifications and upcoming standard revisions to remain compliant and competitive.
Conclusion: Compliance is a Gateway, Not a Barrier
EVTL India is one of the leading BIS Consultant in India, helping manufacturers obtain their BIS licences hassle-free. While some manufacturers may view certification as a bureaucratic hurdle, it should instead be seen as a gateway to better business, enhanced consumer trust, and long-term sustainability. BIS certification for toys not only safeguards children's health but also uplifts industry standards and helps Indian brands compete on a global scale.
With professional help from a trusted BIS consultant for toys, the certification process becomes manageable, structured, and goal-oriented. As the toy industry continues to evolve, those who embrace compliance and quality assurance early on will emerge as market leaders in the years to come.
