The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through its Central Marks Department-2 (CMD-2), has issued official guidelines for the implementation of the Revised IS 9873 (Part 1):2025, which covers Safety of Toys – Mechanical and Physical Properties. These guidelines come into force with immediate effect and provide clarity for licensees, applicants, and BIS offices on the transition from the earlier 2019 version.
Key Highlights of the Revision
- IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 has been revised as IS 9873 (Part 1):2025
- The old standard will be withdrawn on 22 March 2027
- The revision aligns the Indian Standard with the latest ISO 8124-1
- BIS has outlined detailed transition guidelines for existing licensees, new applicants, and scope change cases
Major Technical Changes in IS 9873 (Part 1):2025
The revised standard introduces several important updates, primarily related to labelling, warnings, testing conditions, and safety limits, including:
- Relaxation in labelling requirements for hazards related to fixed loops and nooses
- Specified location of warnings for toys with electrical cables, roller skates, skateboards, and functional toys
- Expanded scope for toys intended to be attached or suspended over cots and cradles
- Enhanced testing requirement for toys with folding mechanisms, including reasonably abuse testing
- New speed classification for electrically driven ride-on toys based on age groups:
- Up to 8 km/h for children under 3 years
Up to 12 km/h for children aged 3–6 years
Up to 16 km/h for children above 6 years - Relaxation of sound level limits for pull and push toys from 85 dB to 94 dB
Guidelines for Existing BIS Licensees
BIS has simplified the transition for most licensees:
- No additional test reports are required where changes are only editorial, labelling- related, or relaxations
- Licensees must submit an undertaking/declaration confirming compliance with revised requirements
- Test reports are mandatory only for products involving safety stop or locking devices in folding toys
- Electrically driven ride-on toy manufacturers may apply for scope inclusion of new speed categories as per CSOL guidelines
- All licensees must implement IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 by 22 March 2027
Guidelines for New Licence Applications
- Applications with samples already tested may continue under the old standard, if desired
- Applicants may opt for the revised standard by submitting a declaration
- Processing under the old standard is allowed only until 21 March 2027
- No licences will be granted under IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 after 22 March 2027
Change in Scope of Licence
- Scope change applications may follow the same transition rules as new applicants
- Processing under the old standard is permitted only up to 22 March 2027 or earlier implementation, whichever comes first
Immediate Effect and Surveillance
- The guidelines are effective immediately
- BIS Branch Offices are instructed to ensure:
No licences remain active under the old standard after the withdrawal date
Surveillance visits are conducted within 30 days of licensee switchover
What This Means for Toy Manufacturers and Importers
Manufacturers and importers of toys in India should:
- Review product designs, warnings, and labelling carefully
- Assess whether additional testing is required for folding toys or ride-on toys
- Plan early transition to avoid last-minute compliance risks
- Update BIS licences well before March 2027 to ensure uninterrupted market access
Need Help with BIS Compliance for Toys?
If you require assistance with:
- Transitioning to IS 9873 (Part 1):2025
- BIS licence modification or scope expansion
- Testing coordination and documentation
Aleph INDIA experts can help ensure a smooth and timely compliance process.
