India exported US $ 651.17 million worth of Ayurvedic and herbal products in FY24, with major demand from the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. For companies planning to tap into this booming global market for selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India, the key question is not whether Ayurveda is in demand. The question is- “Is a license required to sell Ayurvedic medicine abroad?”
Each country has its own strict regulatory framework, and with the right licences, product registrations, or approvals before these products can enter their markets. This article breaks down if and how a licence to export is needed to sell Ayurvedic medicine outside India in compliance.
Why Ayurveda Has Global Appeal
Now is perhaps the best time for selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India. Ayurveda is loved globally as it offers natural, preventative and holistic healthcare solutions that align with modern wellness trends. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 80% of the global population uses traditional medicine.
Ayurveda is a major part of this demand. Its focus on balance, immunity and sustainable living makes it appealing across cultures. The commercial growth of Ayurveda further highlights its popularity.
| DID YOU KNOW?: As per the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India’s export of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and herbal products touched US$ 651.17 million in FY 2023–24, with strong demand from the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. |
So, if any company is thinking about shipping and exporting their Ayurvedic products abroad, they need to start with licensing.
Get the Right Licenses for Ayurvedic Exports
Before selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India, businesses need the essential licenses. Professional registration companies like E-StartUp India can help. Here are some of the licenses they need:
- Manufacturing License : Issued by the AYUSH (Ministry under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940)
- Export Registration: Register with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and get your Importer Exporter Code (IEC registration)
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification: Confirms that your products are manufactured following strict quality and safety standards.
- Certificate of Free Sale: Demonstrates that your products are legally sold in India and are considered safe for export, especially in the case of Ayurvedic supplements and medicines.
- FSSAI License: Mandatory for exporting food-grade consumables and health-related products.
- FDA Approval (for U.S. Exports): Essential if you’re exporting to the United States. This includes FDA registration as well as compliance with labeling requirements.
- NPOP (National Program for Organic Production) Certification: Required for exporting Ayurvedic products labeled as organic.
Depending on the type of Ayurvedic product being exported (e.g., medicines), additional certifications may also be required:
- Inspection Certificate – Verifies that the product is free from contamination, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
- Safety & Quality Certificate – Issued through an independent review, submitted by the producer to validate product safety and quality.
Furthermore, there are particular documents that must be presented for procuring licenses for selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India. Though the documents change based on the type of product, the country of destination, and the mode of transport, these are the fundamental Ayurvedic export license prerequisites.
Documents Needed to Export Ayurvedic Medicine from India
To get a license and legally export Ayurvedic products from India, the exporters will have to prepare and submit the following key documents:
- Import Export Code (IEC)- Mandatory for all exporters.
- AYUSH Product Approval- Required for manufacturers of Ayurvedic medicines.
- Free Sale Certificate- To export Ayurvedic supplements and medicines. It proves that the specific product is sold freely inside the country.
- FSSAI License – Compulsory for consumable Ayurvedic products.
- FDA Registration & Product Labelling Compliance – When exporting to the USA, it is mandatory.
- NPOP Certification (National Program for Organic Production) – For those exporting organic Ayurvedic products.
- Inspection Certificate – Must ensure that the product is not contaminated by heavy metals, pesticides, or any other harmful substance.
Which are the Best Countries for Ayurvedic Exports?
Here is the list of countries where companies are selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India:
- United States (U.S.)
- United Kingdom (the U.K.)
- Germany
- United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)
| According to a report, in 2021 the United States led as the largest destination for AYUSH exports with 34.95%, followed by the European Union with 18.66%, and the United Arab Emirates with 5.52% — collectively accounting for 59.12% of India’s total AYUSH exports. |
Now, let’s see the best products in demand abroad.
Top 3 High-Demand Ayurvedic Products Exported from India
Essential Oils
Essential oils are made from organic flowers and herbs. They are widely used in aromatherapy, wellness and skincare routines. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Sandalwood
- Cinnamon
- Rose
- Basil
- Orange
Ayurvedic Skincare Products
Ayurvedic beauty has taken the beauty market by storm. Skincare products are at the forefront. Some of these include:
- Hair masks
- Hair Oils
- Toners and Serums
- Face Masks
Ayurvedic Supplements and Consumables
As people are becoming more health-conscious, Ayurvedic health supplements are slowly becoming popular. Some companies are selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India in the form of supplements like:
- Neem Extract
- Ashwagandha Supplements
- Turmeric (Curcumin) Supplements
- Chyawanprash
- Herbal Teas
Steps to Exporting Ayurvedic Medicine from India
Exporting Ayurvedic products can open up exciting opportunities in global markets. However, the process requires proper licenses, registrations, and compliance with strict international standards. That’s where E-Startup India helps — making the journey seamless from registration to exports.
Step 1: Get Licensed with Ease
Prior to commencement, you require appropriate licenses and certifications. E-Startup India assists you in procuring AYUSH licenses, manufacturing approvals, and other required certifications so you’re legally poised to export.
Step 2: Register as an Exporter
A mandatory Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT is required. Our team guides you in obtaining your IEC swiftly and also assist you in registering with export councils like Pharmexcil and FIEO for utmost credibility.
Step 3: Select Your Market and Understand Regulations
Each nation has its own regulations for the import of Ayurvedic products. Compliance is supported by E-Startup India through helping you navigate local regulations and documentation so that you can confidently pick the right market.
Step 4: Product Testing and Compliance
Your products have to be of international quality standards if you’re selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India. We help you get connected with WHO-GMP and AYUSH export licence and Premium Mark certification procedures so that your products clear regulatory checks overseas without any trouble.
Step 5: Product Listing and Buyer Connection
For global growth, it is important to list your products on marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba. E-Startup India facilitates your business registration and compliance for online marketplaces so your brand can grow digitally as well as offline.
Step 6: Packaging and Labeling Compliance
Foreign shipments have special packaging and labeling requirements. Our team takes care of making your packaging legally compliant so that you don’t face delays or rejections at customs.
Step 7: Shipping and Logistics Documents
Shipping necessitates several documents including the Bill of Lading, Shipping Bill, and Certificate of Origin. We ease the process by formatting your export documentation from start to finish and advising on how to select reliable logistics partners.
Step 8: Marketing and Distribution Support
Saturating overseas markets calls for powerful promotion. As you work on establishing your brand, E-Startup India bridges you to distribution channels, trade shows, and online marketing techniques designed for Ayurvedic exports.
To Sum Up
Selling Ayurvedic medicine outside India is a huge opportunity—but it comes with strict compliance requirements. From obtaining the right licenses to meeting international quality and labeling standards, every step matters. With expert support from E-Startup India, you can navigate the complexities of export licensing, registrations, and global compliance with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Licence required to sell Ayurvedic medicine?
Yes, a license is mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Companies will also require a AYUSH retail license from the Ministry of Ayush
2. What is AD Code Registration?
AD Code Registration is a mandatory requirement for exporters in India. It is a 14-digit code issued by a bank authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and registered at the port of export with Customs.
3. Can a small business or startup export Ayurvedic products, or is it limited to big firms?
Yes, startups and small businesses can also export Ayurvedic products. You need proper registrations like IEC, AYUSH license, and AD Code to export worldwide. Several MSMEs in India are exporting Ayurvedic products successfully to other countries through distributors as well as online platforms.
4. Do I need separate licenses for each country I export to?
You require Indian regulatory licenses (such as AYUSH, FSSAI, GMP, etc.) initially. Subsequently, based on the nation, other licenses like FDA (U.S.), EMA (Europe), or MHRA (U.K.) will be needed. Rules vary for each target market, so exporters have to abide by Indian as well as international regulations.
5. Do I have the ability to sell Ayurvedic products on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Alibaba worldwide?
Yes. But you need to ensure product listing compliance, which involves proper labeling, certifications, and approvals (FSSAI/FDA wherever applicable). E-Startup India assists you in becoming e-commerce compliant so exports aren’t halted.
6. Is GST payable while exporting Ayurvedic medicines from India?
Indian exports are regarded as zero-rated supplies under GST, which implies that you don’t pay GST but need to properly file export documentation. You also get to claim a refund of input tax credits.
7. How long does one take to obtain all the approvals and licenses for the export of Ayurvedic products?
Varies depending upon the type of product and destination country. Generally:
IEC code: 2–5 working days
AYUSH license: 15–30 days
FSSAI license: 30–60 days
FDA/NPOP certification: time varies according to country requirements
With professional assistance from E-Startup India, the process is far quicker and simpler Ayurvedic product export regulations.
If you need further assistance or have any doubts, our experts are here to help you. Call us: 8881-069-069.
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