Latest BIS Implementation Guidelines for IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Toy Safety Standard Updated

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially released implementation guidelines for the revised IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Safety of Toys (Mechanical and Physical Properties) through the Central Marks Department-2 (CMD-2).

This update replaces the earlier IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 and aligns Indian toy safety regulations with the latest international ISO 8124-1 safety framework.

The guidelines are effective immediately, and BIS has clearly defined transition provisions for:

• Existing BIS license holders
• New applicants applying for BIS certification
• Manufacturers seeking change in scope of licence

The earlier standard IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 will remain valid only until 22 March 2027, after which it will be completely withdrawn.

This notification is extremely important for toy manufacturers, importers, and brand owners operating in India because compliance under BIS certification for toys is mandatory under the Toys (Quality Control) Order.

Overview of the Revised Toy Safety Standard

The updated IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 focuses on improving child safety while reducing unnecessary compliance burden where risk is minimal. The revision introduces technical clarifications, updated safety limits, and improved testing procedures.

Major Objectives of the Revision

• Harmonization with global toy safety standards
• Improved safety assessment of modern toys
• Clearer warning and labeling instructions
• Rationalized testing requirements
• Safety coverage for new toy categories

The revised standard ensures better protection for children while also providing manufacturers practical flexibility in implementation.

Key Changes Introduced in IS 9873 (Part 1):2025

The updated standard contains several important technical modifications related to warnings, labeling, testing methodology, and safety limits.

1. Changes in Labelling Requirements

The revised standard relaxes certain warning label requirements, especially for hazards related to fixed loops and nooses.

Earlier rules required strict warnings even where risk was minimal, but the new standard now introduces risk-based labeling.

Impact on Manufacturers:

• Fewer unnecessary warning labels
• Cleaner product packaging
• Reduced compliance complexity
• Better consumer understanding

2. Defined Warning Placement Requirements

The new standard clearly specifies the placement of warnings instead of leaving interpretation open to manufacturers.

This avoids compliance disputes during inspection and surveillance.

Benefits:

• Uniformity across the industry
• Reduced rejection during BIS inspection
• Easier packaging design approval

3. Expanded Scope – Toys Attached Over Cots & Cradles

The scope of the standard now explicitly covers toys that are:

• Hung above cradles
• Suspended over cots
• Attached to infant sleeping areas

These toys previously fell into interpretational gaps, but the revision brings them directly under regulated safety checks.

4. Enhanced Testing for Folding Toys

The revised IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 introduces reasonably foreseeable abuse testing for folding toys.

This means toys will now be tested based on real-world child usage scenarios instead of only laboratory-perfect conditions.

Examples:

• Repeated folding
• Improper handling
• Child weight pressure

This significantly improves safety reliability.

5. New Speed Limits for Electrically Driven Ride-On Toys

Battery-operated ride-on toys now have defined speed categories and safety evaluation parameters.

Manufacturers producing electric ride-on toys must evaluate:

• Maximum speed
• Stability
• Impact resistance

This is one of the most critical changes in the revised standard.

6. Sound Level Relaxation for Pull & Push Toys

The permissible sound level limit has been relaxed:

Old Limit: 85 dB

New Limit: 94 dB

This change reduces product rejection rates without compromising safety.

Transition Rules for Existing BIS Licence Holders

BIS has introduced a smooth migration path to prevent business disruption.

Cases Where New Testing is NOT Required

No fresh test reports are needed if changes are limited to:

• Editorial revisions
• Labelling adjustments
• Relaxed safety requirements

Manufacturers only need to submit a declaration/undertaking confirming compliance with the revised standard.

Guidelines for New BIS Licence Applicants

The new guidelines also clarify how fresh applicants will be processed during the transition period.

Until 21 March 2027

Applicants have two options:

1. Apply under IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 (old standard)
2. Apply under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 (new standard)

If samples are already tested under the old standard, applicants may continue using those reports.

However, they can voluntarily shift to the revised standard by submitting a declaration.

After 22 March 2027

• No licence will be granted under the 2019 version
• Only IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 applications will be accepted

Conclusion

The introduction of IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 marks a significant step in strengthening toy safety regulations in India while simplifying compliance procedures for manufacturers.

The revised standard balances child safety, international alignment, and industry practicality. With the final implementation deadline set for 22 March 2027, businesses have sufficient time to transition — but early preparation is essential to avoid regulatory complications.

Toy manufacturers and importers should begin reviewing their products, testing requirements, and certification status immediately to ensure uninterrupted sales in the Indian market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is IS 9873 (Part 1):2025?

IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 is the revised Indian Standard issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for mechanical and physical safety requirements of toys. It replaces IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 and aligns Indian toy regulations with international ISO 8124-1 safety standards.

2. When will IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 be withdrawn?

The old toy safety standard IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 will be officially withdrawn on 22 March 2027. After this date, all toys sold in India must comply only with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025.

3. Is BIS certification mandatory for toys in India?

Yes. BIS certification is mandatory for toys under the Toys (Quality Control) Order issued by the Government of India. Manufacturers and importers cannot sell toys in India without a valid BIS licence.

4. Do existing BIS licence holders need fresh testing?

Not always. Fresh testing is not required if the changes are related only to labelling updates, editorial revisions, and relaxed safety limits. However, testing is required for folding toys and electrically driven ride-on toys where new technical provisions apply.

5. What are the major changes in IS 9873 (Part 1):2025?

Key updates include:

• Relaxed warning labelling requirements
• Defined placement of safety warnings
• Coverage of toys attached over cots and cradles
• Abuse testing for folding toys
• Speed limits for ride-on toys
• Sound limit increase from 85 dB to 94 dB for push & pull toys

6. Can new applicants still apply under IS 9873:2019?

Yes, but only until 21 March 2027. After 22 March 2027, BIS will accept applications only under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025.

7. What happens if manufacturers do not update before the deadline?

Failure to transition before 22 March 2027 may result in:

• Suspension of BIS licence
• Product sale prohibition in India
• Shipment rejection at customs
• Market recall actions

8. Are importers also required to comply with the new standard?

Yes. Indian importers and foreign manufacturers exporting toys to India must also comply with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 and obtain BIS certification.

9. What is the sound level limit for toys in the revised standard?

The permissible sound limit for push and pull toys has been increased from 85 dB to 94 dB under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025.

10. Do ride-on electric toys require additional approval?

Yes. Electrically driven ride-on toys must comply with newly defined speed categories and may require additional testing or scope inclusion in the BIS licence.

11. Is declaration submission mandatory for transition?

Yes. Existing licence holders must submit an undertaking/declaration confirming compliance with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 even if no new testing is required.

12. When should manufacturers start the transition process?

Manufacturers should start immediately to avoid inspection failures, shipment delays, and licence suspension before March 2027.