India’s Toy Industry Surges: Exports Up 89% as Quality Standards Reach New Highs

India’s toy sector has achieved remarkable growth in manufacturing, quality, and international trade, driven by targeted government initiatives. According to a Lok Sabha statement by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, India’s toy exports surged by 89.1% from ₹1,913.16 crore ($203.5 million) in FY19 to ₹3,616.18 crore ($384.7 million) in FY26. Concurrently, toy imports dropped by 37.5% to ₹2,183.62 crore ($232.3 million). This expanding footprint was on full display at the 17th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition, which brought together 400 domestic brands, 100 foreign buyers, and nearly 30,000 business visitors to boost sales and export networks. To achieve this momentum, the government executed a National Action Plan for Toys that enforced strict Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality controls, raised import duties, and supported exporters through cluster development, Startup India, and the RoDTEP scheme. Trade agreements with key markets like the UAE, Australia, the EFTA, Oman, New Zealand, and the UK have also secured zero-duty market access for Indian toys. The strategy’s impact is underscored by a 2025 BIS survey showing that 95% of tested toy samples met quality standards—up dramatically from just 33% in 2019—positioning India as a globally competitive hub for high-quality toy production. $FIRSTCRY