NEW DELHI, Jan 23: India banned imports of toys from China on Friday in an apparent bid to shield domestic manufacturers from cheap imports.

“This restriction will remain in force for a period of six months,” said an official from the directorate-general of foreign trade, which imposed the ban.

The government agency did not give a reason for the restriction but the Press Trust of India said the ban was to protect local manufacturers and out of concern over the safety standards of Chinese-made products.

According to the Mumbai-based All India Toy Manufacturers Association, Chinese products make up more than half the Indian retail toy market, which was estimated to be over $500 million in 2007.—AFP