Step 1 — Determine the Category of Ayurveda Product
Ayurveda products are classified into:
- Classical Ayurvedic Medicines (per Ayurveda texts)
- Proprietary Ayurvedic Medicines
- Ayurvedic Cosmetics (herbal skin, hair, personal care)
- Herbal/Nutraceutical Supplements
- Ayurvedic Oils & Extracts
Each category has different export documentation requirements, especially for regulated markets like EU, USA, Canada, and Australia.
Step 2 — Obtain Manufacturing & Quality Certifications
Before exporting, the manufacturer/exporter must have:
Mandatory Certifications
- AYUSH Manufacturing License (State AYUSH Department)
- GMP Certificate (Good Manufacturing Practices) under Schedule T
- Free Sale Certificate (if exporting proprietary medicines)
Optional but Highly Recommended Certifications
- WHO-GMP
- HACCP
- ISO 22000 / ISO 9001
- Organic certification (for herbal/organic products)
- USFDA compliance (for nutraceutical exports)
These certifications boost trust and meet foreign import requirements.
Step 3 — Product Testing & Labeling Compliance
India Requirements
- Label must include:
- Ingredients & formulation
- Batch no. & expiry
- Manufacturer & license no.
- Net weight/volume
- Caution statements
International Requirements
- Some countries require:
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
- Heavy metal testing
- Microbiological testing
- Certificate of Origin
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for oils and extracts
Always check importing country regulations (EU, USA, Middle East, ASEAN).
Step 4 — Register with DGFT & Apply for IEC
To export any product from India, you must have:
- IEC (Import Export Code)
Apply via DGFT portal: https://dgft.gov.in
Step 5 — Prepare Export Documentation
Required documents include:
Export Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Purchase Order / Letter of Intent
- Shipping Bill
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin
- Insurance Certificate
- e-BRC after export
Regulatory Documents
- AYUSH License
- GMP Certificate
- Free Sale Certificate (if required)
- CoA (Certificate of Analysis)
- MSDS for essential oils/extracts
- Phytosanitary Certificate (for plant-based products)
- Organic certification (if applicable)
Step 6 — Understand Country-Specific Regulatory Requirements
USA
- FDA compliance for dietary supplements
- GMP under 21 CFR Part 111
- Lab test reports for heavy metals
EU
- Strict cosmetic regulation (EU 1223/2009)
- Safety assessment & PIF file (for cosmetics)
- Notification on CPNP portal
Middle East
- Halal certification (if required)
- Product registration under local regulatory authority
ASEAN
- ASEAN Cosmetic Directive compliance
Ignoring these rules may result in shipment rejection.
Step 7 — Choose the Right HS Code & Shipping Category
Correct classification is essential for:
- Customs approval
- Duty calculation
- Country-specific import restrictions
Examples:
- Ayurvedic medicines: HS Code 3004
- Herbal extracts: HS Code 1302
- Cosmetics: HS Code 3304 / 3305
- Nutraceuticals: HS Code 2106
Step 8 — Packaging, Labelling & Branding for Export
Follow export-compliant packaging standards:
- Tamper-proof packaging
- Moisture-resistant materials
- International labeling norms
- English translation mandatory
Special packaging needed for liquid extracts & oils.
Step 9 — File Shipping Bill on ICEGATE
- Hire CHA or self-file through ICEGATE portal
- Submit invoice, packing list, HS code
- Declare scheme benefits, if applicable (RoDTEP)
- Customs will inspect and approve shipment
- Generate Let Export Order (LEO)
Step 10 — Export the Shipment
Once cleared:
- Goods are loaded for export
- Shipping line issues Bill of Lading
- Exporter shares documents with buyer
- Bank receives export proceeds (forex)
Step 11 — Claim Export Incentives (if applicable)
Exporters may benefit from:
- RoDTEP Scheme
- TMA Scheme (for some agricultural/herbal items)
- Advance Authorisation for duty-free raw materials
File claims using DGFT and ICEGATE portals.
Step 12 — Maintain Post-Export Compliance
- Keep records for 5 years
- File e-BRC
- Update DGFT annual returns, if applicable
- Maintain AYUSH regulatory compliance
Documents Required (Summary Table)
| Type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | IEC, AYUSH License, GMP Certificate |
| Export Docs | Invoice, Packing List, BL/AWB, Shipping Bill, CoO |
| Quality Docs | CoA, MSDS, test reports |
| Additional | Organic/Halal certification, FSC, insurance |
Timeline Overview
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Licensing & certification | 1–3 months |
| Export documentation & testing | 7–20 days |
| Customs clearance | 1–3 days |
| Shipping & delivery | Based on destination |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Exporting without checking foreign regulations
❌ Inaccurate HS code selection
❌ Missing quality certificates (CoA, heavy metal tests)
❌ Improper packaging causing leakage/rejection
❌ Incomplete AYUSH documentation
❌ Not registering cosmetics in destination country
Benefits of Exporting Ayurveda Products
- High global demand
- Low manufacturing cost
- Strong Indian Ayurveda brand
- Inclusion in wellness & holistic health markets
- High repeat orders due to consumer loyalty
Saving Mantra — Ayurveda Export Support (CTA)
We help exporters with:
- AYUSH and GMP documentation
- Export product compliance
- DGFT registration and IEC
- HS code classification
- Export documentation & customs filing
- International regulatory guidance
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FAQ
Q: Do I need an AYUSH license to export Ayurveda cosmetics?
A: Not always. Cosmetics require cosmetic manufacturing license, not AYUSH.
Q: Can individuals export Ayurveda products?
A: Only if they hold IEC and proper manufacturing or trading documents.
Q: Are Ayurveda medicines allowed in all countries?
A: No. Some countries treat them as drugs; registration may be required.
Q: Do nutraceutical Ayurvedic products need FDA approval?
A: For USA export, they must comply with FDA dietary supplement rules.
Excerpt (Short WordPress Summary)
A complete step-by-step guide to exporting Ayurveda products, including documentation, AYUSH compliance, international regulations, customs procedures, labeling requirements, and export incentives.
Disclaimer (Add at end of post)
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, regulatory, or professional advice. Requirements for exporting Ayurveda products vary across countries and may change through official notifications. Exporters should verify the latest DGFT, AYUSH, and importing-country regulations or consult a qualified expert before proceeding. Saving Mantra assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or outcomes based on this content.