IS 9873 Part 1:2019 is the Bureau of Indian Standards specification for toy safety, specifically covering the mechanical and physical properties that toys must meet to be considered safe for children. This is the standard that every toy, from simple rattles and stacking rings for infants to more complex construction toys for older children, must be certified under before it can legally carry the BIS ISI Mark and be sold in India.
For baby and infant toys, IS 9873 Part 1:2019 is particularly rigorous because the risk profile of very young children is different, infants and toddlers mouth objects, pull and twist toys with more force relative to their expectations, and cannot identify or avoid hazards independently. The standard tests for precisely the risks that babies and young children face.
Key requirements under IS 9873 Part 1:2019 include:
Small parts test - any component that can detach from the toy must not be small enough to be swallowed or inhaled by a young child. This is one of the most critical requirements for infant toys.
Sharp edges and points - all surfaces and components a child can touch must be free from dangerous sharp edges, points, or protrusions that could cause cuts or punctures.
Structural integrity and durability - the toy must withstand defined abuse and drop tests simulating rough handling by children without breaking into dangerous pieces or exposing hazardous internal components.
Bite force and pull tests - components must resist separation under forces representative of a child biting or pulling.
Cord and string length limits - for toys with attached strings, defined maximum lengths to prevent strangulation risk.
Stability and load requirements - for riding and sit-on toys, defined stability and load bearing requirements.
Compression and tension tests - simulating forces a child might apply during play.
Folding mechanism safety - for toys with hinged or folding parts.
Age-appropriate design and labelling - correct age warnings and usage instructions.
BIS certification under IS 9873 Part 1:2019 is mandatory for toy manufacturers under the BIS Act, 2016. Retail chains, e-commerce platforms, and institutional buyers - including schools, crèches, and government schemes - all require BIS ISI Mark certified toys. For a consumer brand like Baby Forest Ayurveda selling through organised retail and digital channels, IS 9873 certification is both a legal compliance requirement and a critical product credibility signal to parents.
