Since January 2021, every toy sold in India has to carry a BIS certification. In practice, plenty of unbranded imports still slip through — especially on the big marketplaces. This is a two-minute field guide to spotting a genuinely safe toy, what to look for at each age, and the three specific things we always check before we stock anything at Aha! Toys.
What is BIS certification?
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards. Toys sold in India have to comply with IS 9873 (mechanical and physical safety), IS 15644 (electric toys), and — for anything containing paint — the paint has to be lead-free within the BIS-defined limit. The manufacturer or importer has to hold a BIS licence and the licence number has to be printed on the packaging.
Where to look on the box
Turn the box over. You are looking for two things: the BIS mark (letters “BIS” inside a shield-like hallmark) and a licence number that starts with “CM/L-” followed by digits. If it’s an imported toy, the number belongs to the importer, not the foreign brand — that’s fine, as long as it’s there and traceable.
If the box says only “CE mark” (European) or “ASTM F963” (American) but no BIS mark, the toy is not legally certified for sale in India. That doesn’t automatically make it unsafe, but there’s no Indian authority you can complain to if something goes wrong.
Age-specific safety checks
0-2 years
Everything goes in the mouth. Test: can any part fit inside a 35mm film canister (or roughly the size of a large marble)? If yes, don’t buy for this age. Check the paint — non-toxic must be printed on the box. Beware of soft-plastic teethers that smell chemical when you open the box; that means phthalates.
3-5 years
The choke test still applies for many kids in this band, especially younger 3s. Watch for magnets in cheap magnetic tiles — the neodymium magnets in low-grade sets can pop out and are dangerous if swallowed. Look for a snug fit and BIS certification specifically for magnetic toys.
6+ years
Small parts are usually fine but two new categories become relevant: electric toys (batteries can leak, cheap chargers can fail) and chemistry kits (unlabelled reagents are dangerous). Look for CM/L licence on the electrical toys, and reagent lists on chemistry kits that name every chemical, not just “Solution A”.
Three things we always check before stocking a toy
- Valid CM/L licence: we ask the distributor for the number and cross-check it on the BIS portal. No number, no shelf space.
- Smell test on plastics: a strong chemical smell out of the box means volatile plasticisers. We reject these regardless of certificate.
- Finish on wooden toys: water-based, food-safe lacquer. If the finish flakes off with a fingernail, it’s not staying in the store.
If you’re not sure, come and see us
Walk in to the Bejai store with the toy in question (or a link) and we’ll help you check. We keep the BIS licence numbers for every brand we stock — happy to share. For online purchases from other sites, DM us on Instagram @ahatoys.in and we’ll take a look at the listing.
Prefer to see toys in person?
We are Aha! Toys — a friendly walk-in toy store at Rohan Bianca, George Fernandes Rd, Bejai, Mangalore 575004. Open Mon–Sun, 10am to 8pm. Walk in to handle every toy before you buy, DM us on Instagram @ahatoys.in to reserve, or get free local delivery inside Mangalore on orders over ₹299.
BIS certification — FAQ
What does BIS certification actually mean?
BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification means the toy has been tested against IS 9873 (safety), IS 15644 (electric toys) and related standards. It covers physical hazards, chemical composition, flammability and electrical safety. Since Jan 2021 it is mandatory for all toys sold in India.
Are all toys sold in India BIS certified?
They are legally required to be, but plenty of unbranded imported toys sold on marketplaces skip the certification. If the box has no BIS mark or the seller can’t show a licence number, don’t buy it — especially for anything a child might chew on.
Where is the BIS mark on the toy?
On the packaging (box or blister) and often on the toy itself. It looks like the letters “BIS” inside a hallmark shape, printed alongside the manufacturer’s licence number starting with “CM/L-“.
What about wooden toys and imported brands?
Wooden toys need BIS certification too. Established international brands (Hape, Melissa & Doug, Janod, Plan Toys) either have BIS registration or the importer does. If in doubt, ask for the CM/L licence number — legitimate brands will share it.