Ban on import of Chinese toys

New Delhi, Jan. 23- The Centre on Friday banned the import of toys from China with immediate effect for six months.

The Director General of Foreign Trade issued a notification banning the imports of toys from China but did not give any reason as to why this was being done.

While the government notification did not cite the reason for the ban, sources said it was concerned over a rise in imports of toys.

A concern had also been raised over the safety of children playing with the Chinese toys, which were found to be toxic.

Most of the varieties, including wheeled toys, dolls, stuffed toys, toyguns, wooden and metal toys, musical instruments, electric trains and puzzles are covered under the ban.

The Toy Association of India's president, Raj Kumar, said the ban would severely hit imports of Chinese toys, but Indian authorities had likely taken the step in the interest of the economy.

"You see Chinese toys everywhere. The good, upper-end toys are made in India, but the cheap toys in the street and small shops were being dominated by them. They are bringing in toys without safety norms," he said.

Kumar said there had been some discussions between toy manufacturers and the government about increasing import taxes on Chinese toys, but he was not expecting a ban.

Another trade official, who did not want to be identified, said the ban may even hit imports of toy components.

"These components are used by Indian companies to make toys. Some companies that have no manufacturing facility, they only import. What will happen to them. This news has come suddenly. I'm really surprised," he said.

In the face of global downturn, Indian industry has been clamouring for protection from aggressive Chinese manufacturers.

Industry officials said there has been a surge in the import of handicraft and toys by Rs 1,000 crore during April -November 2008.

However, trade expert Arun Goyal said, "The ban would encourage smuggling of toys through Nepal borders. That would be more dangerous... It is bad, especially for the slum children, who an afford the cheap Chinese toys only."

China's manufacturing industry -- a key supplier of toys, apparel and food to much of the world -- has faced a wave of complaints in recent years, most recently as thousands of people have fallen ill as a result of consuming milk powder tainted with melamine, a chemical used to make plastics.

The world's leading toymaker Mattel recalled over 21 million Chinese-made toys worldwide in 2007 due to excessive levels of lead paint and other unsafe components. Also that year, China suspended export of a bead toy that was contaminated with a "date rape" drug, Chinese media reported. Some children who swallowed the beads vomited and lost consciousness.