India has been significantly growing in the domestic as well as international toy market, WIth the growing government initiatives such as “Make in India”, a strong manufacturing base, and regulatory standards such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, the expansion of the toy market in the international market has been a positive one. The BIS regulations have decreased the gap in the domestic and international market opportunities for Indian manufacturers. Initially, the BIS certification was introduced for products to be sold in the Indian market but with the improvement in quality, safety, and durability, this market has also taken major control in the international market as well.
BIS certification for toys ensures compliance with Indian standards, helps in avoiding legal penalties and other financial burdens on the Indian manufacturers, and provides them a competitive edge in the market, and confidence of the consumers.
This blog discusses the importance, positive impact, and the process of getting BIS certification for toy exports from India.
Understanding BIS certification for toys
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards, a regulatory body that provides certification to various products manufactured in India and imported from the international market for sales in the Indian market. The BIS ISI certification for toys was made an obligation after Toys (Quality
Control) Order, 2020. The regulation covers both electronic and non-electronic toys. However, the regulations apply to the sales of toys in the domestic market, but it also applies to the export of toys from India.
Positive impacts of BIS certification on toy exports
Let us discuss the impact of BIS certification on toy exports from India.
- Product Quality
The mandatory nature of BIS regulations ensures the toys are manufactured maintaining the highest quality, safety, and durability. Not only does it promote the sales of toys in the domestic market, but also increases the credibility of toy exports reducing the chances of rejection of toys in the international market.
- Global Competitiveness
High-quality toy exports in international exports increase the competition in the trade of toys. With BIS certification in place, international buyers are more inclined to buy them as it offers higher credibility for the toys. The certification strengthens the position of the Indian exporters in the Indian market.
- Enhanced Buyer Confidence
The BIS ISI certification for toys gives consumers the confidence to make an informed choice because it enhances the quality, safety, and durability of the products. Once the consumers trust the brand and products, it helps in the increase of sales and profitability of the business. This helps in enhancing the credibility of Indian manufacturers in the safety-conscious markets internationally.
- Opportunities for local manufacturers
Manufacturing, selling, and exporting toys that are manufactured according to the BIS regulations increases the trust and confidence of foreign buyers in local manufacturers. The quality control order discourages low-quality products and many businesses invest in adapting the BIS regulations to expand their reach within and outside the local market. Reaching the international market opens up new opportunities for local manufacturers and increases business profitability around the world, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
- Government Incentives
When manufacturers of toys comply with the BIS regulations, they are eligible for various government incentives such as access to trade fairs, and other incentives. These incentives promote the business of the manufacturers and increase the profitability of the manufacturers. The government incentives also increase the presence and credibility of the local manufacturers.
Challenges faced by exporters
While obtaining a BIS certification for toy exports from India is important, there may be many challenges in obtaining the same which are discussed below:
- The cost of compliance for small and medium enterprises may be high and this might prove as a hindrance for them to acquire the certification. However, many consultancies can fall in the budget of the businesses.
- Exporters have to face the challenge of obtaining dual certifications to be able to sell their products in the international market. This process can be overwhelming for them and they must take help of an experienced consultancy to avoid discrepancies and delays.
- Due to a limited number of testing facilities, the export of toys may face difficulties and delays in the export shipment and deadlines.
Conclusion
The BIS ISI certification of toys for export is an essential requirement for manufacturers. However, the certification requirements may confuse the manufacturers as they are different in every country. To understand the requirements clearly and streamline the process, it is important to approach a BIS consultant such as Brand Liaison who can help you at every step of the process such as application, documents, handling discrepancies, and other requirements. If you are one of the manufacturers looking to export toys, you can approach the consultancy, and gain a competitive edge in the international market.