India updated the Product Manual for Safety of Toys

Vol. 1530 | 29 Mar 2026

BIS Product Manual PM/9873/13 updates toy certification with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 primary standard, detailed 7-category classification system, sampling rules, 81 test types, and QAP requirements for continuous compliance.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released an updated Product Manual in January 2026 (Ref: PM/9873/13) to streamline the certification process for toy safety in India. This comprehensive document serves as the definitive reference for Regional and Branch Offices, licensees, and prospective applicants. It ensures transparency and uniformity in the operation of certification under Scheme-I of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.

The manual establishes a hierarchy of standards based on the type of toy being manufactured. For the purpose of certification, toys are classified into two primary types: Non-Electric Toys and Electric Toys.

Primary and Secondary Standards

Every toy is assessed against a "Primary Standard" for licensing, but it must also comply with applicable "Secondary Standards" depending on its features.

Toy Type	Primary Standard	Secondary Standards
Non-Electric Toys	IS 9873 (Part 1):2025	IS 9873 (Part 2):2025 IS 9873 (Part 3):2020, Amd-01 IS 9873 (Part 4):2017, Amd-01 IS 9873 (Part 7):2017, Amd-01 IS 9873 (Part 9):2017 IS 9873 (Part 10):2024 IS 9873 (Part 11):2024
Electric Toys	IS 15644:2006, Amd-01	IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 IS 9873 (Part 2):2025 IS 9873 (Part 3):2020, Amd-01 IS 9873 (Part 4):2017, Amd-01 IS 9873 (Part 7):2017, Amd-01 IS 9873 (Part 9):2017 IS 9873 (Part 10):2024 IS 9873 (Part 11):2024

The Grouping Guidelines

For a group of toys to be considered a single series, they must meet three criteria: similar design, same materials and single sub-category.

Sampling for Certification

When applying for a Grant of Licence (GOL) or a Change in Scope of Licence (CSOL), the manual dictates specific sampling rules:

• Non-Electric Toys: One model of required quantity (typically 3–10 pieces) is drawn from the series for testing.
• Electric Toys: These are further subdivided by input source—battery-operated, transformer-operated, or dual-supply. Sampling requires one model that represents the power supply layout, chassis, and processor/controller of the group.

Classification of toys

The manual utilizes a massive classification system (based on IS 9873 Part 8) to organize the toy industry into functional groups. This classification determines the "Starting Age" and the specific safety tests required.

Overview of Toy Categories

There are 7 toy categories:

• Category A: Sensorimotor Activities (32 sub-categories)
• Category B: Physical Activities (23 sub-categories)
• Category C: Intellectual Activities (20 sub-categories)
• Category D: Reproducing Technical World (12 sub-categories)
• Category E: Development of Feelings and Empathy (23 sub-categories)
• Category F: Creative Activities (21 sub-categories)
• Category G: Social Relationships (15 sub-categories)

If a manufacturer declares a higher starting age to avoid more rigorous tests like the shape and size requirements, BIS will reject the request as unreasonable.

Testing and Equipment

The Annex-B of the manual provides an exhaustive list of 81 different test types and the specialized equipment needed to perform them.

Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)

Manufacturers are not merely required to pass a one-time test; they must implement a continuous Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). The manual recommends specific "Levels of Control" (frequency of testing) to maintain the BIS license.

Testing Infrastructure

While manufacturers are encouraged to have in-house facilities, they are not strictly obligated to maintain an in-house laboratory. They may utilize shared resources, cluster-based facilities, or sub-contract to BIS-recognized or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories.

Licensing Procedures and Compliance

The manual outlines clear pathways for manufacturers to manage their licenses, which are Grant of Licence (GOL), Change in Scope (CSOL) and Addition of New Models.

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