#ToyBiz2025 #MakeInIndia #ToyExports #AtmanirbharBharat #IndianManufacturing #ToyIndustry #PiyushGoyal #MSME #InnovationInToys #IndianStartups #QualityToys
New Delhi — India’s toy industry is undergoing a transformation of historic proportions. Once heavily reliant on imports, the industry has now emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, exporting toys to as many as 153 countries, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal said while addressing the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025 in New Delhi.
Goyal hailed this transformation as a shining example of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in action, citing robust government support, the enforcement of stringent quality standards, and the development of local manufacturing ecosystems as key drivers of growth.
🎯 From Importer to Exporter: A Strategic Shift
India’s toy sector has seen a major shift in its trade balance. In 2018–19, India imported over 80% of its toys, mainly from China. Today, thanks to targeted policy interventions and increased investment in domestic capabilities, India is not just self-sufficient in toy manufacturing but also a net exporter, shipping playthings and educational toys across Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Africa.
“With toys now reaching 153 countries, we’re not just entertaining the world’s children — we’re showcasing India’s creativity, engineering, and manufacturing prowess,” said Shri Goyal.
He credited the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) for elevating domestic standards, ensuring that Indian toys comply with global safety and quality benchmarks. The QCO mandates BIS certification for toy manufacturers, thereby eliminating substandard imports and promoting Indian-made goods.
📈 Leveraging a Vast Domestic Market
India’s population of 1.4 billion, including over 250 million children under the age of 14, creates a natural demand engine for the industry. This vast captive market allows manufacturers to scale quickly, achieve economies of scale, and reinvest in product development, branding, and packaging.
Goyal emphasized that the scale of the domestic market is not just a buffer but a launchpad to achieve global competitiveness.
“India has the market, the ideas, and now the quality. What we need is bold innovation, good design, and global marketing to become a world leader,” he added.
🎨 The Role of Innovation, Design & Branding
Goyal urged stakeholders in the toy sector — from traditional artisans and startups to large-scale manufacturers — to prioritize design excellence, branding, and packaging. These three factors, he said, are essential if Indian toys are to stand out in global markets dominated by established players from China, Germany, and the U.S.
He highlighted examples of Indian startups leveraging Augmented Reality (AR), STEM learning tools, and eco-friendly materials to differentiate themselves. Products that blend learning with play, rooted in Indian heritage and storytelling, have started gaining traction abroad.
“The world is eager for sustainable, educational, and culturally rich toys. India can lead that movement,” Goyal said.
💡 Support for Startups and MSMEs
To support this innovation wave, the government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana — a flagship scheme offering collateral-free loans — for another 20 years. This move is aimed particularly at micro and small toy enterprises, which form the backbone of India’s toy clusters.
Goyal also revealed that 18 toy manufacturing clusters have been established across the country under the aegis of the Ministry of MSME. These clusters provide shared infrastructure, technology training, and raw material sourcing support.
Among the notable clusters are Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh, Channapatna in Karnataka, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and Pune in Maharashtra, where traditional craftsmanship has been merged with modern manufacturing techniques.
📢 Upcoming Promotional Scheme for Toy Sector
To further boost the sector, Goyal announced that the government is working on a new promotional scheme specifically designed for the toy industry. Though details are yet to be finalized, the scheme will focus on:
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Enhancing design and innovation capabilities
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Building world-class manufacturing facilities
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Promoting international brand presence
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Facilitating participation in global toy expos and trade shows
This scheme is expected to provide targeted incentives and capacity-building support, especially for exporters and high-growth startups.
🌍 Aiming for Global Leadership
Shri Goyal stated that the toy industry’s revival is symbolic of India’s broader industrial resurgence. From Vocal for Local to Local to Global, the Indian toy sector exemplifies how policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship can combine to create export-ready industries.
He called on industry stakeholders to continue their journey with confidence, creativity, and collaboration.
“Let’s make India the global toy capital — a place where tradition meets innovation, and local craftsmanship conquers global shelves,” he concluded.
📊 India’s Toy Industry at a Glance:
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Exports to 153 countries
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18 toy manufacturing clusters across India
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Export destinations: US, UK, UAE, Germany, Netherlands, and Australia
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Over 90% decline in toy imports over 5 years
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Government planning a new promotional scheme for sectoral growth
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