BIS QCO for Safety of Toys IS 9873 & IS 15644 | Toys Quality Control Order 2020

All toys covered under this QCO must:

- Conform to the applicable Indian Standards listed above

- Bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a valid BIS licence

- Obtain BIS certification under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS 

  (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018

- Be tested at BIS-recognised and NABL-accredited laboratories

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS

1. Separate Applications for Each Type:

   Separate BIS licence applications are required for Non-Electric Toys   (IS 9873 Part 1) and Electric Toys (IS 15644).

2. Licence is Manufacturer & Premises Specific:

   BIS licence is granted only to the actual manufacturer — not to traders, distributors, or importers. Each manufacturing unit/premises requires a separate licence application.

3. Model Grouping for Testing:

Since toy manufacturers produce large numbers of models/SKUs, BIS has issued Product Manuals with Grouping Guidelines based on IS 9873 (Part 8): 2019. Toys are classified into 7 Categories and 146 Sub-Categories. One representative model from each series is tested to cover all models in that series — significantly reducing testing burden.

4. In-House Testing Requirements:

   Non-Electric Toy manufacturers must establish in-house test facilities  for IS 9873 (Part 1):2018 — Mechanical and Physical Properties.

   Electric Toy manufacturers must additionally set up facilities for 3 of the 13 tests under IS 15644:2006.

   All remaining tests can be subcontracted to BIS-recognised laboratories.

5. How to Apply:

   Domestic Manufacturers: Apply online at www.manakonline.in

   Foreign Manufacturers: Apply through BIS Foreign Manufacturers 

   Certification Department (FMCD), Manakalaya, BIS HQ, New Delhi.

EXEMPTIONS & RELAXATIONS

Export Exemption:

Toys manufactured in India exclusively for export are fully exempt.

R&D Import Provision (Amendment 2024):

BIS-certified manufacturers, or those who have applied for BIS certification, may import up to 300 units of toys and related components per financial year for R&D purposes (max 5 nos. per sample type), provided:

- Such goods are not sold commercially

- Disposed of as scrap after R&D use

- Year-wise records are maintained and furnished to DPIIT with a declaration

ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES

Any person who contravenes this Order shall be punishable under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the designated certifying and enforcing authority for all toys covered under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 and its subsequent amendments.

BIS is responsible for:

- Granting ISI Mark licences to domestic and foreign toy manufacturers

- Conducting factory audits and market surveillance

- Testing toy samples at BIS-recognised laboratories

- Taking enforcement action against non-compliant toys in the market

For Licence Applications:

- Domestic Manufacturers: www.manakonline.in

- Foreign Manufacturers: BIS FMCD, Manakalaya, BIS HQ, New Delhi

- BIS Website: www.bis.gov.in

File No.: 11(4)/2017-CI

Principal Order by: Manmeet K. Nanda, Joint Secretary, DPIIT

Amendment Order (2024) by: Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT

know more about BIS Certification process for Toys in detail?

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IS 9873 (Part 1): 2018 – Mechanical and Physical Properties

Primary standard for Non-Electric Toys. Covers sharp edges, small parts (choking hazards), projectiles, cords, strings, folding mechanisms, and overall structural integrity.

IS 9873 (Part 2): 2017 – Flammability

Specifies flammability requirements and test methods for all toy categories to ensure they do not pose a fire hazard to children.

IS 9873 (Part 3): 2017 – Migration of Certain Elements

Covers permissible limits for hazardous chemical elements including Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, and Selenium in toy materials accessible to children.

IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017 – Swings, Slides and Similar Activity Toys

Covers safety requirements for large activity toys including swings, slides, climbing frames, seesaws, and similar toys for indoor and outdoor home use.

IS 9873 (Part 7): 2017 – Finger Paints

Covers chemical safety, pH levels, and microbiological requirements for finger paints intended for children.

IS 9873 (Part 9): 2017 – Phthalates Esters in Toys

Specifies maximum permissible limits of phthalate esters (plasticizers) in toys and child care articles to prevent harmful chemical exposure.

IS 15644: 2006 – Safety of Electric Toys

Primary standard for all Electric Toys. Covers electrical safety including insulation, wiring, battery compartments, overheating protection, and all other electrical hazards in battery-operated or electrically powered toys.

Certification Scheme: Scheme-I of Schedule-II, BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Manak Bhavan, 9, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

New Delhi – 110002

Tel: +91-11-23230131

Website: www.bis.gov.in

Manakonline Portal: www.manakonline.in

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT)

Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi – 110011

For BIS Branch Office contacts near your location:

https://bis.gov.in/index.php/regional-branch-offices-bis-list/

KEY DATES AT A GLANCE:

- Principal Order: 25th February, 2020 (S.O. 853(E))

- Effective Date: 1st September, 2020

- 1st Amendment: 15th September, 2020 (S.O. 3146(E))

- 2nd Amendment: 11th December, 2020 (S.O. 4514(E))

- 3rd Amendment: 30th September, 2024 (S.O. 4277(E))