BIS push on toy safety: India outpaces global norms, domestic firms gain global traction

India’s stricter toy safety standards have not only reduced consumer complaints but also helped domestic manufacturers expand exports, according to officials at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).BIS Director Adbhut Singh said Indian norms, designed around local weather and usage patterns, surpass global benchmarks like ISO and IEC in areas including chemical, physical, and electrical safety, as quoted PTI.“Indian standards on toys are better than global standards,” Singh said, noting that the standards have supported both local and overseas sales. The rules, enforced through the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, require all toys sold in India — whether imported or domestic — to meet seven Indian standards and carry the ISI mark.Under the order, in force since January 1, 2021, non-compliant toys cannot be manufactured, stored, sold, or even exhibited.Singh explained that BIS certification ensures toys are free from choking hazards, sharp edges, and toxic materials like lead or phthalates. “For instance, a plastic toy car must comply not just with chemical safety, but also mechanical strength and edge sharpness norms,” he said.As of now, 1,640 toy manufacturers in India are BIS-certified — 1,165 for non-electronic toys and 475 for electric ones.Moiz Gabajiwala, CEO of Zephyr Toymakers Pvt Ltd, said the standards have created a level playing field and spurred innovation. “Our turnover rose substantially after BIS norms came in. We posted Rs 25 crore last fiscal and target 20% growth in 2025-26,” he said. Zephyr makes 1–1.5 lakh toys a month across over 100 varieties and uses 99% locally sourced materials.BIS said it has offered initial testing relaxations for small and micro units and now provides ongoing training in quality control and compliance. The efforts, Singh added, have led to “significant improvements in product safety” and fewer customer complaints.India’s toy exports stood at $152.34 million in 2023–24, a slight dip from $153.89 million the year before, according to a GTRI report.

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