Toy imports in India have declined 70% while exports have increased 61 per cent over the last three years, according to figures shared by the Commerce & Industry Ministry.
- For HS Codes 9503, 9504, and 9505, the import of toys to India has reduced from $371 million in 2018-19 to $110 million in 2021-22 thus showing a decrease of 70.35 per cent.
- For HS Codes 9503, 9504, and 9505, export of toys has increased from $202 million in 2018-19 to $326 million in 2021-22, up by 61.39 per cent.
Reasons behind import decline
- This is due to various measures taken by the government such as mandating sample quality testing of every import consignment, increasing import duty on toys and bringing toys under compulsory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.
- The government increased basic custom duty on toys (HS Code9503) from 20 per cent to 60 per cent in February, 2020.
- The Centre also issued the Toys (Quality Control) Order, 2020 (QCO) on February 25 2020 through which toys have been brought under compulsory BIS certification with effect from January 1, 2021.
- This QCO is applicable to both domestic and foreign manufacturers who intend to export their toys to India.
- To encourage small sector manufacturers, the QCO on toys was amended in December 2020 to exempt goods and articles manufactured and sold by artisans registered with Development Commissioner (Ministry of Textile) and also by registered proprietor and authorised users of a product registered as Geographical Indication by the Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.
Traditional Toys of India:
- Asharikandi Terracotta Toys: Assam
- Bhatukali: Maharashtra
- Channapatna Toys: Karnataka
- Thanjavur Dolls: Tamil Nadu
- Natungram Dolls: West Bengal
- Wooden Toys of Varanasi
- Dolls of Vilachery: Tamil Nadu
- Kondapalli Toys: Andhra Pradesh
- Pallankuzhi: Tamil Nadu and Kerala
- Etikoppaka Toys: Vishakhapatnam district of AP.
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