Piyush Goyal Urges Toy Industry to Target Tenfold Export Growth

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Jul 04, 2026 1,700 Views

Union Minister Piyush Goyal has set a tenfold export growth target for India’s toy industry over the next four years. While reaffirming that mandatory quality standards will remain, the government is establishing modern testing facilities and leveraging new trade agreements to help domestic manufacturers capture a larger global market share.

Commerce Minister affirms that mandatory quality standards will remain to bolster India’s position as a premium global toy supplier.

NEW DELHI — Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has called on the domestic toy industry to aggressively pursue a tenfold increase in exports over the next four years. Addressing the 17th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition 2026 in New Delhi on Saturday, the minister outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming India into a dominant player within the $120-billion global toy market.

The government’s push for export growth comes as the sector marks a 239% surge in overseas shipments over the past four years. Minister Goyal emphasized that while India has made significant strides in self-sufficiency—evidenced by a 32% decline in toy imports—the country currently accounts for only 0.2% to 0.3% of the global market, leaving immense room for expansion.

Reaffirming Commitment to Quality Standards

A key pillar of the minister’s address was the steadfast commitment to existing Quality Control Orders (QCOs). Despite requests from some industry segments for a relaxation of norms, Goyal made it clear that safety and quality regulations remain non-negotiable.

"I can assure you that no one will remove QCOs," Goyal stated. "They have helped make India a quality-conscious nation and are essential for curbing sub-standard imports while protecting domestic manufacturers from unfair dumping."

To support manufacturers in meeting these rigorous benchmarks, the government announced plans to establish modern, centralized testing facilities across key toy manufacturing clusters. These facilities, to be developed through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National Test House, will provide the infrastructure needed for product design, certification, and durability testing.

Strategic Roadmap for Global Competitiveness

Minister Goyal urged the industry to pivot from low-cost volume production to high-value, premium manufacturing. His strategy for achieving tenfold growth relies on three primary drivers:

Technology Upgradation: Manufacturers are being encouraged to adopt advanced production methods, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and CNC machining, to ensure product precision and global standard finishes.
Leveraging Trade Agreements: With India having signed nine Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) covering 38 countries over the last three and a half years, the minister highlighted the potential for duty-free access. Specifically, he noted that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is set to become operational on July 15, offering immediate opportunities for exporters.
Clustering and Scale: With over 50 toy clusters already active and nearly 21,000 MSMEs engaged in the sector, the government is focusing on creating a self-reliant supply chain for critical components like motors, electronics, and precision molds.

Official Sources and Policy Support

According to officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the government’s approach is integrated with the "Vocal for Local" and "Make in India" initiatives. The administration continues to support the sector through the Export Promotion Mission, which assists companies in participating in international trade exhibitions and establishing warehousing abroad.

Organizers stated that the 17th Toy Biz International B2B Exhibition hosted over 400 Indian toy brands and drew participants from more than 50 countries, reflecting growing international interest in Indian-made products.

Why It Matters

For manufacturers, the government's stance offers long-term policy certainty regarding quality, which is vital for attracting international retail chains and global toy majors. For consumers, the focus on QCOs ensures that toys available in the domestic market meet international safety standards, particularly regarding toxic materials and structural integrity. For investors, the industry’s target of tenfold growth and the creation of dedicated clusters indicate a stable, scalable environment for long-term capital deployment.

Key Facts at a Glance

Export Momentum: Toy exports have grown by 239% over the past four years.
Import Reduction: Toy imports have declined by 32% as domestic manufacturing capacity has scaled.
Market Share: India currently holds a 0.2%–0.3% share of the $120-billion global toy market.
Infrastructure: Over 50 dedicated toy clusters are now operational across the country.
New Trade Ties: The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is scheduled to go live on July 15, 2026.

FAQ

Why are quality standards being maintained?

The government maintains that mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are necessary to ensure product safety, foster a culture of quality, and prevent the dumping of low-grade, hazardous imported products in India.

How will the government assist with testing?

The government plans to establish modern testing facilities within toy clusters, allowing local manufacturers to access BIS-accredited labs for product certification and design testing.

What is the significance of the upcoming India-UK Free Trade Agreement?

The agreement, operational from July 15, provides Indian exporters with preferential duty-free access to the UK market, a key destination for premium toys.

Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Bureau of Indian Standards, Invest India