Quality Control Order Remains Firm as India Targets 10X Toy Export

During his address at the 17th Toy Biz International B2B Expo, Union Minister Piush Goyal reassured the Indian toy community that the Quality Control Order (QCO) will stay in effect for the foreseeable future. He coupled this assurance with an ambitious export goal – a ten‑fold increase in toy shipments abroad by 2030.

Goyal cited the $120 billion global toy market and India’s meagre 0.2‑0.3 percent share as evidence of untapped potential. He pointed to the 239 percent export surge of the last four years as proof that the industry can scale rapidly if supported by the right policies.

The minister urged firms to utilise the nine FTAs India has signed, which cover 38 countries, to venture into new markets. He called for delegations to engage with foreign retailers, supermarket chains and e‑commerce players, fostering collaborations that could accelerate market penetration.

Investing in cutting‑edge machinery and adhering to the highest safety standards were highlighted as non‑negotiable pillars for success. Goyal proposed establishing Centres of Excellence under a public‑private partnership framework to provide testing, design and innovation services.

Regarding the QCO, Goyal made it clear: "As long as I am in charge, the QCO will not be withdrawn." He emphasized that the recent transitional facilitation order is a temporary measure to aid production expansion, not a relaxation of safety norms.

Looking ahead, Goyal noted that an FTA with New Zealand is expected to be operational this year, while negotiations with Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Mexico and Brazil are moving forward, promising fresh avenues for Indian toy exporters.