New Delhi: The import of toys is down by 70% in the last three years. For HS Codes 9503, 9504, and 9505, the import of toys to India has reduced from USD 371 Mn in FY 2018-19 to USD 110Mn in FY 2021-22 thus showing a decrease of 70.35 percent. For HS Code 9503, toy imports have decreased even faster, from USD 304 Mn in FY 2018-19 to USD 36 Mn in FY 2021-22 for HS Code 9503. Additionally, the exports have jumped by 61.38% over the same period. For HS Codes 9503, 9504, and 9505, the export of toys has increased from USD 202 Mn in FY 2018-19 to USD 326 Mn in FY 2021-22, up by 61.39 percent. For HS Code 9503, exports of Toys have increased from USD 109 Mn in FY 2018-19 to USD 177 Mn in FY 2021-22.
Speaking to the 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 an Indian value system, Indian history, and culture to strengthen domestic designing and position India as a global manufacturing hub for toys. Agrawal said “the industry had benefitted from many interventions by the government and the results show the success of the Make in India program. 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-on, etc. All the toy products were ‘Made In India’ products manufactured domestically by small, medium, and large enterprises. The Toys bearing GI tags such as Chennapatna, Varanasi, etc. are also being displayed. The exhibition is showcasing toys based on Indian ethos & value system duly endorsing the ‘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’ delegations from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bhutan, USA, etc.
(Vinayak)