BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys in India

Introduction

Although toys are an important part of a child’s learning and development, they can also create safety risks if they contain sharp edges or other dangerous features. To ensure that toys available in the Indian market meet the required safety and quality standards, the Government of India has made BIS ISI Certification mandatory for toys under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020.

For non-electric toys, BIS certification is provided under Scheme-I (ISI Mark Scheme). The applicable Indian standard for the product is IS 9873 (Part 1). Compliance with the prescribed IS requirement applies to manufacturers producing toys to sell in the Indian market, including foreign manufacturers exporting and selling non-electric toys in India.

In this blog, Brand Liaison explains what BIS Certification for non-electric toys is, applicable IS 9873 standards, eligibility, required documents, testing, certification process, fees, and other important requirements.

What is BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys?

BIS ISI Certification for non-electric toys is a mandatory certification requirement before they are sold in the Indian market. It is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and confirms that a product meets the applicable Indian safety and quality standards.

For non-electric toys, BIS certification mainly focuses on the safety of toys that do not depend on electricity for their functioning.

The following are the non-electric toys:

1. Safety of Toys Part 1: Safety Aspects Related
2. Safety Of Toys Part 2: Flammability
3. Safety of Toys Part 3: Migration of Certain Elements
4. Safety of Toys Part 4: Swings, Slides and Similar Activity Toys
5. Safety of Toys Part 7: Requirements and Test Methods for Finger Paints
6. Safety of Toys Part 9: Certain Phthalates Esters in Toys

After meeting the applicable requirements and BIS grants the licence, the manufacturers and importers can use the ISI Mark on the certified non-electric toys.

What is the Indian Standard for Non-Electric Toys?

IS 9873 is the Indian Standard for the safety of toys. IS 9873 (Part 1) is for non-electric toys and deals primarily with mechanical and physical safety. 

Other applicable parts of the Indian Standard address areas such as flammability, chemical safety, activity toys, finger paints, and phthalates. BIS lists the following standards for non-electric toys under its compulsory certification framework:

Important Update on IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 and 2025

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised IS 9873 (Part 1), and the revised version is IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025. However, BIS issued a notification on 30 January 2026 extending the timeline for IS 9873 (Part 1): 2019 and IS 9873 (Part 1): 2025 up to 22 March 2027. This extension was provided to give manufacturers additional time to transition to the revised requirements.

Therefore, manufacturers should carefully check the applicable version and current BIS requirements before preparing their certification application.

Who Requires BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys?

All manufacturers (Indian and Foreign) and importers must obtain BIS certification for non-electric toys before exporting, importing, or selling them in the Indian market.

This can include:

• Indian manufacturers producing non-electric toys to sell
• Foreign manufacturers exporting non-electric toys in India to sell
• Manufacturers selling toys under their own brand

Foreign manufacturers need to follow the applicable Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) requirements and appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) to submit the application and get the certification.

However, importers and traders cannot apply directly for the ISI mark. They need to request a copy of the license from the actual manufacturers for importing and selling the notified products in the Indian market.

What are the Eligibility Criteria For BIS Certification of Non-Electric Toys?

To acquire the ISI mark for notified non-electric toys under the applicable IS 9873 requirements, businesses must meet certain conditions related to their manufacturing facility, product quality, testing arrangements, and quality control system.

1. Operational Manufacturing Unit 

The manufacturer (Indian or Foreign) must have an active manufacturing facility for producing non-electric toys. The factory should have the required production equipment such as operational machinery, production facilities, and other infrastructure.

2. Compliance with IS 9873 requirements

The notified non-electric toy must meet the applicable requirements of IS 9873 (Part 1) as the primary standard, along with other applicable IS 9873 series standards depending on the type, design, material, and intended use of the toy.

3. In-house testing facilities 

The manufacturer must have the testing facilities and equipment. The in-house testing equipment should be suitable for carrying out the tests required for the notified products. However, certain prescribed tests may be carried out through recognized or approved external laboratories.

4. Proper Quality Control Systems 

A proper quality control system is an important part of BIS certification. The manufacturer should have correct procedures to control the quality of raw materials, production processes, finished products, and testing activities. Trained staff should be available to carry out quality-related responsibilities.

5. Factory Inspection 

The manufacturer must stay prepared for factory inspection during the certification process. During the inspection, BIS officials assess the manufacturing process, machinery, testing facilities, quality control system, production records, and other requirements relevant to the licence.

What Types of Non-Electric Toys May Come Under IS 9873?

Non-electric toys can cover a wide range of products.

Some common examples include:

• Dolls and toy figures
• Plastic toys
• Wooden toys
• Stuffed toys
• Puzzles
• Building blocks
• Toy cars without electrical functions
• Board games
• Educational toys
• Craft kits
• Certain outdoor toys
• Activity toys
• Finger paints
• Other toys intended for children under 14 years, depending on the applicable requirements

The exact applicability should always be checked based on the product’s design, intended age group, material, function, and applicable Indian Standard.

What is the Importance of BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys?

BIS ISI mark is a legal requirement for the sale of non-electric toys in the Indian market. Here are the points that reflect the importance of the certification for the notified product:

1. Ensures legal compliance 

ISI mark certification helps manufacturers and importers to ensure that their notified toys comply with the applicable Indian safety standards.

2. Supports Toy Safety

The IS 9873 series addresses different safety concerns, including mechanical and physical hazards, flammability, chemical migration, activity toy safety, and restricted phthalates.

3. Allows Legal Market Access

For products covered by compulsory BIS certification, manufacturers must comply with the applicable certification requirements before placing the products in the Indian market.

4. Increased Market Opportunities

For foreign toy manufacturers, BIS certification is an important regulatory requirement when exporting the notified toys to India. The ISI mark increases market opportunities and sales for manufacturers and importers.

What are the Tests Required Under IS 9873 for Non-Electric Toys?

Depending on the type of toy and the requirements, the following are the required tests for non-electric toys under IS 9873.

Mechanical and Physical Safety

IS 9873 (Part 1) deals with important physical and mechanical safety aspects of toys. These include requirements related to: Small parts, Sharp edges, Sharp points, Structural strength, and other physical safety hazards.

Flammability Testing

IS 9873 (Part 2) covers flammability requirements for notified toys and materials. This is particularly applicable for toys containing materials such as fabrics, hair, foam, or other materials where flammability requirements apply.

Chemical Safety Testing

IS 9873 (Part 3) addresses the migration of certain elements from toy materials. This is important because children frequently handle toys and, in some cases, place them near or in their mouths.

Activity Toy Testing

IS 9873 (Part 4) applies to notified activity toys such as swings, slides, and similar products. It helps address issues related to stability, structural safety, and other hazards associated with these toys.

Finger Paint Testing

IS 9873 (Part 7) covers applicable requirements for finger paints.

Phthalate Testing

IS 9873 (Part 9) relates to certain phthalate esters in applicable toys and children's products. The applicable testing scope should be identified according to the specific product rather than assuming that every toy requires every test.

What are the Important Documents Required for ISI Mark of Non-Electric Toys

The exact documents vary depending on the product requirements. Some common documents include:

• Legal address proofs of the factories
• Product specification
• Details of raw materials, machinery, and testing equipment
• Details of QC Staff and other basic details of the factory
• Lab test reports of the product
• Main Application Form V
• ISI Application Fee
• Appointment of AIR (Authorized Indian Representative) in case you are a foreign manufacturer

The documents should be prepared in advance and accurately according to the latest BIS requirements.

What is the Procedure for Obtaining the BIS ISI Mark Certification?

The BIS certification process generally involves several stages.

Step 1: Identify the Applicable Standard

First, the applicant needs to determine whether the product falls under the non-electric toy category and determine the applicable IS 9873 requirements.

Step 2: Prepare the Documents

The applicant should prepare the correct and authentic documents in advance to get the certification for the notified product. Any incorrect information can result in the delay or rejection of the application.

Step 3: Submit the BIS Application

The applicants need to submit their application to the BIS authorities to initiate the registration process. Foreign manufacturers need to appoint an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) and follow the applicable FMCS procedure to submit the application.

Step 4: Factory Inspection

After the application submission, BIS officials inspect the manufacturing premises to check the manufacturing process, machinery, quality control system, testing facilities, records, and other applicable requirements.

Step 5: Product Testing

Product samples are tested at the BIS-accredited labs as required under the applicable IS 9873 standards through the prescribed testing arrangements.

Step 6: Grant of BIS Licence

If the notified product meets the applicable requirements, BIS grants the BIS ISI Certification to the applicant to use the ISI Mark for the certified product.

Also Read: How to Check BIS Certification Online?

What is the Cost of BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys?

The BIS certification cost depends on several factors, including:

• Applicable BIS government fees
• Product testing charges
• Number of toy models
• Applicable IS 9873 parts
• Manufacturing location
• Inspection requirements
• Testing requirements
• Marking-related charges
• Other applicable certification expenses

A proper cost estimate can be prepared after reviewing the product category, toy models, materials, manufacturing facility, and applicable testing requirements.

What is the Timeline for ISI Certification for Non-Electric Toys?

The timeline for obtaining BIS Certification for toys generally depends on the r testing, documentation, and BIS evaluation. 

It mainly depends on:

• Product testing
• Documentation Preparation
• Factory Inspection
• BIS queries
• Foreign manufacturer requirements
• And more

Proper preparation of the product, documents, and manufacturing facility can help manufacturers avoid unnecessary delays in the BIS certification process. It generally takes:

For an Indian Manufacturer 

• Approximately 20 working days for simplified procedure (if applicable).
• Approximately 40 working days for the normal procedure. 

For Foreign Manufacturer 

• Approximately 6 months, subject to BIS Technical discretion. 

BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys: Domestic vs Foreign Manufacturers

The basic product safety requirements remain connected to the applicable Indian Standards, but the certification route differs.

For Indian manufacturers:

• The manufacturing facility should meet applicable requirements.
• Product testing is carried out as required.
• Application is submitted through the applicable BIS online process.
• BIS inspection and evaluation are completed.
• Licence is granted if requirements are satisfied.

For foreign manufacturers:

• Applicable IS 9873 requirements must be met.
• The manufacturer follows the FMCS route.
• An Authorized Indian Representative is required.
• BIS inspection and evaluation requirements apply.
• The licence is granted subject to fulfilment of BIS requirements.

How can Brand Liaison help with BIS Certification for Non-Electric Toys?

Obtaining BIS ISI certification for non-electric toys involves more than simply submitting an application. Manufacturers and importers need to identify the correct Indian standards, prepare accurate documents, complete product testing, and be ready for the BIS inspection process.

Brand Liaison is the best BIS ISI Certification Consultant in Delhi, with 10+ years of experience, 5000+ certificates, 1000+ BIS projects, and 500+ fmcs projects. Our expert team helps businesses understand BIS requirements, prepare documents, coordinate testing, manage the application process, and stay aligned with applicable certification requirements.

• Checking BIS ISI eligibility for the product
• Identifying the relevant requirements
• Preparing the required documents
• Coordinating with BIS-approved laboratories for product testing
• Assistance in factory audit and inspection
• Assisting with BIS application filing
• Handling BIS queries and follow-ups
• Acts as an AIR for foreign manufacturers
• Providing post-certification compliance and renewal support

With the right preparation, Brand Liaison helps manufacturers better manage the certification process and avoid unnecessary delays caused by incomplete documentation or incorrect testing requirements.

Conclusion

ISI mark certification for non-electric toys is a mandatory requirement for manufacturers and importers whose products fall under the applicable BIS product list in India.

The IS 9873 series covers important toy safety requirements, including mechanical and physical safety, flammability, chemical safety, activity toys, finger paints, and phthalate-related requirements. BIS lists non-electric toys under the compulsory ISI Mark Scheme.

If you sell or export non-electric toys in India, connect with Brand Liaison, the best ISI mark registration consultant in India, to understand the BIS certification requirements applicable to the notified products.