Fabric, plastic, and foam toys are very popular at homes, schools, and playgrounds, providing hours of fun entertainment for children. These toys are designed in such a way that they have certain softness and the ability to be moulded, allowing enjoyment of these products on a daily basis. As the toys are frequently played by children, it becomes crucial to check whether the materials used in these products are safe under diverse conditions.
The BIS certification process, according to IS 9873 (Part 2): 2025, takes into account the flammability features of the toys and their component pieces. These tests determine whether the products possess adequate properties against ignition, flame propagation, and behaviour when exposed to heat. Thus, by conducting such tests, one can guarantee the fire safety of the toys. Further, toy manufacturers must obtain the product license to legally sell these toys to the Indian customers.
What is IS 9873 (Part 2): 2025
This is the Indian Standard that specifies the flammability safety requirements for toys intended for children. It mentions the safety criteria to reduce risks related to rapid flame spread and ignition hazards. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), toys are:
- Assessed for burning behaviour
- Tested for flame spread resistance
- Checked for self-extinguishing
- Evaluated for flammability
Eligibility for Flame-Resistant Toys BIS Approval
BIS authorisation under IS 9873 (Part 2): 2025 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying fire-safe toys in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the Non-Flammable 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 toys.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
To ensure fire safety in toys used by children, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the minimum requirements under IS 9873 (Part 2): 2025. This certification ensures that manufacturers meet the flammability safety requirements to reduce hazards caused by rapid flame spread. The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for toy flammability safety are listed below:
| Test Group | What is Tested | Purpose |
|---|
| Flammable Material Assessment | Beards, wigs, moustaches, masks, and headgear with attached hair or pile materials | Ensures toys do not contain materials that can easily ignite or spread fire |
| Headwear Toy Flammability Test | Beards, wigs, moustaches, masks, and headgear with attached hair or pile materials | Ensures controlled flame spread and reduced fire risk during use |
| Short Pile & Hair Attachment Test | Headwear toys with attached materials less than 50 mm in length | Ensures limited burning area and reduced flame duration |
| Costume Flammability Test | Disguise costumes, uniforms, dress-up toys, and wearable play items | Ensures flame spread rate remains within safe limits |
| Indoor & Outdoor Play Tent Test | Toys intended to be entered by children such as tents, wigwams, and puppet theatres | Ensures enclosed toys do not spread fire rapidly |
| Filled Soft Toy Flammability Test | Stuffed toys with textile or pile surfaces | Ensures slow flame spread and reduced surface burning |
| Surface Flash Resistance Test | Pile and textile materials exposed to ignition source | Ensures toy surfaces do not produce rapid surface flash |
Flame Duration Test | Burning time after removal of ignition flame | Ensures toys self-extinguish quickly after ignition |
| Burnt Area Measurement Test | Extent of damaged or burnt surface after testing | Ensures limited fire spread and minimized injury risk |
| Flaming Debris Assessment | Separation of burning particles during testing | Ensures toys do not release dangerous flaming debris |
| Self-Extinguishin g Behaviour Test | Ability of the toy material to stop burning automatically | Ensures improved fire safety during accidental ignition |
| Flame Spread Rate Test | Speed of flame movement across toy materials | Ensures controlled combustion characteristics |
| Conditioning & Humidity Test | Toy performance after temperature and humidity conditioning | Ensures consistent flammability resistance under different environmental conditions |
| Washability & Pretreatment Test | Flammability performance after washing or soaking procedures | Ensures safety properties remain effective after cleaning |
| Textile Surface Flammability Test | Fabric and plush surfaces used in toys | Ensures textile materials resist rapid burning |
| Ignition Resistance Test | Toy reaction to small ignition sources such as burner flames | Ensures toys can withstand minor accidental exposure to fire |
BIS License Process for Flammability Requirements in Toys
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the children’s toys meet the required flammability
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.
IS 9873(Part 2): 2025 Approval Documents list
| 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 Toy Mechanical Safety must be clearly and permanently marked on its packaging or on the product. Along with the ISI Mark, key details such as the manufacturer’s identification and licence number (CM/L) must be marked. 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 2): 2025 |
| 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.
Validity details of fire safe toys bis approval
| 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 non-flammable 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
Toy products manufactured using fabrics, plastics, and foams should adhere to the safety specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards according to IS 9873 (Part 2): 2025. The product safety certificate will make sure that the toy is resistant to flammability. It also ensures consistency regarding the level of safety of all toy products present in the market. Moreover, BIS licensing of a toy product will ensure that the manufacturing material used is fire-safe during any normal usage of the product.
Apart from complying with the legal requirements in India, a BIS licence is an important step towards making sure that a toy product gains consumer confidence. Manufacturers planning to get the product license can seek expert help from EVTL India. It assists manufacturers with documentation services, arranges for product testing and other compliance-related procedures.
