Quality Control Order (QCO) Update

Quality Control Order (QCO) Update

BIS QCO for Safety of Non-Electric Toys Part l - Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties

The Government of India issues this Quality Control Order to ensure safety, reliability, and standardization of Safety of Toys Part l Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties across the country.

Dear Viewer,

Important update regarding Indian Standard applicable to all existing license holders, new applicants, manufacturers, importers, and product sellers for Non-Electric Toys from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade).

This Order Applies To

Manufacturers

Producing Safety of Toys Part l Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties in India

Importers

Importing Safety of Toys Part l Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties into India

Product Sellers

Selling or distributing Safety of Toys Part l Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties in India

License Holders

Existing license holders and new applicants

Overview

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 through Gazette Notification S.O. 853(E) dated 25th February, 2020. The QCO applies to toys designed or clearly intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age. 

Under this Order, covered Non-Electric Toys must comply with IS 9873 (Part 1): 2018 and carry the BIS Standard Mark under a licence from the Bureau of Indian Standards, as per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. 

Implementation Dates Under Toys (Quality Control) Order

The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 came into force from 1st September 2020. 

Amendments to the Toys (Quality Control) Order

The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 has been amended through the following notifications:

Amendment Order

Notification No.

Order Date

Implementation Date

Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020

S.O. 853(E) 

25 February

1st September 2020

Toys (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2020

S.O. 3146(E)

15 September 2020

1st January 2021

Toys (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2020

S.O. 4514(E)

11 December 2020

11 December 2020

Toys (Quality Control) Amendment Order, 2024

S.O. 4277(E)

30 September 2024

30 September 2024

Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 

S.O. 3417(E) 

25 June 2026

-

Purpose of the QCO

The main purpose of the Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020 is to ensure that toys are physically and mechanically safe for children during normal use and reasonably foreseeable use. The QCO helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of injuries caused by toys.

  • Check toys for sharp edges, points and unsafe parts.

  • Reduce the risk of small parts becoming dangerous to children.

  • Ensure toys are strong enough for normal use.

  • Improve the overall safety and quality of toys.

  • Protect children from avoidable mechanical and physical hazards.

Mandatory BIS Certification Requirement

Under the QCO, covered toys must conform to the applicable Indian Standards and carry the BIS Standard Mark as per the applicable BIS marking requirements. For mechanical and physical safety, the applicable standard is IS 9873 (Part 1): 2018.

Manufacturers must obtain the required BIS licence under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 before using the Standard Mark on covered toys.

Penalty for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the provisions of the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, and the Amendment Order, 2024, will lead to penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.  

Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026, which also covers the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020. This Order provides a special route for eligible companies to obtain permission from DPIIT based on their technical capability, experience and compliance record.

If permission is granted, the manufacturer can obtain a BIS licence to supply toys to that specific company. However, this does not mean that toys are exempt from BIS requirements. The toys must still meet the applicable Indian Standards and comply with the conditions of the Toys QCO.

Companies can apply for this special permission within 24 months from the commencement of the 2026 Order.


Key Exemptions

The Toys (Quality Control) Order provides certain exemptions for specific categories. These exemptions are:


1. Toys Made by Registered Artisans

Toys made and sold by artisans registered with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, are exempt from the QCO.


2. GI-Registered Product

Toys made and sold by a registered proprietor or authorised user of a Geographical Indication (GI)-registered product are also exempt from the QCO.


3. Toys Imported for Research and Development

BIS-certified manufacturers or manufacturers who have applied for BIS certification can import up to 300 toys per financial year for research and development. A maximum of 5 samples of each type can be imported.


4. Conditions for R&D Imports

These imported toys cannot be sold in the market. After use, they must be disposed of as scrap. The manufacturer must also keep a year-wise record of the imported toys and provide the required details to DPIIT when asked.


Reference Orders

TitleIssue DateView Order
Issue OrderClick Here
Extension OrderClick Here

Implementation & Compliance

Certification Authority:Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Effective Date:2020-09-01
Applicable Standard:IS 9873 (Part 1):2018
QCO bottom illustration
To be announced
med@bis.org.in
2020-09-01

Important Disclaimer

The contents provided in this update are solely meant for general informational purposes. Before you make decisions or take action based on the information provided, it is advised to seek professional legal consultation.

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BIS QCO for Safety of Non-Electric Toys Part l - Safety Aspects Related to Mechanical and Physical Properties IS 9873 (Part 1):2018