Toys designed for children’s play are expected to be safe and compatible with all the physical actions performed by the children while playing. Toys like pull-along toys, building toys, rattles, and action toys are commonly used in households, educational institutions, and playgrounds to promote education and physical growth in children. Such toys consist of different designs, movements, and materials that should be safe even under rough play by the children.
For child safety purposes, the BIS certification based on IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 is concerned with the mechanical and physical safety of toys. This includes testing sharp edges, small parts, impact strength, tensile strength, etc. All of these factors play an important role in determining whether toys comply with basic safety standards before their launch in the market. Manufacturers must meet the requirements to be able to sell the toys in the market and gain customers' trust.
What is IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025
This is the Indian Standard that specifies the mechanical and physical properties of toys intended for children. It mentions the safety criteria to reduce risks such as choking and sharp injuries. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), toys are:
- Tested for sharp edges
- Assessed for mechanical strength
- Evaluated for small parts and choking hazards
- Checked for stability, structural safety
Who can apply for Mechanical Safety Certification of Toys
BIS authorisation under IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying children’s toys in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the 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 safe use of toys intended for children, the Bureau of Indian Standards outlines the
minimum requirements under IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025. This certification ensures that
manufacturers meet the mechanical and physical safety aspects to avoid potential hazards such
as choking.
The BIS testing parameters and quality checks for toy safety are listed below:
BIS License Steps for Toy Safety Mechanical Requirements
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the children’s toys meet the required standards for
Mechanical and Physical parameters. 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 9873(part 1): 2025 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 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 1): 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 period of certification for toys
| 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 |
Cost structure for bis physical safety comoliance of toys
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
Toys are vital in the growth and development process of a child, and for this reason, safety is critical. Toys conforming to the IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 certification criteria guarantee the safety of toys based on mechanical and physical properties. The toys will therefore be safe for daily use by children. BIS Certification helps in eliminating hazards like breakability, sharpness and small parts that can lead to accidents while playing. It improves the overall product reliability and increases the consumer trust in toy safety.
Manufacturers can get BIS certification for their toys with EVTL India’s help. They assist with documentation, test coordination and other compliance areas, making the approval process for toys much easier and smoother.
