Children’s toys are often made using paints, coatings, and plastics. Children are likely to put the toys in their mouths while playing with them. Hence, making products safe from chemicals is one of the aspects that must be considered in product design. The toys are used by children in various settings such as homes, schools, and recreational places.
To address this concern, BIS certification under IS 9873 (Part 3): 2020 focuses on the migration of certain elements from toy materials. The standard involves a few tests to ensure that there are no harmful elements that would be transferred to the user from the toys. These tests are conducted to regulate chemical exposure and enhance the safety of toys. The toy manufacturers must meet the safety standards to be able to sell their products in the market.
What is IS 9873 (Part 3): 2020
This is the Indian Standard that specifies the safety requirements related to the migration of certain harmful elements from toys intended for children. It sets limits for toxic elements to ensure that materials used in toys do not pose health risks. As per the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), toys are:
- Assessed the chemical safety of paints
- Tested for migration of heavy metals
- Checked to ensure material safety
- Verified for the non-toxicity of accessible toy parts
Who can apply for BIS approval for Chemical Safety in Toys
BIS authorisation under IS 9873 (Part 3): 2020 is required for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or supplying Non-Toxic Toys in India. Applicable to:
- Manufacturers (India) - Must get BIS approval if the child-friendly 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 certified health-safe toys.
BIS Approval Process for Toy Chemical Safety
The BIS Authorisation process ensures that the Toxic-free 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 3): 2020 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 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 3): 2020 |
| 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.
heavy metal testing for toys bis certification validity
| 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 |
non-toxic toys bis license fee details
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 toys must be made in such a way that the harmful chemicals do not leach from their surfaces under regular use. IS 9873 (Part 3): 2020, in compliance with the regulatory standards, assesses the materials used in manufacturing the toys to check for any hazardous components in the products. Thus, improving overall safety standards and ensuring that toys are suitable for children in everyday environments.
Besides the statutory rules regarding toys, having a BIS license is also essential in developing trust in toy products amongst consumers. This can be achieved with the help of EVTL India, which helps manufacturers in obtaining the required license by assisting them in documentation, application process and testing.
