India Now Exports Toys to 153 Countries: Piyush Goyal

India’s toy industry, once dominated by imports and considered a niche sector, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Speaking at the 16th Toy Biz International B2B Expo 2025 in New Delhi, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, highlighted how India has evolved into a global exporter of toys, now shipping to 153 countries worldwide.

A Policy-Driven Transformation

The turnaround, Minister Goyal emphasized, has been driven by consistent policy support, strict enforcement of quality standards, and the strategic strengthening of local manufacturing clusters. At the heart of this transformation is the Quality Control Order (QCO) — a regulatory mechanism introduced to ensure that only quality-compliant toys are manufactured and sold in India. The QCO, Goyal noted, has not only improved product quality but has also fostered a culture of quality consciousness within the domestic industry.

Leveraging India’s Vast Market

India’s 1.4 billion-strong population provides a unique advantage with its vast and ready domestic market. This enormous consumer base enables manufacturers to scale production efficiently, lowering costs and boosting global competitiveness. “Our large domestic market isn’t just an arena for growth,” said Goyal. “It’s the launchpad for global success.”

Brand, Design, and Packaging: The New Frontiers

To further penetrate international markets, Shri Goyal urged toy manufacturers to focus on three key pillars:

Good Branding

Attractive Packaging

Innovative Product Design

He stated that these elements are crucial in helping Indian toys stand out on global shelves and build consumer loyalty.

From Skepticism to Self-Reliance

The Minister reflected on the early doubts surrounding the Vocal for Local campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Back then, imported toys dominated the market, while Indian-made products were often seen as subpar. However, the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision reshaped perceptions, inspiring a shift in consumer mindset and building confidence that local products can thrive globally.

Startups, MSMEs, and the Rise of Innovation

Shri Goyal acknowledged the contributions of startups in injecting innovation into the toy industry. These startups, he noted, have been aided significantly by schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which has now been extended for 20 years. This scheme provides collateral-free loans to small businesses, helping them scale operations and experiment with fresh concepts.

Additionally, 18 toy clusters have been established across the country with support from the Ministry of MSME, serving as innovation and production hubs that enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Looking Ahead: A New Promotional Scheme for Toy Makers

To further empower the sector, Shri Goyal announced that the government is working on a new promotional scheme specifically for the toy industry. The scheme will focus on:

• Enhancing design capabilities
• Promoting high-quality manufacturing
• Strengthening product packaging
• Supporting brand building

This will ensure Indian toy manufacturers can compete with the best in the world, not only in terms of quality but also in creativity and presentation.

Global Aspirations Backed by Confidence

Shri Goyal concluded his address with optimism, saying that the rapid growth of India’s toy industry reflects the larger developmental journey of the nation. With the right combination of innovation, policy support, and market development,India’s toy sector is poised to become a global leader — transforming from an import-reliant market to a vibrant exporter known for quality and innovation.