BIS Certification for Toys – Standards, Process, Documents, Fees

BIS Certification for Toys is a mandatory product certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for all toys sold, manufactured, or imported in India. Under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 — notified by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Section 16 of the BIS Act, 2016 — every toy manufacturer, whether based in India or abroad, must obtain the ISI Mark licence before their products can legally enter the Indian market.

Safety is the central concern when it comes to toys for children. Unsafe toys can create serious hazards including choking risks, physical injuries, and health dangers from toxic plastics, harmful paints, or chemically unsafe fabric materials. BIS addresses these risks by mandating strict compliance with Indian safety standards covering physical, mechanical, chemical, electrical, and flammability safety — all aligned with international ISO and IEC frameworks.

Toys covered under this order must comply with IS 9873 (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9) for non-electrical toys and IS 15644:2006 for electrical toys. Products not carrying a valid ISI Mark are non-compliant and may face import rejection, market withdrawal, product seizure, or legal penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

Standphill India provides end-to-end BIS certification consultancy for toy manufacturers across India, covering documentation preparation, product testing coordination, factory inspection preparation, and ISI Mark licence approval support.

The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 was introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, under the BIS Act, 2016. It came into force on 1 September 2020 and made BIS certification mandatory for all toy manufacturers, importers, and sellers in India.

Under this QCO, all those who manufacture, import, sell, keep for sale, or distribute toys in India are required to comply with the specified Indian safety standards and label their products with the ISI Mark under a valid BIS licence. Toys without the ISI Mark are not permitted to be manufactured, imported, sold, or distributed legally within India.

The order covers toys designed or intended for use in play by children under 14 years of age. BIS regularly conducts surveillance, market raids, and factory inspections across India to verify compliance. Selling toys without the ISI Mark can result in severe penalties, product seizure, and legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.

Under the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 — specifically Scheme-I of Schedule-II — BIS has commenced licensing toy manufacturers to use the BIS Standard Mark. This requirement applies uniformly to both domestic manufacturers and foreign manufacturers exporting toys to India.

BIS Certification for Toys is the mandatory product certification system under which toy manufacturers must demonstrate that their products comply with Indian safety standards before placing them in the market.

In simple terms, if a manufacturer produces toys intended for children in India — whether manufacturing domestically or exporting into India — BIS evaluates whether the product and the manufacturing facility meet the required standards. If everything is satisfactory, BIS grants an ISI Mark licence, allowing the manufacturer to legally sell ISI-marked toys in India.

This certification is not optional. The Toys QCO, 2020 made it a legal requirement applicable to every manufacturer, importer, and distributor dealing in toys for children under 14 years. Any toy without the ISI Mark cannot be manufactured, imported, sold, supplied, or distributed in India.

It is also important to understand that BIS certification for toys is granted only to the manufacturer — not to importers, traders, distributors, or marketing entities. If a business is engaged only in marketing and distribution rather than manufacturing, the BIS toy certification scheme does not apply to their specific business activity.

The ISI Mark is the official BIS Standard Mark confirming that the toy has been evaluated and found compliant with the applicable Indian Standard. When a toy carries the ISI Mark, it gives assurance to parents, buyers, retailers, and regulatory authorities that the product meets required quality and safety benchmarks.

The ISI Mark on toys typically contains two important elements:

• Indian Standard Number – the applicable IS standard for that toy category, displayed above the mark

• Licence Number (CM/L-XXXXXXXXXX) – identifying the manufacturer's BIS licence, displayed below the mark

Once a manufacturer receives BIS toy certification, they are authorized to permanently apply the ISI Mark on their certified products as per BIS marking rules. The ISI Mark is one of the most recognized quality symbols in the Indian market and directly signals to parents and buyers that the toy is certified safe.

BIS certification for toys is based on seven key Indian Standards outlined in the Toys QCO, 2020. These standards are aligned with international norms set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

The ministry has categorized toys into two main types for BIS licensing. Each type has one primary standard under which the licence is issued, while secondary standards require additional testing.

S. No.	Type of Toy	Primary Standard	Secondary Standards
1	Non-Electrical Toys	IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 – Mechanical and Physical Safety	IS 9873 Parts 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9
2	Electrical Toys	IS 15644:2006 – Safety of Electric Toys	IS 9873 Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9

Below is a detailed standard-wise breakdown covering all safety aspects under the Toys QCO:

S. No.	Aspect of Toy Safety	Indian Standard
1	Physical and Mechanical Safety – sharp points, choking risks, potential injuries	IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025
2	Flammability Safety – ensuring toys do not easily catch fire	IS 9873 (Part 2): 2017
3	Chemical Safety – limits for toxic substances such as cadmium, mercury, lead, and phthalates	IS 9873 (Part 3): 2017 and IS 9873 (Part 9): 2017
4	Activity Toys – slides, swings, and similar outdoor play equipment	IS 9873 (Part 4): 2016
5	Finger Paints – non-toxicity requirements for craft kits	IS 9873 (Part 7): 2017
6	Phthalate Esters Restrictions – in toys and children's products	IS 9873 (Part 9): 2017
7	Electrical Safety – for electric and electronic toys	IS 15644:2006

Important Note on IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025

BIS has released the revised standard IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025, which aligns Indian toy safety with the international ISO 8124-1 framework. This updated standard runs concurrently with IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 until 22 March 2027, after which the 2019 version will be officially withdrawn. After that date, BIS will only grant licences under the 2025 version. All new applicants are strongly encouraged to apply under the 2025 standard to avoid future re-testing and documentation rework.

1. Legal Compliance

Toys covered under the QCO 2020 cannot be legally manufactured, imported, or sold in India without a valid ISI Mark licence. Non-compliance can result in product seizure, heavy fines, and legal action under the BIS Act, 2016.

2. Child Safety Assurance

BIS certification ensures toys are rigorously tested for mechanical hazards, choking risks, toxic chemicals, flammability, and electrical safety — directly protecting the health and safety of children under 14 years of age.

3. Consumer and Market Trust

The ISI Mark is recognized by parents, retailers, and institutional buyers across India as a reliable quality indicator. ISI-marked toys gain faster acceptance in the market and build stronger brand reputation.

4. Market Access and Import Clearance

Customs authorities in India verify BIS certification at import. Toys without the ISI Mark are held or rejected at ports of entry. BIS certification ensures smooth import clearance and uninterrupted market access.

5. International Standards Compliance

BIS toy standards are aligned with ISO and IEC international norms. This alignment helps manufacturers not only meet Indian requirements but also position their products for export to other markets that accept ISO-aligned safety standards.

6. Regulatory Risk Mitigation

By complying proactively, manufacturers avoid costly product seizures, fines, and recalls. BIS certification also compels manufacturers to maintain quality control processes, which improves overall product reliability and consistency.

BIS toy certification is required for:

• Indian manufacturers producing toys at factories located within India

• Foreign manufacturers exporting toys to the Indian market (under the FMCS scheme)

• Global toy brands whose products are manufactured and sold in India

The ISI Mark licence is issued only to the manufacturer of the toy. If a manufacturer operates multiple production facilities, a separate BIS licence is required for each manufacturing location. Similarly, if a manufacturer produces both electrical and non-electrical toys, separate applications are required for each category.

Foreign manufacturers must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to manage regulatory communication and compliance formalities with BIS in India.

Exemption: Toys produced exclusively for export and toys sold by artisans registered with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) are exempt from the Toys QCO 2020.

To obtain BIS certification, toy manufacturers must satisfy the following requirements.

1. Manufacturing Unit Must Be Operational

The factory must have an active production facility with the required machinery for toy manufacturing. The unit must be ready for inspection by BIS officers.

2. Product Must Comply with the Applicable Indian Standard

The toy product must meet the technical requirements of the relevant IS standard — IS 9873 series for non-electrical toys or IS 15644:2006 for electrical toys.

3. In-House Testing Facilities Must Be Available

Manufacturers must maintain testing equipment as specified under the BIS Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT). Certain tests may be subcontracted to BIS recognized laboratories, but in-house capability for SIT-specified tests is mandatory.

4. Quality Control System Must Be in Place

The manufacturer must demonstrate adequate quality control processes, trained quality personnel, and documented quality records to ensure consistent compliance with BIS requirements throughout production.

5. Factory Inspection Must Be Accepted

The manufacturer must agree to BIS factory audits during the certification process and ongoing surveillance inspections after the licence is granted.

Separate applications are required for each manufacturing location and each product category (electrical and non-electrical toys).

Step 1 – Documentation Preparation Before Application

The manufacturer compiles all required documents including factory registration, business details, manufacturing process flowchart, list of machinery, quality control procedures, and testing equipment details. For foreign manufacturers, AIR appointment documents are also prepared at this stage.

Step 2 – Filing of Application with Mandatory Documents

Domestic manufacturers submit the application online through the BIS ManakOnline portal. Foreign manufacturers submit a physical application to the BIS Foreign Manufacturers division. The application must specify the primary standard — IS 9873 (Part 1) for non-electric toys or IS 15644 for electric toys. The application fee of INR 1,000 and 50% of the minimum marking fee are paid at this stage.

Step 3 – Official Scrutiny by BIS

BIS reviews the submitted application and supporting documents. If any information is missing or clarification is needed, BIS raises queries through the portal. The manufacturer must respond promptly to avoid delays in processing.

Step 4 – Nomination of Auditor by BIS

Upon satisfactory document review, BIS nominates a BIS auditor for factory inspection and communicates the inspection schedule to the manufacturer. The manufacturer confirms an inspection date within the specified window.

Step 5 – Factory Audit by BIS Auditor

The BIS auditor visits the manufacturing premises to inspect:

• manufacturing infrastructure and production machinery

• in-house testing facilities and calibrated testing equipment

• quality control systems, records, and production documentation

• raw material controls, storage conditions, and process flow compliance

Step 6 – Sample Draw for Independent Testing

During the factory audit, the BIS auditor draws representative toy samples based on BIS product grouping guidelines. These samples are sealed and sent to a BIS-recognized laboratory for independent testing.

Step 7 – Sample Testing in BIS Approved Laboratory

The collected samples are tested in a BIS-recognized laboratory against all applicable clauses of IS 9873 (Parts 1 to 9) or IS 15644, as relevant. Tests cover mechanical strength, flammability, chemical migration (lead, cadmium, phthalates), electrical safety, and other standard-specific parameters.

Step 8 – Evaluation and Grant of BIS Licence

BIS evaluates the factory audit report and laboratory test results. If the product and factory comply with all BIS requirements, the licence is granted. The manufacturer pays the remaining fees and receives the BIS licence number, after which the ISI Mark can be applied on certified toys.

Manufacturers must prepare and submit the following documents during the application process. Incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays in BIS toy certification.

• factory registration certificate or manufacturing licence

• company registration documents (GST certificate, company incorporation certificate, MSME registration if applicable)

• identity proof of the authorized signatory

• factory layout plan

• manufacturing process flow chart

• list of manufacturing machinery with specifications

• list of in-house testing equipment and calibration certificates

• quality control parameters and records

• laboratory test records and reports (as per BIS norms)

• product model specifications and design details

• trademark registration certificate (if applicable)

• raw material specifications and test certificates

• authorized signatory details and board resolution or authorization letter

• AIR appointment documents (mandatory for foreign manufacturers)

Standphill India assists in documentation preparation, technical review, scrutiny, and filing support to improve approval efficiency and reduce avoidable delays at every stage.

The cost of BIS toy certification includes government fees, laboratory testing charges, and any applicable marking fees. Below are the standard government fee components:

S. No.	Fee Type	Details	Amount (INR)
1	Application Fee	Payable at the time of application for grant of licence	INR 1,000/-
2	Annual Licence Fee	Payable at licence grant and every year at renewal	INR 1,000/-
3	Renewal Application Fee	Payable after the first year and with each renewal application	INR 1,000/-
4	Minimum Marking Fee	50% payable at application stage, remaining 50% at licence grant. Annually payable at renewal. (Micro Scale 80% Off, Small 50%, Medium 20%)	As Applicable
5	Sample Testing Fee	Charges by BIS-recognized laboratory for testing toy samples	As Applicable

The exact total cost may vary depending on the toy category, applicable Indian Standard, number of product models, testing scope, and factory inspection requirements. Manufacturers are advised to consult Standphill India for accurate and personalized cost estimates based on their specific product range.

BIS toy certification applies to a wide range of toys intended for children under 14 years of age. Common toy types covered include:

• plastic toys and figurines

• stuffed and soft plush toys

• wooden toys and handcrafted toys

• ride-on toys and tricycles

• activity toys (swings, slides, outdoor play equipment)

• electric and battery-operated toys

• remote-controlled toys

• toy craft kits including finger paints and crayons

• board games and educational toys

• diecast and metal toys

• water toys and bath toys

• puzzles and building block sets

• modelling clay and art and craft toys

• toy-like learning kits and story-telling devices

The BIS Scheme of Inspection and Testing (SIT) specifies that certain testing and inspection procedures must be conducted within the manufacturer's own in-house testing facilities. This is an important eligibility requirement that many manufacturers overlook during preparation.

• Manufacturers producing non-electrical toys must ensure their in-house testing facilities comply with IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025.

• Manufacturers producing electrical toys must ensure their in-house testing facilities meet the requirements of IS 15644:2006.

• The SIT also specifies tests that do not require in-house facilities and can be subcontracted to BIS Recognized or BIS Certified Laboratories.

• Calibration certificates for all in-house testing instruments must be current and valid at the time of factory inspection.

Manufacturers who are unsure about which tests require in-house facilities versus which can be outsourced should consult a BIS certification expert before preparing their facility for the audit.

Obtaining BIS certification for toys offers multiple advantages to manufacturers, consumers, and the toy industry as a whole.

1. Enhanced Child Safety

BIS-certified toys have been rigorously tested for physical hazards, toxic materials, flammability, and electrical safety. This directly minimizes the risk of accidents and health issues for children.

2. Consumer Confidence and Brand Trust

Toys bearing the ISI Mark assure parents of product safety and quality. The ISI Mark is one of the most recognized quality symbols in the Indian market and gives brands a significant trust advantage.

3. Legal Market Access

BIS certification is mandatory for selling toys in India. With a valid BIS licence, manufacturers have lawful market access. Without it, products are illegal and may be seized at any point in the supply chain.

4. International Standards Alignment

BIS toy standards are aligned with ISO 8124 and IEC international norms. This alignment helps manufacturers compete internationally and use their BIS compliance as a stepping stone for export certifications.

5. Regulatory Risk Mitigation

Proactive compliance reduces the risk of costly product seizures, fines, recalls, and licence penalties. It also improves internal quality culture and consistency in manufacturing.

6. E-commerce and Retail Market Advantage

Major e-commerce platforms and large retail chains in India increasingly require BIS certification for listing toy products. ISI-marked toys face fewer listing restrictions and gain better shelf access.

BIS actively enforces the Toys QCO through regular market surveillance, factory inspections, and enforcement raids across India. The scale of BIS enforcement in the toy sector has grown significantly since the QCO came into force in September 2020.

• By January 2023, nearly 2,500 toy samples had been tested from various manufacturers and sellers, with a compliance rate of approximately 83%.

• As of June 2025, BIS had conducted 159 search-and-seizure operations targeting non-compliant toy manufacturers and sellers across India.

• Of over 17,000 toy samples tested since January 2021, approximately 91% were found compliant with applicable BIS standards.

Under Section 28 of the BIS Act, BIS officers have the authority to enter premises, inspect goods, draw samples for testing, and initiate legal proceedings against non-compliant manufacturers and sellers.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• product seizure or destruction at factories, warehouses, or retail points

• heavy fines on manufacturers or sellers under the BIS Act, 2016

• suspension or cancellation of existing BIS licences

• potential criminal liability including imprisonment for serious violations

BIS also engages with the toy industry through training programs and industry interactions to help manufacturers understand quality control and testing requirements, enhancing their ability to produce consistently safe and compliant toys.

BIS toy certification does not end with the grant of licence. After approval, BIS conducts periodic surveillance to ensure the manufacturer continues to comply with licence conditions throughout the validity period.

These surveillance activities may include:

• scheduled and surprise factory inspections

• market sample testing of ISI-marked toys from retail outlets

• review of production records, quality control documentation, and testing logs

The BIS toy licence must be renewed periodically to maintain certification validity and continued authorization to use the ISI Mark. Failure to renew on time or failure to maintain compliance during surveillance may result in suspension or cancellation of the licence, which would require the manufacturer to cease use of the ISI Mark immediately.

Standphill India has successfully assisted multiple toy manufacturers across India in obtaining BIS ISI Mark certification. Each project involved end-to-end support including documentation preparation, testing coordination, factory inspection preparation, and BIS licence approval support.

Client Name	Location	Product / Standard
Himalayan Packaging Industries Pvt Ltd – Unit III	India	Safety of Toys – Mechanical and Physical Properties as per IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019
Soccer International Private Limited	Punjab	Safety of Toys – Mechanical and Physical Properties as per IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019
Quality Kids	Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh	Non-electrical children's toys – Documentation, testing coordination, factory inspection
Shanu International Toys	Delhi	Educational and plastic toys – IS 9873 Parts 1–4 compliance, audit support
Adhyat Solution	Bangalore, Karnataka	Wooden and craft-based toys – flammability and chemical testing
Baby Forest Ayurveda Pvt Ltd	Noida, Uttar Pradesh	Organic and eco-toys – phthalates and particulates testing, FMCS application
Uma Publications	Ranchi, Jharkhand	Toy learning kits and puzzles – electrical safety under IS 15644
Creative Craft Works	Hyderabad, Telangana	Craft and activity toys – SIT compliance, ManakOnline application
Tisser Rural Handicrafts Pvt Ltd	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Handcrafted toys – group test strategy, BIS branch liaison
Radiaant Expovision	Noida, Uttar Pradesh	Display and educational toys – product clustering, sample submission
Gleebuds Creations Pvt Ltd	Kolkata, West Bengal	Plush toys – toxicity testing guidance under IS 9873 Parts 3 and 9
Strong Box	Jamshedpur, Jharkhand	Toy storage boxes and activity playsets – IS 9873 alignment, pre-audit compliance checks
Europa Global Services	Maharashtra	Imported toy kits – FMCS application, BIS HQ liaison, product manual translation
Toy Hind	Maharashtra	Battery-operated ride-on toys – IS 15644 electrical safety testing, labelling update

These projects demonstrate Standphill India's expertise in handling BIS certification for toys across diverse toy categories, manufacturing scales, and locations across India.

Standphill India is a leading BIS certification consultancy with proven experience in helping toy manufacturers obtain ISI Mark licences efficiently and correctly.

Our services for BIS toy certification include:

• complete BIS toy certification consultancy from application to licence

• identification of applicable Indian Standards for each toy category

• documentation preparation, review, and BIS filing support

• product testing coordination with BIS recognized laboratories

• factory inspection preparation and in-house testing facility guidance

• query resolution and BIS communication management

• ISI Mark licence approval and post-licence renewal support

• FMCS application support for foreign toy manufacturers

Standphill India has completed 10,000+ domestic projects and has a strong presence across all States and Union Territories of India. With our nationwide consultancy network, toy manufacturers receive expert regulatory support at every stage of the BIS certification journey.

BIS Certification for Toys is a mandatory legal and safety compliance requirement for all toy manufacturers, importers, and sellers in India. The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 requires that all toys — whether manufactured domestically or imported — meet the specified Indian Standards and carry the ISI Mark before entering the Indian market.

Compliance protects children from unsafe products and strengthens manufacturer credibility. While the certification process involves detailed documentation, laboratory testing, factory audits, and regulatory coordination, expert support from Standphill India can significantly simplify every stage.

Manufacturers and importers should begin certification early — especially with the new IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 standard phasing in by March 2027. By securing BIS licences proactively, toy companies ensure product safety, consumer trust, and uninterrupted business operations in India's growing toy market.

Get expert support for BIS certification for toys and bring your toys to market with confidence and full legal compliance.

Q1. Is BIS certification mandatory for toys in India?

Yes. BIS certification is mandatory for all toys sold in India under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020. Toys must carry the ISI Mark before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in the Indian market. Selling toys without the ISI Mark is illegal and may lead to seizure and penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.

Q2. Which Indian Standards apply to BIS toy certification?

Non-electrical toys must comply with IS 9873 (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9). Electrical toys must comply with IS 15644:2006 along with IS 9873 parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9. IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 is the latest updated standard for mechanical and physical safety, replacing IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 with effect from 22 March 2027.

Q3. Who can apply for BIS toy certification?

Only the manufacturer of the toy can apply for BIS certification. Indian manufacturers apply under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018. Foreign manufacturers apply under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) and must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR).

Q4. Do I need separate BIS licences for electrical and non-electrical toys?

Yes. Separate BIS applications and licences are required for electrical and non-electrical toy categories, as each category has a different primary Indian Standard. Separate applications are also required for each manufacturing location.

Q5. How long does BIS toy certification take?

The BIS toy certification process typically takes 30 to 60 days from complete application submission, assuming timely inspections, testing, and no major non-conformities. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or if test results show non-compliance.

Q6. What is the cost of BIS certification for toys?

Standard government fees include an application fee of INR 1,000, an annual licence fee of INR 1,000, and a renewal fee of INR 1,000. Additional costs include laboratory testing charges, marking fees (as applicable based on production scale), and any consultancy fees. The total cost varies depending on the toy category and number of models.

Q7. What happens if toys are sold without BIS certification?

Toys sold without a valid ISI Mark can be seized at customs, at retail points, or during BIS market raids. The manufacturer or importer may face heavy fines and legal penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. BIS had conducted 159 search-and-seizure operations as of June 2025 targeting non-compliant toys.

Q8. Can foreign toy manufacturers get BIS certification?

Yes. Foreign manufacturers must apply under the BIS Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS). They submit a physical application to BIS headquarters in New Delhi and must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR). The safety standards and testing requirements are the same as for Indian manufacturers.

Q9. What is the R&D exemption under the Toys QCO 2020?

As per the October 2024 amendment, up to 300 toy samples per year (maximum 5 units per type) can be imported without a BIS licence for R&D purposes only. These toys cannot be sold in India and must be disposed of as scrap after evaluation.

Q10. What is IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025?

IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 is the latest updated standard for mechanical and physical safety of toys, issued by BIS in alignment with the international ISO 8124-1 framework. It replaces IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 with effect from 22 March 2027. All new applicants are encouraged to apply under the 2025 standard.

Q11. What documents are needed for BIS toy certification?

Key documents include factory registration certificate, company registration documents, identity proof of authorized signatory, manufacturing process flowchart, factory layout, list of machinery, testing equipment list with calibration certificates, quality control records, laboratory test reports, and product specifications. Foreign manufacturers must also provide AIR appointment documents.

Q12. Does Standphill India provide BIS toy certification support across India?

Yes. Standphill India has a strong presence across all States and Union Territories of India and supports toy manufacturers nationwide with complete BIS certification consultancy from application preparation to ISI Mark licence approval.