Goyal Unveils Testing Labs Plan, Toy Exports Rise 239%
India will develop modern testing facilities across toy manufacturing clusters through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Test House (NTH) and other government and semi-government laboratories, as the Centre looks to strengthen product quality and sustain the toy sector's export momentum. The move comes after India's toy exports increased 239 per cent over the past four years, while imports declined 32 per cent, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.Goyal urged the industry to target tenfold export growth by leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs), investing in advanced manufacturing technologies and building globally recognised Indian toy brands.
Goyal said the government would work with BIS, the National Test House and other laboratories to establish modern testing facilities across toy manufacturing clusters. He asked industry stakeholders to submit a list of testing equipment required to certify products against domestic and international quality standards.
The minister also proposed establishing Centres of Excellence under a public-private partnership model. These centres would house facilities for product testing, innovation, design, product development and the display of newly launched products.
He further urged manufacturers to collaborate with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to establish skill development centres focused on advanced manufacturing and good manufacturing practices.
FTA Markets In Focus
Calling the global toy industry a USD 120 billion opportunity, Goyal said Indian manufacturers should expand their presence in overseas markets by capitalising on India's growing network of FTAs.
He said the India–UK Free Trade Agreement will come into force on 15 July 2026, while zero-duty access to European markets presents an opportunity to improve export competitiveness. He urged manufacturers to send business delegations to the 38 countries covered under India's nine FTAs and engage with retailers, brands, supermarkets and ecommerce platforms.
Goyal also said trade agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Canada, Mexico and Brazil are expected to progress by the end of the year, potentially opening additional export markets.
To support exporters, he said the government would extend assistance through the Export Promotion Mission, including initial support for overseas warehousing facilities to improve delivery timelines.
Technology And Quality Drive
The minister called on manufacturers to adopt Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies and computer numerical control (CNC) machining to improve productivity, precision and product quality.
He also stressed the need to build domestic manufacturing capabilities for motors, electronics, dies and moulds used in toy production, while encouraging sustainable products and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
Reiterating the government's commitment to Quality Control Orders (QCOs), Goyal said these measures are intended to improve product quality while protecting domestic manufacturers against unfair imports and dumping.
Domestic Industry Expands
Highlighting the sector's transformation under the Make in India initiative and the National Toy Action Plan, Goyal said more than 50 toy manufacturing clusters have been established across the country, supported by nearly 21,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He said imports now account for only about Rs 2,500 crore–Rs 3,000 crore in an estimated Rs 18,000 crore domestic toy market, compared with a period when Indian manufacturers supplied only around 12 per cent of domestic demand.
The minister urged manufacturers to continue improving product quality, branding and innovation, saying India's large domestic market and expanding access to global markets provide a strong platform for sustained growth.
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