Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 5 JULY: The country’s toy imports have declined by 70 percent while the exports of the same have increased by 61 percent over last three years.
According to the ministry of Commerce and Industry, the import of toys to India has reduced from USD 371 Mn in 2018-19 to USD 110Mn in 2021-22 thus showing a decrease of 70.35 percent. Additionally, the exports have jumped by 61.38% over the same period. The export of toys has increased from USD 202 Mn in 2018-19 to USD 326 Mn in 2021-22, up by 61.39 percent.
Speaking to media during the 13th Edition of Toy Biz B2B (Business to Business) International Exhibition from 2-5 July 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi today, Anil Agrawal said that in his address in “Mann ki Baat” in August 2020, Prime Minister had given a clarion call on “Rebranding the Indian Toy Story” and emphasized on the availability of right kind of toys for children, using toys as a learning resource, designing of toys based on Indian value system, Indian history, and culture to strengthen domestic designing and position India as a global manufacturing hub for toys.
He said the industry had benefitted from a number of interventions by the government and results show the success of Make in India programme. He added that the imports were mainly restricted to some components of the toys.
All the 96 exhibitors have showcased the diverse product category ranging from traditional plush toys, construction equipment toys, dolls, building block toys, board games, puzzles, electronic toys, educational toys, ride-ons, etc.
All the toys products were ‘Made In India’ product manufactured domestically by small, medium and large enterprises. The Toys bearing GI tag such as Chennapatna, Varanasi etc. are also being displayed.
The exhibition is showcasing toys based on Indian ethos & value system duly endorsing ‘Vocal for Local’ theme. Each toy category has affordable and high-end versions. This is a major shift from the 12th edition of the exhibition held in 2019, wherein of 116 stalls, 90 stalls exhibited only imported toys. This exhibition witnessed a footfall of over 3,000 visitors from India and international buyers’ delegation from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bhutan, USA etc.
The government has taken a series of steps to promote domestic manufacturing of toys to ensure that no sub-standard and unsafe cheap toys are imported into India.
It has taken significant steps for promoting the domestic toy industry in the country, including mandatory sample testing of each imported consignment of toys, enhancement of Basic Customs Duty from 20 per cent to 60 per cent, implementation of Toys (Quality Control) Order with effect from January, 2021.
Tags: #ToyImports #ToyExports #B2B #India
