The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued the Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020, making BIS certification mandatory for both electrical and non-electrical toys. Manufacturers must meet the prescribed Indian standards to produce and sell toys in the Indian market. Toys failing to meet these standards cannot be legally sold or distributed in India. Get BIS certified with ease—partner with EVTL India today!
Safety is a top priority when it comes to children's toys. Unsafe toys can lead to serious risks, including choking hazards, physical injuries, and health issues from toxic materials like harmful plastics, paints, or fabrics. To address these concerns, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) enforces strict safety regulations through the BIS certification for toys, ensuring they meet physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrical safety standards. These standards align with international guidelines established by organizations like ISO and IEC, safeguarding children from potential dangers.
The BIS certificate for toys is mandatory for both electrical and non-electrical toys sold in India. It requires manufacturers to comply with stringent Indian standards, allowing them to display the ISI mark on their products—a symbol of quality and safety. By adhering to BIS certification for toys regulations, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to producing safe toys, offering peace of mind to parents and ensuring legal compliance in the Indian market.
In 2020, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, introduced the Toys Quality Control Order (QCO) as part of the BIS Act 2016. This regulation, which took effect on January 1, 2021, mandates that all toys meet seven specific Indian safety standards and display the ISI mark, indicating certification from BIS.
This means that anyone involved in manufacturing, importing, selling, storing, or renting toys must ensure compliance with these safety standards and display the ISI mark. Toys that do not meet these requirements cannot be legally sold or distributed in India.
The BIS certification is based on seven key Indian Standards outlined in the Toys QCO. These standards are aligned with international norms set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Below is a table summarizing these standards:
Indian Standard | Aspect of Toys Safety | QCO |
---|---|---|
IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 | Physical and mechanical safety, assessing hazards like sharp points, choking risks, and potential for injury. | Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 Toys (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024 |
IS 9873 (Part 2): 2017 | Flammability safety, ensuring that toys do not easily catch fire. | |
IS 9873 (Part 3): 2017 & IS 9873 (Part 9): 2017 | Flammability safety, ensuringChemical safety, setting limits for toxic substances like cadmium, mercury, and certain phthalates. that toys do not easily catch fire. | |
IS 9873 (Part 4): 2016 | Safety of activity toys, such as slides and swings. | |
IS 9873 (Part 7): 2017 | Safety requirements for finger paints used in craft kits, ensuring they are non-toxic. | |
IS 15644: 2006 | Electrical safety of toys. |
The BIS certification process involves a series of thorough evaluations to confirm that toy manufacturers meet the required standards. Here is an overview of the process:
Step-1: Application Submission: Manufacturers must submit an application to BIS, complete with the necessary documents and fees.
Step-2: Factory Inspection: BIS officials visit the manufacturing site to assess production facilities, quality control mechanisms, and adherence to safety standards.
Step 3: Sample Testing: Toy samples are tested at BIS labs or BIS-recognized laboratories to verify conformity with the relevant standards.
Step 4: Grant of License: If the factory inspection and sample testing meet BIS standards, a licence is issued, allowing the use of the ISI mark.
Step 5: Regular Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic surveillance and collects samples from the market and manufacturing units to ensure continued compliance.
Manufacturers seeking BIS certification for toys need to submit the following documents:
The cost of obtaining BIS certification can vary based on factors such as the type of toy, the complexity of testing, and the fees for application, inspection, and surveillance. It is advisable for manufacturers to contact BIS directly or consult certification experts like EVTL India for precise cost breakdowns.
Application Fee: ₹1000, payable when applying for the grant of the license.
Annual License Fee: ₹1000, payable upon the grant of the license and annually with each license renewal.
Renewal Application Fee: ₹1000, payable after the first year and with each subsequent renewal application.
Annual Marking Fee: 50% of the minimum marking fee is payable at the application stage, with the remaining 50% due at the grant of the license. Thereafter, the full marking fee is payable annually with each renewal application.
BIS certification offers numerous benefits to manufacturers, consumers, and the industry at large:
Enhanced Safety: Ensures toys are safe for children, reducing the risk of accidents and health issues.
Consumer Trust: Toys with the ISI mark provide parents with assurance regarding their safety and quality.
Market Access: Certification is mandatory for selling toys in India, opening up market opportunities for compliant manufacturers.
International Standards Compliance: Aligning with international safety norms helps Indian manufacturers compete globally.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps manufacturers avoid legal issues and penalties associated with non-compliance.
BIS actively monitors compliance through its market and factory surveillance programs. By January 2023, nearly 2,500 toy samples had been tested from various manufacturers and sellers, with an impressive compliance rate of about 83%. In cases where non-compliance was detected, manufacturers were instructed to undertake corrective actions.
To maintain strict adherence, BIS conducts enforcement raids to seize non-compliant toys. Such efforts help maintain the integrity of the certification process and protect consumers from substandard products. BIS engages with the toy industry to facilitate smooth implementation of standards and address any concerns that manufacturers may have. This interaction includes training courses that educate manufacturers on quality control and testing procedures, thereby enhancing their ability to produce safe and compliant toys.
Conclusion:
The BIS certification for toys is a critical component of ensuring that the toys available in the Indian market meet stringent safety standards. With the enforcement of the Toys QCO and the BIS's active surveillance, the quality and safety of toys have seen substantial improvement. Parents can now buy toys bearing the ISI mark with confidence, knowing that these products have been thoroughly tested and meet the necessary safety requirements. Consulting experts like EVTL India can make the certification process more accessible and ensure that manufacturers comply with all standards, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for children.
EVTL India helps toy manufacturers get BIS certification easily. They guide on meeting BIS standards, prepare documents, handle communication with BIS, and offer expert advice on quality control. With their support, manufacturers can simplify the process, avoid delays, and quickly obtain the ISI mark for toys. By partnering with EVTL India, manufacturers can streamline the certification process, reduce delays, and enhance their chances of obtaining the ISI mark efficiently.
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