If you manufacture, import, or sell toys in India, BIS certification is no longer optional — it is a legal requirement. The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 made the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ISI mark mandatory for all toys sold in India. Non-compliance can result in product seizure, penalties, and loss of business.

This guide explains the complete BIS certification process for toys, the Indian standards involved, testing requirements, and how to choose the right testing laboratory.

Why is BIS Certification Mandatory for Toys?

The Government of India enforced mandatory BIS certification for toys under the Quality Control Orders to protect children from unsafe products. Before this order, many low-quality and hazardous toys — particularly from imports — were freely available in the Indian market. The BIS certification ensures every toy sold in India meets minimum safety standards covering physical, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards.

The Toys Quality Control Order applies to:

• All toys intended for children below 14 years of age
• Domestically manufactured toys
• Imported toys
• Electric and battery-operated toys

Applicable Indian Standards for Toy Testing

BIS certification for toys is governed by the following Indian Standards:

Key Tests Conducted in Toy Testing

1. Mechanical and Physical Tests (IS 9873 Part 1)

These are the most comprehensive tests and cover potential physical hazards a toy might pose to a child. Key tests include:

• Bite test / Mouth contact test — checks for small parts that could be a choking hazard
• Drop test — assesses structural integrity after repeated drops
• Tension test — evaluates whether parts detach easily
• Torque test — checks if components unscrew to release small parts
• Compression test — tests structural durability under load
• Folding mechanism test — ensures hinges and joints don't create trapping hazards
• Projectile test — evaluates hazards from toys that launch objects
• Sharp point and edge tests — checks for dangerous sharp edges

2. Flammability Testing (IS 9873 Part 2)

Toys must not ignite easily or burn rapidly when exposed to a flame. The flammability test evaluates how fast material burns and whether it self-extinguishes, ensuring toys don't pose a fire hazard to children.

3. Chemical / Migration Tests (IS 9873 Part 3)

This test checks for the migration of heavy metals and harmful elements (like lead, chromium, barium, cadmium, arsenic, selenium, antimony, and mercury) from toy materials and coatings. Limits are defined for each element to protect children from toxic exposure through mouthing.

4. Electric Toy Tests (IS 15644)

For battery-operated and electric toys, additional tests are required under IS 15644, including electrical strength tests, insulation resistance, overload protection, and motor tests. (See our detailed article on Electric Toy Testing.)

The BIS Certification Process for Toys

The BIS ISI mark certification process involves the following steps:

1. Select a BIS-approved testing laboratory — Only labs approved by BIS can conduct tests for certification purposes. Precision Laboratories LLP, Ahmedabad is BIS approved.
2. Submit samples for testing — The manufacturer or importer submits the required number of samples to the lab along with product specifications and documents.
3. Testing and test report — The lab conducts all required tests and issues a test report. This typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on the product and tests involved.
4. Apply to BIS — Submit the test report along with your application to the BIS Regional/Branch Office. The application includes details of the factory, manufacturing process, quality control system, and product details.
5. Factory inspection — BIS inspects the manufacturing facility to verify quality control systems are in place.
6. Grant of licence — Upon satisfactory inspection and review, BIS grants the licence to use the ISI mark.

Common Reasons Toys Fail BIS Testing

Based on our experience at Precision Laboratories LLP, the most common reasons toys fail initial testing are:

• Small parts accessible to young children (choking hazard)
• Sharp edges or points not meeting the radius requirements
• Weak pull-force connections that allow parts to detach
• Flammable material that does not self-extinguish
• Heavy metal migration levels exceeding IS 9873 limits (especially in surface coatings and paints)
• Inadequate cord/string length on toys for young children

Identifying these issues early through pre-compliance testing can save significant time and cost before the formal BIS submission.

Why Choose Precision Laboratories LLP for Toy Testing?

Precision Laboratories LLP in Ahmedabad is a BIS-approved and QAI ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory. Our facility is equipped to conduct the full range of mechanical, physical, flammability, and chemical tests required for toy certification under IS 9873 and IS 15644. Our test reports are accepted directly for BIS certification applications.

We serve toy manufacturers and importers across India, providing accurate test results, full documentation support, and guidance through the certification process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BIS certification required for all toys?

Yes. The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 mandates BIS ISI mark for all toys for children below 14 years, including both domestic and imported toys.

How many samples are required for toy testing?

The number of samples depends on the product type and the tests required. Typically 3–6 samples per product variant are needed. Contact us for specific requirements for your product.

How long does toy testing take?

Standard toy testing (mechanical, physical, flammability) takes approximately 2–3 weeks. Chemical migration testing may take an additional 1–2 weeks.

Can imported toys be sold without BIS certification?

No. All imported toys must also carry the BIS ISI mark. Importers must obtain a BIS licence before selling toys in India.