CHANAK – The Smartest Kid | Parent buying guide
To check BIS-certified toys in India, look for the ISI mark and CM/L licence number, verify the licence through official BIS resources, and read the toy’s age recommendation and warnings. Certification is an important check, but the toy must also suit your child and be used as instructed.
Whether you are choosing a baby rattle, a pretend-play set or a battery-operated toy, a few checks can make shopping more straightforward. This CHANAK guide explains what the certification means, how to verify it and what to look for before play begins.
What BIS certification means for toys
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body. For toys certified under its Scheme-I route, the ISI mark indicates conformity with the applicable Indian Standards under a BIS licence. [1]
The licence is issued to the manufacturer for a specific manufacturing location. The brand name on the box may therefore differ from the licence holder’s name. If the relationship is unclear, ask the seller or brand to explain it. [2]
Certification addresses specified requirements; it does not mean every toy is appropriate for every age or that damage and incorrect use cannot create risks.
Is BIS certification mandatory for toys in India
India’s Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 brought toys designed or clearly intended for play by children under 14 into mandatory certification requirements from 1 January 2021, subject to applicable exemptions. Covered imported toys also need to meet the relevant Indian requirements. [3]
For a particular product or any claimed exemption, consult the current notification and amendments linked from the BIS compulsory certification list. A seller’s assurance alone is not enough to establish compliance.
Seven things to check before buying a toy
1 Find the ISI mark and licence details
For an ISI-marked toy, check the product and packaging for the Standard Mark and the CM/L licence number. If the details are missing or unreadable, request a clear photograph or clarification before purchasing.
2 Verify the licence through BIS
Use the official BIS Care app to look up the licence. Compare the available licence holder, standard, product scope and status with the toy’s details. Do not rely on a logo shown in a marketplace image alone. [4]
3 Read the age recommendation
Choose a toy labelled for your child’s age and follow its warnings. For example, a playset marked 3+ should not be selected for a younger child simply because an adult plans to sit nearby.
4 Identify the responsible business
Look for manufacturer or importer contact information. Keep your order confirmation or receipt so you can raise questions about the exact product you received.
5 Check instructions and accessories
Read assembly, cleaning, battery and supervision instructions where relevant. Check the contents list so that missing fasteners or accessories can be addressed before use.
6 Inspect the toy on arrival
Look for cracks, damaged parts, loose fittings or exposed components. If something appears damaged or incorrectly assembled, pause play and contact the seller or manufacturer.
7 Look beyond marketing language
Claims such as “premium,” “non-toxic” or “BPA-free” do not establish all aspects of toy safety. Consider the applicable certification information, age suitability, warnings and condition together.
How to verify a toy licence with the BIS Care app
For a toy carrying an ISI mark, follow these steps using the official BIS Care app information page. [4]
- Locate the CM/L licence number on the toy or packaging.
- Open the official BIS Care app and choose Verify Licence Details.
- Enter the licence number as requested by the app.
- Compare the returned licence information with the manufacturer and toy details.
- If the information is unavailable or inconsistent, ask the manufacturer or BIS for clarification before relying on the claim.
A valid licence lookup confirms the licence record. It does not, by itself, authenticate the individual toy in your hands. Keep packaging photographs and purchase details if you need to report a concern.
IS 9873 and IS 15644 explained
IS 9873 is a series covering several aspects of toy safety. IS 15644 concerns electric toys. The requirements that apply depend on the toy’s design and functions; not every specialist part applies to every toy. [2, 3]
Indian StandardMain area coveredIS 9873 Part 1Mechanical and physical propertiesIS 9873 Part 2FlammabilityIS 9873 Part 3Migration of certain elementsIS 9873 Part 4Swings, slides and similar activity toysIS 9873 Part 7Finger paintsIS 9873 Part 9Certain phthalate estersIS 15644Electrical safety of toysThis table summarises subject areas. Refer to BIS for the current editions, amendments and requirements for an individual product.
What to do if an ISI mark looks suspicious
Unverifiable licence details, a mismatch with the product or an unexplained manufacturer name deserve a closer look. Missing instructions or visible damage are also reasons to pause a purchase, although they do not automatically prove that a certification mark is fake.
Ask for clarification and retain photos of the toy, packaging and licence number. Suspected misuse of the mark can be reported through the complaints feature in BIS Care. [4]
Choose toys for the child as well as the age label
Start with the product’s stated age range, then consider how your child will play with it. A collection name is a browsing aid; the individual toy’s label and instructions should guide your choice.
For early play, explore infant and baby toys and check the exact age recommendation on each product. For matching, sorting and hands-on activities, browse educational and learning toys.
Children who enjoy acting out everyday situations can explore pretend-play toys. For shared challenges, consider puzzle toys, checking the suitability of their pieces and accessories.
When choosing outdoor and sports toys, read the product’s supervision, assembly and use instructions, including any stated weight limit.
After purchase, check toys regularly, follow cleaning directions and keep accessories intended for older children away from younger siblings. Stop using a toy if wear or damage could make play unsafe.
Frequently asked questions about BIS certified toys
Are BIS and ISI the same thing
BIS is the standards and certification body. ISI is the familiar name for the Standard Mark used under BIS Scheme-I product certification. [1]
Can I check a toy licence before ordering online
Yes, if the seller provides a readable licence number. Request the details and verify them through BIS Care. Check the actual toy and packaging again when the order arrives. [4]
Does the brand name have to match the licence holder
Not necessarily. A Scheme-I licence belongs to the manufacturer at a specific location, while a toy may be sold under a separate consumer brand. Ask for clarification if the connection is unclear. [2]
Are wooden toys automatically safer than plastic toys
Material alone is not enough to choose a toy. Check the individual product’s construction, age label, instructions, condition and applicable certification details.
Does a higher price mean a safer toy
Price is not a substitute for product checks. Compare certification details, suitability and instructions whether you are buying a small gift or a larger playset.
Does certification replace adult supervision
No. Follow the toy’s supervision requirements and instructions. Certification cannot prevent risks created by damage, unsuitable use or access by a younger child.
Make an informed choice with CHANAK
A thoughtful toy purchase brings together your child’s interests, the right age recommendation and clear product information. Check the certification details, read the instructions and inspect the toy before introducing it to playtime.
Explore toys for kids at CHANAK to find activities for everyday discovery, imaginative play and family time. Review each product’s age guidance, warnings and certification information before choosing.
CHANAK – The Smartest Kid. Toys Today, Talents Tomorrow.
Official sources
[1] BIS Scheme-I compulsory certification information.
[2] BIS frequently asked questions on certification of toy safety.
[3] Government of India explanation of toy safety standards and the quality control order, 21 July 2022.
[4] Official BIS Care app information.
