Play equipment often installed in houses, backyards, schools and recreation centers includes swings, slides, climbing frames and other such active toys. Such toys aim to promote physical activity, balance, and coordination, along with entertaining the child through physical means. Considering that such toys have structural implications due to physical contact and exertion of weight, their safety and stability become important factors.
BIS certification assures the safety of activity toys like swings, slides, and other similar play items based on the safety guidelines laid out in IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017. This standard addresses safety in domestic surroundings in terms of stability, structural strength, impact resistance and entrapment hazard prevention. It enables the manufacturers to gain confidence among consumers as well as enhances their brands' reliability in the marketplace.
What is IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017
This is the Indian Standard that specifies safety requirements for swings, slides, and similar activity toys intended for indoor and outdoor family domestic use. It focuses on ensuring structural safety and reducing the risk of injuries. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), swings/slides are:
- Assessed for stability
- Tested for structural strength
- Checked for sharp edges
- Verified for the safe design of steps
Who can apply for Swings and Slides BIS License
BIS authorisation under IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Indoor & Outdoor Activity Toys in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the recreational toys are covered under QCO.
- Foreign Manufacturers - Need certification to export the product to India.
- Importers/Brand Owners - Must ensure that the products are BIS-certified before sale.
- Sellers/Distributors - Should only sell BIS-compliant Toy Swings & Slides.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure safe use of swings, slides, and similar activity toys intended for indoor and outdoor family domestic environments, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the structural and stability requirements of the activity toys. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for Toy Swings & Slides are listed below:
How to apply for Indoor & Outdoor Activity Toys BIS
License?
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the kids’ recreational toys meet the required safety
standards. This process is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and includes the
following steps:
- Online Registration: Manufacturers register on the BIS Manak portal by submitting company, factory, and product details. Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).
- Testing at BIS-Approved Laboratory: Product samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for physical properties, moisture content, chemical characteristics, dimensional stability, and overall material performance.
- Application Submission: The application is submitted along with test reports, technical documents, and factory details. Foreign manufacturers must also submit AIR-related documents.
- Factory Inspection: The Bureau of Indian Standards officials inspect the manufacturing units to verify the production process, safety measures, and quality control system.
- Grant of BIS License: Upon successful verification of all requirements, BIS grants the certification license under Scheme-I.
- Use of ISI Mark: Once approved, the manufacturer can use the ISI mark on the product with a CM/L number, confirming that the product meets BIS standards.
Documents list for IS 9874 (part 4): 2017 Approval
| Document Category | Documents Required |
|---|
| Basic Details | GST Certificate, Email ID & Contact Number, Factory & Office Address, Rent Agreement / Lease Deed (if applicable),Partnership Deed (if applicable for partnership firms) |
| Manufacturing Details | List of Machinery, Process Flow Chart, Factory Layout Plan |
| Raw Material Details | List of Raw Materials, Supplier Details, Raw Material Invoices, Raw Material Test Certificates |
| Testing & Quality Control | List of Testing Equipment, Calibration Certificates, QC/Lab In-charge Appointment Letter & Qualification |
| Production Details | Annual Installed Capacity, Last Year Production Value |
| Product & Packaging Details | Quantity per Package, Nature of Packing, Product Printing / Marking Details |
| Management Details | Top Management Details, BIS Communication Contact Person |
| Brand & Certification Documents | Trademark / Brand Certificate, Consent Letter from BIS Recognized Laboratory |
| Additional Documents | Weekly Off Details, Hygiene Document (if applicable), Relaxation Letter (if applicable), Any Other Relevant Document |
| Foreign Manufacturer Requirement | Appointment of Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) for BIS coordination and compliance in India |
The Foreign manufacturers are required to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) in India. The representative is the local point of contact for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and takes care of all rules and compliance work in India.
Marking Requirements & License Validity
Marking Requirements
Once a manufacturer obtains BIS approval, the ISI Mark for swings and slides must be clearly
and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, essential
details such as the manufacturer’s identification and license number (CM/L) must be mentioned.
This ensures the product complies with all performance standards. Further details are
mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| ISI Mark | Indicates that the product is BIS certified and conforms to standards |
| Standard Number | IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017 |
| CML Number | Certification Marks License (CML) number issued by BIS |
| Manufacturer Details | Name of manufacturer or registered trademark |
| Batch / Date | Batch number, heat number, or manufacturing date for traceability |
Note: Marking is typically applied using durable stamping, tagging, or permanent printing to ensure clear identification during handling, storage, and transportation, as per BIS marking requirements.
playground toy bis license Validity details
| particulars | Details |
|---|
| Initial Validity | Typically 1 to 2 years, depending on BIS approval conditions |
| Renewal | Must be renewed before expiry by submitting the application along with the prescribed fee and updated documents |
| Surveillane | BIS may inspect factories and test samples periodically |
| Annual Fees | Annual license fee must be paid regularly |
| Compliance | Continuous compliance with BIS requirements is necessary |
| License Format | BIS is shifting towards a 10-digit license number format |
| Non-Compliance Risk | May lead to suspension or cancellation of license |
fee structure for domestic playground toys bis license
The cost of BIS Approval for micro silica includes charges for application, inspection, license, testing, and marking. These fees are paid to BIS as per Scheme I guidelines.
| Charge Type | Indian Manufacturers | Foreign Manufacturers |
|---|
| Application Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Audit Charges | INR 7,000 | USD 3,200 – 5,900 |
| License Fee | INR 1,000 | USD 15 |
| Marking Fee | As applicable | As applicable |
| Testing Charges | As applicable | As applicable |
| EVTL India Consultancy Fee | As per actual | As per actual |
Note:
- Application fee for foreign manufacturers is payable via SWIFT (SAARC countries may pay in INR with applicable GST).
- Audit charges for foreign manufacturers vary based on country/location.
- The marking fee is determined based on the product category and production volume (MSME benefits may apply).
- Testing charges are to be paid directly to BIS-recognised laboratories.
- Consultancy fees can vary depending on product type and factory location.
Conclusion
The activity-based toys like swing sets and slides should be built in a way that they are capable of withstanding regular physical use and providing utmost safety to the kids. IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017 helps make sure that these products are stable and safe from hazards. Getting a license from BIS also helps the manufacturer build a better product with greater reliability and create safer playgrounds for the kids.
Along with meeting the mandatory safety standards of India, the BIS license also improves the product acceptance among the customers. EVTL India helps in getting a BIS license by assisting with documentation, applications, testing, etc. This helps you to avoid unnecessary delays and ensures a seamless certification and faster approval.
