The DGFT noted that imports of toys accompanied by a certificate from laboratories accredited to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) would be allowed.

“A certificate of conformance from the manufacturer that representative sample of the toys being imported have been tested by an independent laboratory (like ILAC)...,” it said.

Two years ago, toys imported from China accounted for less than 50 per cent of the Indian toy market. Since then Chinese imports have swamped India and now command over 70 per cent of the Rs 2,500-crore market.

According to market analysts, the temporary ban covers almost all types of toys from China – wheeled vehicles, dolls, stuffed toys, toy guns, wooden and metal toys, musical instruments, electric trains, puzzles and also toy components