For every child, toys are more than just playthings – they’re companions, tools for exploration, and sparks of imagination. But with all that fun comes a crucial responsibility: ensuring the toys we give our kids are safe. In India, this responsibility is taken seriously thanks to the Toy Quality Control Order (QC Order).

The Toy Quality Control Order, 2020

Issued in 2020, the Toy QC Order, established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), works hand-in-hand with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. This order ensures a high level of safety for children by mandating that all toys intended for children 14 years old and younger comply with the following:

• 7 Indian Standards for Safety of Toys: These standards cover various aspects of toy safety, from material composition to design and construction.
• ISI Mark: To show compliance, toys must carry the ISI Mark, a symbol issued by the BIS. This mark signifies that the toy has been rigorously tested and meets the required safety benchmarks.

Toy Quality Control Inspection

Even before the ISI Mark appears, toys undergo a thorough inspection process. These inspections meticulously evaluate the toy’s:

• Materials: Inspectors ensure the materials used are safe and free from harmful chemicals.
• Design: The toy’s design is scrutinized for potential choking hazards, sharp edges, or loose parts.
• Construction: The construction of the toy is assessed for durability and functionality to prevent breakage or malfunction.
• Labeling: Labels are checked for accuracy and completeness, ensuring clear age recommendations and safety instructions.

A key objective of these inspections is to eliminate choking hazards, especially for younger children who tend to put things in their mouths. Inspectors also check for:

• Sharp edges or points that could cause injuries.
• The presence of harmful chemicals like lead or arsenic.

The Mark of Trust: BIS Certification

The BIS plays a vital role in ensuring toy safety. They grant licenses to toy manufacturing units based on their ability to:

• Manufacture toys: This ensures factories adhere to strict quality control procedures during production.
• Test toys: Manufacturers must have the capability to test their toys according to the required safety standards.

This licensing process involves regular testing to ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations.

Choosing Safe Toys

As a consumer, this translates to a simple yet powerful message: Look for the ISI Mark! When you buy a toy with the ISI Mark, you can be confident that it has been rigorously tested and meets the highest safety standards. By making this informed choice, you’re not just buying a toy, you’re investing in happy and safe childhood memories for your child.

So next time you’re picking out a toy, remember: safe toys are the foundation for a joyful playtime experience. Let’s all play our part in keeping playtime safe!