The Directorate General of Foreign trade on Friday issued an order banning toy imports from China, which is India's biggest trade partner, for six months. The notification, however, gave no reason for the ban.

The domestic producers of toys, mainly from the small-scale sector, have been complaining about cheap toy imports.

According to industry estimates, Chinese toys account for half the country's toy market. According to commerce ministry data, toys worth more than $24 million (or Rs 120 crore) were imported in April-June 2008-09.

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.