BIS Certification for Toys (IS: 9873)

For manufacturers in the toy industry, ensuring the safety and quality of products is crucial to meet regulatory standards and build consumer trust. Toys serve as tools for children’s development and learning, but without proper safety measures, they can pose potential hazards. To address this, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates certification for toy manufacturing, import, and sale in India. This BIS certification for toys, process ensures that toys meet stringent safety criteria, enhancing product credibility and market access. After obtaining the BIS certification for toys, the manufacturers in India are allowed to use the ISI mark on their products.

Why do You Need the BIS Certificate to Manufacture and Market Toys in India?

The department for promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), issued the Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020 notification under the ministry of Commerce and Industry which mandates the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for toys (both manufactured and imported), which came into effect from 1^st September, 2020. The Toys (Quality Control) Order is introduced to ensure the safer manufacturing and selling of toys.

BIS QCO for Toys (IS: 9873)

Who Needs to Apply for the BIS Certificate for Toys?

Following are the different categories which require the BIS certification for manufacturing, promotion and selling of the toys:

• Indian Manufacturers – Indian residents who have the toys manufacturing unit(s) within the country of India.
• Foreign Manufacturers – Residents of other countries than India who have the toys manufacturing unit(s) in their home country, and planning to market their products in India.

Furthermore, following categories are the classification for which the BIS certification needs to be obtained:

• Non-electric toys – Generally classified as ordinary toys which do not require electricity to operate like rattles, soft toys, puzzles, etc.
• Electric toys – Toys which require electricity to operate like remote control car, electric dolls, etc.

Below mentioned are the Indian Standards for BIS certifications with the specifications –

• IS 9873 (Part 1): 2018 – Safety aspects related to Mechanical and physical aspects.
• IS 9873 (Part 2): 2017 – Flammability
• IS 9873 (Part 3): 2017 – Migration of certain elements
• IS 9873 (Part 4): 2017 – Slides, Swings, and Similar Activity Toys for Outdoor and indoor domestic Use.
• IS 9873 (Part 7): 2017 – Finger Paints
• IS 9873 (Part 7): 2017 – Certain phthalates ester in toys and children’s products.
• IS 15644:2006 – Safety of Electric Toy

Process to Obtain the BIS Certification for Toys (For Domestic Manufacturers)

To obtain the BIS certification (ISI Mark) for Toys, you need to file an application with the BIS department. Following mentioned are the steps to obtain the same:

Documentation

• Manufacturing Unit Details: Provide a comprehensive profile of the manufacturing unit, including registration certificates, ownership documentation, and a list of in-house laboratory equipment used for quality testing.
• Product Specifications: Submit detailed information about the toys, including product design, safety features, and adherence to relevant toy safety standards (e.g., IS 9873).
• Test Reports: Prepare in-house test reports demonstrating compliance with applicable safety and quality norms for toys.

Pre-Testing of the Samples

• Sample Submission: Send toy samples to a BIS-recognized laboratory for pre-testing.
• Compliance Testing: The lab will test the toys according to the prescribed safety and quality standards, such as physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrical safety tests, if applicable.
• Test Report: Obtain a test report from the lab through the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Application Submission

• BIS Portal Submission: With the pre-test report in hand, submit an application on the BIS portal along with the necessary documents, including product details, test reports, and the applicable government fee.

Factory Inspection

• On-Site Inspection: A BIS official will conduct a factory inspection to evaluate the production process, quality control systems, and adherence to toy safety standards.
• Compliance Verification: The inspection ensures the manufacturing practices align with the safety requirements and details provided in the application.
• Sample Sealing: The BIS officer will seal a sample from the production batch for further testing.

Issuance of License

• Review of Documentation and Test Results: The BIS officials will thoroughly review all documentation, test results, and the factory inspection findings.
• License Granting: If all conditions are met, the BIS License for the toy product will be issued.

Post-Test Report

• Final Report Issuance: The applicant will receive the post-test report of the sealed samples tested by the BIS-recognized lab.
• License Validity: The BIS license remains valid if the toy product continues to comply with all testing parameters and standards during subsequent surveillance.

Process to Obtain the BIS Certification for Toys Under FMCS (For Foreign Manufacturers)

Following mentioned are the steps to obtain the BIS certification (ISI Mark) for toys under FMCS:

Documentation

• Manufacturer Information: Submit detailed information about the toy manufacturing facility, including registration documents, proof of ownership, and the location of the manufacturing unit.
• Product Details: Provide comprehensive details about the toys, such as design, product specifications, safety features, and adherence to relevant standards (e.g., IS 9873 series or any applicable toy safety standards).
• Quality Assurance Documentation: Include information about the manufacturing process, quality control measures, and any existing in-house test reports demonstrating compliance with toy safety norms.

Application Submission

• Application Submission: Submit a formal application through the BIS Department for FMCS, attaching all required documentation and paying the applicable government fee.
• Document Review: The BIS will conduct a thorough scrutiny of the application to ensure completeness and compliance with the relevant standards for toys.

Nomination of Auditor and Audit by BIS

• Auditor Nomination: BIS will nominate an auditor to assess the manufacturing unit as part of the certification process.
• Pre-Audit Communication: The auditor may coordinate with the manufacturer to gather preliminary information and plan the audit schedule.

Factory Inspection

• Factory Assessment: The BIS auditor will perform a detailed on-site inspection of the toy manufacturing facility to assess production processes, quality control practices, and conformity with toy safety requirements.
• Compliance Check: The inspection ensures that the manufacturing process adheres to the safety and quality norms defined for toys under Indian Standards.
• Sample Sealing: During the inspection, the BIS auditor will select and seal samples of the toys for independent testing.

Product Testing

• Testing Procedure: The sealed toy samples will be sent to a BIS-approved laboratory for independent testing.
• Compliance Verification: The lab will conduct a series of tests (mechanical, physical, chemical, etc.) to verify that the toy meets the applicable standards and safety requirements.
• Test Report: The test results will be shared with the BIS and the manufacturer.

Issuance of License

• Review of Findings: BIS officials will review the results of the factory inspection, the audit findings, and the independent test report.
• Granting of ISI Mark License: If all criteria are satisfactorily met, the BIS will grant the ISI Mark certification for the toys under FMCS, signifying compliance with the prescribed standards for toy safety and quality.
   

 

Timeline for BIS Certification for Toys

The approximate timeline to obtain BIS certification (ISI Mark) for Toys

• For Indian Manufacturers (Standard Timeframe – 60 to 65 days)
• For Foreign Manufacturers (Standard Timeframe – 180 days)

Price/Cost of BIS Certification for Toys (For Domestic Manufacturers)

Registration Fees	Renewal Fees	Inclusion Fees
1. Application Fee - INR 1000/- 2. Inspection Fee - INR 7000/- 3. License Fee - INR 1000/- 4. Marking Fee - Depends on the Product 5. Sample Testing Charge - Depends on the product	1. Renewal Application Fee - INR 1000/- 2. Marking Fee - Depends on the product 3. License Fee - INR 1000/-	1. Application Fee - INR 5000/- 2. Sample Testing Charges - Depends on the Product 3. Inspection Fee - INR 7000/- (if applicable

Price/Cost of BIS Certification for Toys (For Foreign Manufacturers)

Registration Fees	Renewal	Inclusion
1. Application fee - (USD 20 per Application)	1. Renewal Application fee - USD 20	1. Application fee - 100 USD
2. Visit charges (man day charges for Auditor) - BIS (USD 100 per day) (100 x 6 = USD 600)	2.Marking fee- Depends on the production	2. Sample Testing Charges - Depends on the product
3. Auditor's Per Diem charges (Include Stay & Local expenses in foreign country) - USD 400 per day for European Countries and USD 300 per day for Non SAARC countries and USD 250 per day for SAARC countries. ( This is to be paid for 3 days only)	3.License fee - USD  20
4. Travel Expenses (include Visa, insurance, Flight etc) - BIS (As per actual)
5. Travelling Expenses (Airfare, Visa, Stay and other expenses) of consultant, only if travelled along with BIS Auditor - To be arranged by the manufacturer/applicant
6. Consultant's Per Diem Charges (Only if travelled along with BIS Auditor) - USD 100 per Day
7. License Fee - BIS (USD 20 per Application)
8. Annual Minimum Markings Fees - As per Actual
9. Bank Guarantee (To be given after Grant of License) - BIS (USD 10.000) (Refundable)
10. Contingency charges (For BIS Auditor's India travel expenses) BIS (USD 150 per Application)
11. Testing charges - As per Actual

What are the Required Documents for BIS Certification for Toys - In India?

For the BIS Certification for Toys, manufacturers generally need to submit the following documents:

• Premises document 
• GST certificate
• Copy of partnership deed or MOA copy 
• Udyam Aadhar (MSME)
• Process flow chart, if applicable
• Aadhaar card of business owner 
• Trade Mark certificate 
• List of Raw Material 
• Test Certificate/Lab report of Raw Materials 
• Process flow chart
• Detailed production Process description 
• Location plan of the factory from nearest Airport/Railway Station or Bus Stand 
• Layout of Plant 
• List of Machinery 
• QCI details 
• List of Equipment
• Calibration Certificates copy, if available 

Also, Check "BIS Certification for Telescopic Ball Bearing Drawer Slides"

What are the Required Documents for BIS Certification for Toys - Under FMCS?

For the BIS Certification for Toys under FMCS, manufacturers generally need to submit the following documents:

• Name & Address Proof of Factory 
• Name & Address Proof of Office 
• Form V 
• Air nomination form 
• Authorization letter
• Location Map 
• Layout of Plant 
• List of Machinery 
• List of Raw Material 
• Test Certificate/Lab report of Raw Materials 
• List of Testing Equipment
• Calibration Certificate of Test Equipment’s 
• Brand details 
• Degree of Quality Control In-charge along with Qualification Certificate and ID)
• Process flow chart, if applicable 
• Process flow description 
• Identity card of business owner
• Production Details

Advantages of BIS Certification for Toys

Following are the key benefits of obtaining the BIS certification for toys:

• Sense of security & safety - It provides the consumers with a sense of security and safety and ensures easy acceptance.
• Market Access – Product with ISI mark is easily accepted in the market, and it also provides easy access to the global market of the toys.
• Regulatory Compliance – Complying to BIS Standards and obtaining certification for manufacturing acts as a shield against all the legal actions or penalties.

How ASC Can Help?

At ASC, we provide end-to-end services from initial application to site inspection to approval for the manufacturers unacquainted with the certification process. ASC Group offers a comprehensive consultancy services for BIS certification that helps manufacturers globally providing:

• Assisting in documentations required for initial application.
• Preparing the manufacturer and the factory premises for the physical inspection
• Guidance for laboratory testing & final testing report
• Liaising with the regulatory authorities for the resolution of any objections and queries.

With ASC’s support and guidance, clients can ensure to operate smoother, effectively and efficiently while we work for obtaining the certification seamlessly.

In conclusion, BIS Registration for toys is a regulatory compliance which also helps the toys manufacturers and importers in getting worldwide market exposure, and it also serves as a quality assurance to customers. Partnering with ASC Group for BIS certification enables the manufacturers (and importers) to streamline the certification process, receiving expert assistance and guidance at every step from initial application to final approval. Manufacturing with BIS certification not only acts a shield from legal actions but it assures the general public (especially parents) regarding the quality and reliability of the toys.

Ready to initiate the BIS certification for Toys process? Reach out to us @ ASC Group