Mumbai: In a major crackdown on the smuggling of sub-standard toys of Chinese origin, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, seized 160 metric tonnes of illegally imported Chinese toys, counterfeit cosmetics, and unbranded shoes, totally valued at over Rs 6.5 crore.
160 Metric Tonnes of Contraband Seized
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI identified 10 containers, mainly having smuggled toys, at Mundra Port, Hazira Port, Kandla SEZ, and ICD Piyala (Faridabad).
Upon examination, the containers were found to be concealed with large quantities of toys, along with some cosmetics, and footwear, fraudulently declared as innocuous items such as mini decorative plants, keychains, kids’ pencil boxes, and showpieces, in a clear attempt to evade detection.
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Violation of BIS Norms and Trade Policies
These toys were imported without BIS certification in violation of the Foreign Trade Policy and Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020. BIS non-compliant goods are prohibited and either destroyed at the cost of the importer or returned to the country of origin.
Furthermore, counterfeit cosmetics were imported in violation of the Intellectual Property Rights (Imported Goods) Enforcement Rules, 2007, as well as without the requisite license from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). In addition, shoes without the mandatory BIS certification violate the Footwear made from Leather and other Materials (Quality Control) Order, 2024.
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Unsafe Toys and Cosmetics Targeted
Aligned with national policy regarding the import of toys, the DRI has intensified its enforcement efforts to identify and seize cheap, unsafe, and BIS non-compliant Chinese toys. Such toys pose serious safety and health risks to children, while also undermining the competitiveness of India’s fast-growing domestic toy industry and causing significant revenue loss to the national exchequer.
National Security and Revenue Impact
Indian Customs remains committed to ensuring that only safe, high-quality, BIS-compliant toys are imported, while actively supporting the government’s vision of ‘Make in India’ for toys.
