🧸 Toys and children's products
Importing Toys into India: HS Codes, Duty and Mandatory BIS Certification
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 24 September 2026 · 7 min read
Toys are one of the strictest categories to import into India. The duty is among the highest in the tariff, and since 2021 every toy for children under 14 needs BIS certification. Many first-time importers only find this out when their shipment is held.
Where toys are classified
Toys are in Chapter 95 (toys, games and sports requisites).
| Product type | Usual heading |
|---|---|
| Dolls, puzzles, models, ride-on toys, tricycles, scooters and most other toys | 9503 |
| Video game consoles, table and parlour games, playing cards | 9504 |
| Festive and carnival articles | 9505 |
| Sports equipment | 9506 |
Chapter 95 has important exclusions. For example, children's bicycles are classified with bicycles in Chapter 87, not as toys. Always read the chapter notes.
How the import duty adds up
Indian import duty is built in layers, all worked out on the assessable value, which is normally the CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) converted to rupees at the CBIC exchange rate:
| Layer | What it is |
|---|---|
| Basic Customs Duty (BCD) | The main duty. Set by the tariff and often reduced or increased by notifications. |
| AIDC | Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess, applied to some goods only. |
| Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) | Usually 10% of the customs duties, unless exempt. |
| IGST | Charged on assessable value + BCD + SWS (+ AIDC). Registered importers can usually claim it back as input tax credit. |
| Other duties | Compensation cess, anti-dumping or safeguard duty, only on specific goods and origins. |
Rates change with every Union Budget and with customs notifications, so always check the current rate for your exact 8-digit code.
Basic customs duty on toys was raised sharply in recent Budgets to protect domestic manufacturing, so duty is often a large share of the landed cost. Work it out before you place an order.
Compliance checklist
| Requirement | Status | What you need to do |
|---|---|---|
| BIS certification (ISI mark) | 🔴 Mandatory | The Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 requires toys for children under 14 to meet Indian safety standards (IS 9873 for toys, IS 15644 for electric toys) and carry the ISI mark under a BIS licence. Foreign factories apply under BIS's Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, which includes a factory inspection and can take months. |
| Testing at the port | 🔴 Expect it | Customs can draw samples from toy consignments for testing in accredited labs, and clearance waits for the results. |
| Legal Metrology labelling | 🔴 Mandatory for retail packs | Importer registration plus the mandatory label declarations on each retail pack. |
| Age grading and warnings | 🔴 Mandatory | Labels must follow the safety standard, including age grading and warnings about small parts. |
| E-waste and battery EPR | 🟠 Check | Electric and electronic toys, and toys with batteries, can bring e-waste and battery EPR obligations. |
| WPC approval | 🟠 Check | Remote-controlled, Bluetooth or other radio toys may need WPC Equipment Type Approval. |
| Plastic packaging EPR | 🟠 Check | Importers of plastic packaging can have EPR obligations under the Plastic Waste Management Rules. |
| FSSAI / CDSCO | 🟢 Not required | Not applicable to toys. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Common mistakes
- Assuming EN 71 or ASTM certificates are enough. They don't replace BIS certification.
- Ordering before the factory has a BIS licence. Goods can be refused entry, re-exported or destroyed.
- Thinking small or trial quantities are exempt. Commercial imports need certification regardless of quantity.
- Mixing toys and non-toys in one shipment. School bags, children's bicycles and sports goods have different codes and rules; describe each line separately.
- Ignoring the duty in the price. A cheap toy can become uncompetitive once duty and IGST are added.
Check your exact product
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16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸Is BIS certification mandatory for importing toys into India?
Yes. Since January 2021, the Toys (Quality Control) Order requires toys for children under 14 to carry the ISI mark under a BIS licence, including imported toys.
▸How long does BIS certification for a foreign toy factory take?
It is often several months, because it involves applying under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme, testing and a factory inspection. Plan it before your first order.
▸Why is import duty on toys so high?
The basic customs duty on toys was raised in recent Budgets to support toy manufacturing in India. Check the current rate for your exact 8-digit code.
More guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and rates change; always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.