A senior officer of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on Tuesday gave information about Indian toys. He said that the quality standards of toys made in India are many times better than the global norms, due to which it has become easier for domestic manufacturers to export toys abroad.
BIS has developed detailed standards for domestic toys including physical, chemical and electrical safety provisions. These standards are in line with the norms of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Central Government had issued the Toy Quality Control Order, 2020, which is in force since January 1, 2021. Under this quality control order, all toys sold in India are required to comply with 7 Indian Standards and use the ISI mark under a valid BIS license.
Adbhut Singh, Scientist and Executive Director, Western Regional Office Laboratory (WROL), BIS, Mumbai, said that toy standards have been made keeping in mind the Indian weather conditions and other domestic needs, and this has helped in increasing the sales of Indian toys.
India's toy exports declined marginally
However, the report of the research institute 'Global Trade Research Initiative' (GTRI) says that India's toy exports declined marginally to $ 152.3 million in the financial year 2023-24, from $ 153.8 million a year earlier.
1,640 BIS certified toy units in the country
At present, there are 1,640 BIS certified toy units in the country, out of which 1,165 licenses are to make non-electronic toys. Moiz Gabajiwala, Chief Executive Officer, Zephyr Toymakers Pvt Ltd, said that BIS standards have promoted innovation and created equal opportunities for competition, which has increased the company's business significantly.
BIS verification ensures toys are completely safe for children
A senior BIS officer said that BIS verification ensures that the toys are free from choking hazards, sharp edges or toxic substances like lead and phthalates, making them completely safe for children to use. To help small manufacturers, BIS has relaxed internal testing conditions for the first 3 years, but they will have to get regular testing done from a BIS-approved laboratory.