BIS Compliance News · 6 May 2026
Three Sowcarpet traders raided for selling uncertified toys and balloons
Acting on complaints, officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards' Chennai Branch Office searched three businesses in Sowcarpet, Chennai, on 6 May 2026: M/s Ambika Stores, M/s Mahaveer Enterprises and M/s Shetrapal Impex. The searches were made under Section 28 of the BIS Act, 2016, with police from the C1 Flower Bazaar station present.
About 2,870 packs of balloons and 3,000 toys of different types were seized. None had the ISI mark or a valid licence number. BIS pointed out that balloons for children are covered as toys under the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020, which bars making, importing, storing or selling toys without a licence.
BIS said prosecutions will follow under Section 29 of the Act. For a first offence, the penalty is up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of at least ₹2 lakh, rising to ten times the value of the goods. It advised buyers to check ISI marks, hallmarks and CRS registrations through the BIS Care app, the BIS portal or the QR code on the product.
Who is affected
Toy and party-supply wholesalers and retailers, and importers of balloons and novelty toys.
What to do
- Check whether balloons and other party items in your range count as toys under the Toys QCO, and stock only licensed products.
- Expect complaint-led raids in wholesale markets. Clear out unmarked stock now instead of waiting.
Source: PIB — BIS seized spurious toys in Chennai, 7 May 2026
BIS Compliance News summarises official notifications in plain language. It is general information, not legal or regulatory advice — always confirm the current text of the order or notice, linked above, before acting.