Stricter quality norms to check cheap toy imports

CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES HAVE tightened the procedures for import of toys to ensure compliance with the quality norms of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The move is a part of a series of measures taken by the government to control import of cheap and sub-standard toys from countries like China and promote domestic manufacturing of these items.

- SURABHI

According to official sources, officers are being sensitised to ensure that not only toys but also parts of toys that are imported into the country are fully compliant with the BIS norms.

Often completely knocked down (CKD) or semi-knocked down (SKD) toy parts are imported, which are then assembled in the country."These (toy parts) must also be considered as toys and the same quality and compliance standards are used to monitor these too," said an official source. It is also essential for manufacturers importing toy parts for domestic manufacturing to also have BIS certification, the source added.

Further, the definition of toys should not only include those items in the customs HSN code but also in the BIS Quality Control Order (QCO). This could include all material that is used in play by children up to 14 years of age, the source said.