New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) India has transformed its toy industry into a fast-growing manufacturing and export sector, with toy exports rising from $152.7 million in 2017-18 to $384.7 million in 2025-26, marking a growth of more than 151.9 per cent, according to the government on Tuesday.

The government said the sector is benefiting from a combination of strong domestic demand, policy support, traditional craftsmanship and increasing global acceptance of Indian-made toys.

The biggest jump was recorded in electronic and non-electronic toys (HSN 9503), whose exports climbed nearly 160 per cent from $77.35 million in 2017-18 to $200.89 million in 2025-26. The US remained the largest market, with exports increasing more than fourfold to around $111.9 million. Other key destinations included the UK, Poland, the Netherlands and Germany.

Exports of video game consoles and related products (HSN 9504) nearly tripled to $46.75 million during the period, while exports of festive and entertainment articles (HSN 9505) rose nearly 130 per cent to $137.03 million.

The government said India’s competitiveness has also improved on the import front. Imports of traditional and educational toys declined by 66 per cent over the same period, strengthening domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on overseas supplies.

As a result, India posted a trade surplus of $152 million across major toy categories in 2025-26, compared with a trade deficit of $213 million in 2017-18.

According to the government, the sector is emerging as an important contributor to manufacturing, employment and entrepreneurship, while generating livelihoods for artisans, manufacturers, traders and small businesses across the country.

Employment in the games and toys sector (NIC Code 324) more than doubled from 8,685 in 2018-19 to 17,693 in 2023-24, reflecting the industry’s growing economic contribution.

The government attributed the sector’s growth to a series of policy initiatives, including the National Action Plan for Toys (NAPT), launched in 2020, which promotes toys based on Indian culture and values, encourages local manufacturing and strengthens quality standards.

A key reform under the plan was the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO), making Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mandatory for both domestic and foreign toy manufacturers. As of May 2026, BIS had granted 1,786 licences to domestic manufacturers and 56 licences to foreign manufacturers for toy safety compliance.

–IANS

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