Indian Ayurvedic and herbal products are in demand across the Middle East, Africa, South-East Asia, Europe and beyond. Before the first shipment, though, both the Indian exporter and the overseas importer need the right paperwork. This checklist covers the main registrations and documents in 2026. Rules change and every country is different, so always confirm the current requirements with the authorities and your buyer.
Exporter registrations in India
- IEC (Importer Exporter Code): a 10-digit code from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is mandatory for any export shipment.
- RCMC from AYUSHEXCIL: the AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) was notified by DGFT in July 2023 as the nodal export promotion council for the AYUSH sector and issues the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for AYUSH products. Membership also gives access to buyer enquiries and international trade fairs.
- RCMC from Pharmexcil for products that fall under its scope, such as some veterinary products.
- Manufacturing licence and GMP: the Indian manufacturing licence for Ayurvedic products, and GMP compliance at the manufacturing unit.
- GST LUT: a Letter of Undertaking lets you export without paying IGST upfront.
Product documents buyers ask for
- Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP): issued by CDSCO in WHO format, in consultation with the Ministry of AYUSH, for Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani products. Many countries need it to register Ayurvedic medicines.
- Free Sale Certificate: confirms the product is legally manufactured and sold in India.
- WHO-GMP or equivalent: some importing countries ask for WHO-GMP, EU-GMP or their own standards for AYUSH products.
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA): batch test results, often including heavy metal and microbial limits.
- Product dossier: formula, ingredient specifications, label artwork, stability information and safety data.
Shipping documents
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of Origin
- Shipping bill and bill of lading or airway bill
- Any phytosanitary or health certificate the destination requires
Registration in the importing country
In most markets the importer or local distributor registers the product with the national regulator (for example, the health authority for supplements and traditional medicines, the cosmetics authority for personal care, or the veterinary authority for animal products). The Indian manufacturer supplies the documents above to support that registration. Herbal cosmetics and food supplements often need lighter registration than Ayurvedic medicines, which makes them a good first step into a new market.
Tips for a smooth first export
- Ask your buyer for their regulator's document list before you quote.
- Start with products whose registration is simplest in that market.
- Prepare bilingual labels where required.
- Agree Incoterms (FOB or CIF) and payment terms in writing.
- Ship a sample lot before a full container.
Export with Nutravel Healthcare
Nutravel Healthcare manufactures Ayurvedic medicines, herbal supplements, herbal cosmetics and veterinary herbal products in Panchkula, India, and supplies importers and private label brands. Tell us your country and product list and we will confirm the documents we can provide. Visit our Ayurvedic products export page or our UAE and GCC supply page.
Sources: DGFT notification of AYUSHEXCIL (July 2023); Government of India parliamentary reply on CoPP and GMP for AYUSH exports. This article is general information, not legal or regulatory advice.
