ISI MarkToysQCO

BIS ISI Mark for Toys in India: Mandatory Certification Guide for Manufacturers and Importers

18 February 2026·6 min read

India's mandatory toy certification regime is one of the most comprehensive in the world. Under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 (and its subsequent amendments), all toys sold in India — whether manufactured domestically or imported — must carry the BIS ISI Mark conforming to IS 9873 (the toy safety standard series). This guide explains the requirements, the process, and the timeline for both Indian manufacturers and foreign importers.

Which Toys Are Covered?

The Toys QCO covers all products designed or intended for use by children under 14 years of age for playing. The definition is broad and includes:

›All traditional and plastic toys (action figures, dolls, vehicles, building blocks)
›Electronic and battery-operated toys
›Stuffed and plush toys
›Board games, puzzles, and card games
›Tricycles, scooters, and ride-on toys (non-motorised)
›Toy musical instruments
›Arts and crafts sets (paints, crayons, modelling clay)
›Water toys and sand toys
›Soft foam toys

Note: Certain products are explicitly excluded: puzzles with more than 500 pieces, collectibles for adults, sports equipment (e.g., bicycles with defined minimum wheel diameter), and items not primarily designed for play.

The Applicable Indian Standard: IS 9873 Series

IS 9873 is a multi-part standard aligned with the European toy safety standard EN 71. Different parts of IS 9873 apply to different toy categories:

›IS 9873 Part 1 — Mechanical and physical properties (sharp edges, small parts, tensile strength)
›IS 9873 Part 2 — Flammability requirements
›IS 9873 Part 3 — Migration of certain chemical elements (heavy metals: lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, etc.)
›IS 9873 Part 7 — Finger paints
›IS 9873 Part 9 — Chemical compounds used in chemistry sets
›IS 9873 Part 14 — Trampolines (if applicable)
›Electronic toys additionally require conformance with IS 9873 Part 10 (electronic toys for children under 36 months) and relevant EMC/electrical safety IS standards

Domestic Manufacturers — ISI Mark (Scheme I)

Indian toy manufacturers must obtain ISI Mark certification under BIS Scheme I. The process involves:

›1. Identify applicable parts of IS 9873 for your toy category
›2. Send product samples to a BIS-recognised lab for testing against all applicable IS 9873 parts
›3. Submit BIS application with test reports, factory details, and quality documentation
›4. BIS factory inspection to verify production controls, in-house testing capability, and marking readiness
›5. Receive ISI Mark licence (CM/L number); affix mark on each toy and packaging
›Timeline: 10–18 weeks | Cost: ₹60,000–₹1,50,000 including lab testing and BIS fees

Note: Toy factories must maintain in-house testing for at least the mechanical/physical tests (Part 1). Chemical migration testing (Part 3) requires specialised lab equipment and is typically outsourced.

Foreign Manufacturers and Importers — FMCS

All toys imported into India must carry the ISI Mark. This means the overseas manufacturer must hold a valid FMCS licence under IS 9873. There is no alternative path for imports — CRS does not apply to toys.

›The overseas toy manufacturer applies for FMCS, appointing an Authorised Indian Representative (AIR)
›BIS officers travel to the overseas factory to inspect production and quality controls
›Product samples are tested at a BIS-recognised lab (may be a mutually recognised overseas lab in some cases)
›Once licensed, the manufacturer affixes the ISI Mark on all toys destined for India
›Timeline: 6–12 months | Cost: ₹3,00,000–₹7,00,000 (including overseas inspection costs)
›Indian importers: verify FMCS licence of your Chinese/other overseas supplier before placing orders

Common Compliance Gaps in Toy Certification

›Heavy metal migration (IS 9873 Part 3) — paints and surface coatings of cheap imported toys frequently fail lead and cadmium limits; this is the most common lab failure
›Small parts for toys intended for children under 36 months — any component that detaches and fits in a standardised "small parts cylinder" is prohibited
›Flammability — fabric, foam, and stuffed toys must meet flammability requirements of IS 9873 Part 2
›Marking — every toy and its packaging must show the ISI Mark, the CM/L number, the manufacturer's name and address, and the appropriate age warning (e.g., "Not suitable for children under 3 years")
›Counterfeit ISI Marks — BIS regularly detects counterfeit marks on imported toys; importing toys with fake BIS marks carries severe criminal penalties

What Retailers and E-Commerce Sellers Must Know

If you are a retailer or e-commerce seller sourcing toys for the Indian market, you are jointly responsible for ensuring the toys you sell carry valid BIS certification. Amazon, Flipkart, and other major platforms now require proof of BIS certification during seller onboarding for the toys category.

›Ask suppliers for BIS licence number and verify on bis.gov.in before listing products
›Do not list or sell toys without a valid ISI Mark — penalties apply to sellers, not just manufacturers/importers
›If you are an importer-of-record, you may need to hold CRS or FMCS in your own name depending on the arrangement with the overseas manufacturer
›BIS conducts market surveillance including online marketplaces; non-compliant listings can result in de-listing and fines

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