What is BIS Certification for Toys?
Under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, BIS certification is mandatory for all toys (electric and non-electric) intended for children under the age of 14 years. Manufacturers must obtain a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to use the ISI Mark on their products.
This regulation applies to both domestic manufacturers and foreign manufacturers exporting toys to India, ensuring that all toys sold in the market are safe and free from hazardous materials.
Applicable Indian Standards
Toys are certified under two primary standards:
- IS 9873 (Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9): For Non-Electric Toys. Covers mechanical properties, flammability, migration of certain elements (like lead), and safety of swings/slides.
- IS 15644: For Electric Toys. Covers safety of electric toys, including heating, fire resistance, and toxic risks.
Benefits of BIS Certification
- Child Safety: Ensures toys are free from sharp edges, choking hazards, and toxic chemicals.
- Legal Compliance: Mandatory for selling toys in India; non-compliance attracts severe penalties.
- Consumer Trust: Parents look for the ISI Mark as a guarantee of safety for their children.
- Market Access: Essential for listing on e-commerce platforms and selling in retail stores.
Documents Required
- Business Registration: Factory license, MSME, or Certificate of Incorporation.
- Factory Layout: Map of the manufacturing unit showing production and testing areas.
- Process Flowchart: Detailed manufacturing process.
- List of Machinery: Details of production and testing equipment.
- Test Reports: In-house or third-party lab test reports as per IS 9873/IS 15644.
- Raw Material Details: Certificates for raw materials used (e.g., plastic, paint).
- AIR Nomination: For foreign manufacturers, nomination of an Authorized Indian Representative.
Certification Process
- Application Submission: Submit the application (Form-V) online via the Manakonline portal.
- Factory Audit: BIS officials visit the factory to inspect manufacturing capabilities and quality control systems.
- Sample Drawing: Samples are drawn during the audit and sent to a BIS-recognized lab for testing.
- Lab Testing: Toys are tested for mechanical, physical, chemical, and electrical safety.
- Grant of License: If the audit and test results are satisfactory, the license is granted.
- Marking: Manufacturers can then affix the ISI Mark on their products.
Fees & Costs
The cost structure includes:
- Application Fee: ₹1,000.
- Audit Fee: ₹7,000 per man-day (plus travel expenses for officials).
- License Fee: ₹1,000 annually.
- Marking Fee: Based on production volume (Minimum marking fee applies).
- Testing Charges: Paid directly to the lab, varying by the number of tests required (e.g., chemical analysis is costlier).
Validity and Renewal
Validity: The BIS license for toys is initially valid for 1 to 2 years.
Renewal: It can be renewed for up to 5 years. Renewal requires submission of production details, payment of fees, and a self-declaration of compliance.
