India updated the Product Manual for Safety of Toys
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.
The Group 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.
Furthermore, there are the following categories included in the guidelines:
- Classification of toys
- Overview of 7 Toy Categories
- Testing and Equipment
- Quality Assurance Plan (QAP)
- Testing Infrastructure
- Licensing Procedures and Compliance
Find all detailed information and updates in the source description.