BIS Issues Revised IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 for Toy Safety – Complete Compliance Guide for Manufacturers & Importers

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Revised IS 9873

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

This revised standard replaces IS 9873 (Part 1):2019, which will remain valid only until 22 March 2027. The update has been introduced to align India’s toy safety regulations with the latest international standard, ISO 8124-1, and to strengthen safety requirements related to toy construction, warning labels, testing procedures, and electrically driven ride-on toys.

The notification provides clear transition guidelines for:

Existing BIS licence holders
New applicants for toy certification
Manufacturers applying for change in scope of licence

The guidelines are effective immediately, and all stakeholders must ensure full compliance with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 before the withdrawal of the 2019 version in March 2027 to avoid regulatory disruption.

Why Was IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 Updated?

The revision of IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 was introduced to align India’s toy safety framework with the latest international benchmark, ISO 8124-1. This alignment ensures that Indian toy safety regulations reflect current global best practices related to mechanical hazards, physical safety requirements, structural integrity, warning labels, and performance testing.

By updating the standard, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aims to enhance child safety, improve product quality standards, and bring Indian manufacturers and importers at par with global toy compliance norms.

The harmonization with ISO 8124-1 strengthens:

Toy safety testing requirements
Age-appropriate safety classifications
Ride-on toy speed regulations
Labelling and warning placement standards
Structural safety for folding and suspended toys

This update also supports Indian toy manufacturers in expanding to international markets by ensuring that products comply with globally recognized toy safety standards. Ultimately, the revision reinforces consumer trust while promoting safer toys in the Indian market.

What Changed in IS 9873 (Part 1):2025? Key Updates Explained

The revised IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Safety of Toys (Mechanical and Physical Properties) introduces several important technical modifications that directly impact toy manufacturers, importers, and BIS licence holders. These updates strengthen child safety requirements while clarifying labelling, testing, and performance standards.

Relaxation in Certain Labelling Requirements : Previously, detailed hazard instructions were mandatory in certain cases. The revised version simplifies some of these obligations, reducing compliance burden while maintaining essential child safety protections.
Clearly Defined Warning Placement Rules :
Ride-on toy speed regulations : The clarification of warning label placement include ;
1. Where safety warnings must be printed
2. Whether warnings must appear on the toy, the packaging, or both
3. How visibility and clarity should be ensured
Expanded Scope for Toys Attached to Cots and Cradles : The revised standard broadens the scope of regulation for toys that are ;
1. Attached to cradles
2. Fixed to baby cots
3. Suspended from walls or ceilings above sleeping areas
Enhanced Testing Requirements for Folding Toys : Toys with folding mechanisms are now subject to stricter safety evaluation. The updated standard introduces “reasonably abuse testing”, which simulates real-life rough handling by children.
Revised Speed Categories for Electrically Driven Ride-On Toys : Under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025, ride-on toys are now classified based on age group and maximum speed, creating clearer safety categories ;
1. Up to 8 km/h for children under 3 years
2. Up to 12 km/h for children between 3–6 years
3. Up to 16 km/h for children above 6 years
Revised Sound Level Limits for Pull and Push Toys : The permissible sound pressure level for pull and push toys has been updated ;
1. Previous maximum limit: 85 dB
2. Revised maximum limit: 94 dB

Overall, IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 strengthens mechanical safety, clarifies labelling standards, enhances testing protocols, and introduces updated performance limits for ride-on toys and sound-producing toys.

Toy manufacturers and importers must carefully review these changes to ensure full BIS toy certification compliance before the 2027 transition deadline.

Also Read: BIS CERTIFICATION FOR SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR TOYS

From When Is IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 Applicable?

Particulars	Details	Compliance Impact
Effective Date of IS 9873 (Part 1):2025	Effective immediately as per BIS implementation guidelines	Manufacturers and importers can begin compliance under the revised toy safety standard without delay
Validity of IS 9873 (Part 1):2019	Valid only until 22 March 2027	Existing licence holders may continue under the old standard during the transition period
Post 22 March 2027	IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 will be withdrawn	Only IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 will be valid for BIS toy certification and market approval in India

This transition timeline issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) makes it mandatory for all toy manufacturers and importers to shift to the revised toy safety standard before the final withdrawal date to ensure uninterrupted market access.

What Should Existing BIS Licence Holders Do Under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), through CMD-2, has issued clear transition guidelines for existing licence holders following the revision of IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 to IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Safety of Toys (Mechanical and Physical Properties).

If you already hold a BIS licence for toys, here is what you need to do to remain compliant.

1. Is Fresh Testing Required for All Licensees?

No , As per the official implementation guidelines:

Most modifications in IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 are editorial changes, labelling updates, or relaxations in requirements.
For such changes, no additional in-house or independent test reports are required.

2. What Is Mandatory for All Existing Licence Holders?

Even if new testing is not required, every licensee must:

Submit an undertaking/declaration to BIS
Confirm compliance with all applicable requirements of IS 9873 (Part 1):2025

3. When Is Additional Testing Required?

Fresh testing evidence is required in the following cases:

Folding Mechanism Toys
Electrically Driven Ride-On Toys

3. What Is the Final Deadline for Compliance?

22 March 2027 ;

After this date, IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 will be officially withdrawn.
No BIS licence can operate under the old standard.
All toy manufacturers must fully implement IS 9873 (Part 1):2025.

BIS Toy Certification for New Applicants – Transition Rules Under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025

Scenario for New BIS Licence Applicants	Applicable Standard	Important Deadline	Compliance Requirement
Applications submitted before 21 March 2027	May be processed under IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 or IS 9873 (Part 1):2025	Up to 21 March 2027	Applicant must declare that they will implement the revised IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 before the final transition deadline
Voluntary shift to revised standard	Can opt directly for IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Safety of Toys (Mechanical and Physical Properties)	Effective immediately	Declaration required confirming processing under the revised toy safety standard
Applications after 22 March 2027	Only IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 permitted	From 22 March 2027 onwards	No BIS licence will be granted under IS 9873 (Part 1):2019

As per the implementation guidelines issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), new applicants for BIS toy certification should strongly consider applying under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 to avoid reprocessing, re-testing, or compliance modifications before the final withdrawal of the 2019 standard.

What Does This Mean for Toy Manufacturers & Importers?

The implementation of IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Safety of Toys (Mechanical and Physical Properties) has direct compliance implications for all toy manufacturers and importers operating in India. As per the transition guidelines issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), businesses must proactively prepare for the complete withdrawal of the 2019 version by 22 March 2027.

If you manufacture, assemble, or import toys into India, here’s what you should do:

Review Product Design and Construction
Verify Labelling and Warning Placement
Check If Additional Testing Is Required
Update BIS Licence Before the Deadline
Plan Early – Avoid Last-Minute Compliance Risks

How Absolute Veritas Can Help Toy Manufacturers & Importers Achieve BIS Compliance

Navigating the transition from IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 to IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 – Safety of Toys (Mechanical and Physical Properties) requires technical clarity, documentation accuracy, and timely coordination with authorities. For toy manufacturers and importers, even minor compliance gaps can lead to certification delays, shipment holds, or market access issues.

Absolute Veritas acts as a professional BIS compliance consultant and third-party regulatory support partner, helping businesses achieve smooth and risk-free certification under the updated guidelines issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is IS 9873 (Part 1):2025?

IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 is the revised Indian Standard for Safety of Toys – Mechanical and Physical Properties, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It replaces IS 9873 (Part 1):2019 and introduces updated requirements related to toy design safety, warning labels, folding mechanisms, sound limits, and speed limits for electrically driven ride-on toys. The revision aligns Indian toy safety regulations with international best practices.

What is the last date to comply with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025?

The old standard, IS 9873 (Part 1):2019, will be officially withdrawn on 22 March 2027. After this date, all toy manufacturers and importers must comply with IS 9873 (Part 1):2025 to maintain valid BIS certification and continue selling toys in India.

Is fresh testing required for existing BIS licence holders?

In most cases, fresh testing is not required because many changes in the revised standard are editorial or related to labelling relaxations. However, additional testing is mandatory for toys with folding mechanisms that require “reasonably abuse testing” and for electrically driven ride-on toys falling under newly introduced speed categories.

What are the new speed limits for electrically driven ride-on toys?

Under IS 9873 (Part 1):2025, electrically driven ride-on toys are categorized by age group and maximum speed. The permitted limits are up to 8 km/h for children under 3 years, up to 12 km/h for children between 3–6 years, and up to 16 km/h for children above 6 years. Manufacturers introducing new speed variants may need scope modification under their BIS licence.

What changes have been made in toy labelling requirements?

The revised toy safety standard clarifies the placement of warnings on toys and packaging. While certain hazard labelling requirements for fixed loops and nooses have been relaxed, warning visibility and placement have been clearly defined to ensure better consumer awareness and compliance.