Key Highlights:

• A detailed overview about where India gets its imported toys from during 2024-25.

• The general HS code for toys is 9503.

• India imported $84,740,877.72 worth of toys in 2024-25.

• The top 3 destinations that are ideal to export toys to India are China, Singapore & the Netherlands, accounting for $40,227,593.84, $13,113,396.04 and $10,366,611.87 respectively.

• The top 3 buyers for imported toys in India are Leo Godt India Private Limited, Mattel Toys India Private Limited, and Bharat Balloon House in 2024-25.

Ever noticed the “Made In…” stickers on your kid’s Jack In The Box toy, Barbie doll, or even the latest car of Hot Wheels? If you thought India makes all of its own toys, think again. From high-tech robots to squeaky yellow bath ducks, India isn’t just a sole exporter of toys; it also imports quite a bit from around the world. Curious to know more about where India gets its toy imports from? Read on to find out!

 

Top 10 Countries From Which India Imports Toys

 

1. China

Topping the list of the top destinations crucial for India’s toy imports is China. Home to toy cities like Dongguan and Shenzhen, China is indeed an unmatched global hotspot for toys, particularly for India.

From small factories to multinational facilities, Chinese toys are quite good in terms of quality and are easily produced on a large scale. But what toys does China export to India? Well, India’s  toy imports from China consist of plastic dolls & action figures, remote-controlled cars, building blocks, and soft plush toys, covering all age groups at all price points.

Not to mention,  India’s toy imports from China accounted for $40,227,593.84 in 2024-25.

2. Singapore

Following right behind in the footsteps of China is Singapore. Standing as Southeast Asia’s dynamic re-export hub, especially for toys. Even though the nation doesn’t have large manufacturing units to produce toys, it stands to be Asia’s powerful logistics hub to ship toys from around the world to their respective destinations. From fresh entrants to seasoned veterans in the toy industry, you name it, and Singapore is home to it.

The real question lies in what kinds of toys does Singapore export to India? Well, based on import-export data, Singapore exports electronic learning aids, musical instruments, action figures, and other novelty items, making them quite the fit for Tier-1 and metropolitan cities. Plus, India’s toy imports from Singapore totalled $13,113,396.04 in 2024-25.

3. Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to arts and crafts and is, in fact, the home of Van Gogh. But does it really export toys to India? Interestingly, it does! In fact, India’s toy imports from the Netherlands accounted for $10,366,611.87 in 2024-25. That’s quite toy-rrific for both the nations.

Moreover, the Netherlands exported quite the range of toys to India. In fact, from eco-conscious wooden toys to educational sets, Dutch toymakers focus on sustainability and safety.

Fun fact: Did you know that many Montessori schools in India use toys imported from the Netherlands to teach their students? Yep, it’s true!

4. Sri Lanka

What’s the first thing that comes across your mind when you hear Sri Lanka? Is it the aromatic curries or the serene beaches of the country? While these are a few notable features of the country, Sri Lanka is also known to export toys to India, specifically stuffed toys. In fact, India’s toy imports from Sri Lanka accounted for $5,968,276.68 in 2024-25.

5. Malaysia

Home to one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, i.e., the Petronas Towers, Malaysia goes beyond being a mere country about buildings and architecture. In fact, the country’s toy markets export a range of products to India, including plastic toys, construction kits, battery-operated toys, and much more. In short, the country definitely knows how to bring fun and functionality together with its toys.

6. Hong Kong

When speaking about India's toy imports from around the globe, it’s hard to miss out on Hong Kong from the list. Totalling $2,694,062.51 of imported toys by India, Hong Kong is a hub for high-end, luxury toys, thanks to its licensing and design industry.

7. Slovakia

During our childhood, we often grew up reading about castles, princesses, and the ideal “prince charming” arriving on his horse towards the double-bridged gates. That’s Slovakia in brief for you—a fairy tale comes to life. When it comes to its toy exports to India, it’s indeed a fantasy land with significant Barbie dolls, castles, cars, and other toys sent to retailers across the globe.

8. Germany

Another key supplier for India’s toy imports is Germany. Famous for its iconic Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars, what kind of toys do you think the country might export to India? Yes, you guessed it right! Cars. German toy manufacturers export a major amount of toy cars to India.

But the fun doesn’t stop just there. The country also exports a significant amount of electric train sets and build-your-own kits to foster a learning environment while playing.

9. Thailand

A rising star for India’s toy imports is Thailand. Even though Thailand doesn’t export a major amount of toys to India, it still does add a mix of fun and learning that often charms Indian toy retailers. And the numbers speak for it too, with its imported toys to India adding to $1,556,738.62 in 2024-25.

10. Switzerland

Lastly, Switzerland is another emerging contender for toy imports by India. While it exports a limited range of toys to India, the mix comprises luxury toys to appeal to certain sections of Indian society.

 

In A Nutshell

All in all, toys, globally, are more than just things to play with. They foster our childhood dreams and are an essential part of the rapidly growing global trade market. Want to know more about the top buyers of imported toys in India? Book a demo with Ex-Im today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the import duty on toys?
As per import-export data, Indian toy imports may face an import duty of 70%, especially if they are from China. 

2. Can we import toys to India?
Absolutely! You can import toys to India provided you have the proper documentation and paperwork. However, when importing toys, it’s important to consider the reliability, quality, and safety standards of the product.

3. Who is the biggest importer of toys globally?
According to import-export data, the biggest importer of toys, globally, is China, followed by Vietnam, Germany, and the United States.

 

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