Vaidya Akhilesh Varrier, Co-Founder of Ayurevolve Solutions, Ahmedabad, speaks about how India is emerging as a global leader in exporting organic and natural products. With its rich heritage of Ayurveda and sustainable farming, the country offers pure and eco-friendly products to the world. Exporting these goods not only supports farmers but also promotes India’s traditional wisdom internationally. As global demand for healthy, natural products continues to grow, India’s role in this market remains strong.
Organic products are those cultivated without the use of toxic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based inputs, or genetic modification. Equally, the processing phase must exclude artificial colors, preservatives, irradiation, and GMOs. Natural products, on the other hand, are derived directly from nature with minimal processing. While both categories emphasize purity, organic certification provides an additional assurance of sustainability and safety.
Exporting natural or organic products demands precise documentation and compliance.
Key requirements include:
ü Invoice & Packaging Details: Product name, weight, carton dimensions, and total quantity.
ü FSSAI Certification: For food or Ayurvedic supplements, ensuring conformity with Indian safety standards.
ü Import-Export Code (IEC): Mandatory for all exporters.
ü Manufacturing License: Either owned or through a certified third-party manufacturer.
ü Shipping Documents: Airway Bill or Bill of Lading, Packing List, and Mode of Dispatch (Air/Sea).
ü Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Government of India, confirming that the products are pest-free and meet the importing country’s phytosanitary norms.
ü Certificate of Origin: Recognized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, verifying India as the country of origin.
ü COA and MSDS: The Certificate of Analysis and Material Safety Data Sheet contain product composition, safety instructions, and handling procedures.
“Every export consignment represents not just goods—but trust, traceability, and compliance with global standards.”
Challenges on the road to global markets
ü One of the major hurdles lies in Ayurveda’s limited legal recognition across countries. While India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940) recognizes Ayurvedic formulations under Schedule 15, many nations require separate drug or supplement registration.
ü Language barriers (especially Sanskrit texts), regulatory differences, and strict claims policies add complexity. Logistics issues, recall costs, and transportation risks further test the exporter’s preparedness.
ü Cultural Understanding and Market Adaptation
ü To succeed internationally, exporters must work with trusted local partners who understand regional preferences and consumer behavior. A U.S. distributor, for example, should know how to position an Indian organic supplement in a premium, wellness-focused market segment.
“A good product speaks for itself—but understanding your consumer’s culture ensures it’s heard.”
Empowering small-scale producers
For small and marginal farmers, obtaining certification through government-approved bodies or PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) is the first step. Collaborating with established third-party manufacturers already engaged in exports helps bridge infrastructure and compliance gaps. However, inconsistent yields and climate variability remain significant barriers, emphasizing the need for collective farming and long-term sustainability planning.
Technology and transparency: the new era of traceability
Emerging technologies like Blockchain and IoT are revolutionizing transparency in the supply chain. From soil health monitoring to final shipment tracking, digital traceability ensures authenticity and builds consumer trust. When farmers embrace such technologies, the credibility of India’s organic exports strengthens globally.
Financial awareness and payment security
Currency fluctuation is a major concern in export trade. Exporters must study the economic viability of target countries and choose safe payment terms. Initial shipments should ideally be on an advance payment basis; once confidence builds, payment against delivery terms can follow.
Building sustainable global partnerships
The foundation of any long-term export success is consistent quality. Manufacturers and farmers who uphold stringent quality standards gain natural recognition worldwide. Online marketplaces and digital branding now enable direct consumer access—giving farmers a global voice through responsible entrepreneurs and manufacturers.
“Quality creates trust. Trust builds markets. That’s the essence of sustainability in exports.”
Balancing growth with environmental harmony
True sustainability extends beyond production—it’s about respecting nature’s rhythm. Crop rotation and seasonal farming maintain soil health and biodiversity. Over-cultivation, in contrast, erodes ecological balance. Farmers must produce according to natural cycles—rainy, summer, or winter—ensuring that both the land and livelihood thrive in harmony.
The way forward
Exporting natural and organic products offers India a powerful platform to share its traditional wisdom with the world. With proper documentation, ethical practices, and a commitment to quality, Indian exporters can lead a global shift toward sustainable wellness.
“When we export with integrity, we don’t just send products—we send India’s essence of purity and balance to the world.”
Contact details
Vaidya Akhilesh Varrier
Co-founder, Shivamastu Ayurevolve Solutions, Ahmedabad
Mob: 7406151508
Email: namaste@shivamastuayurvedasolutions.com
Organic products are those cultivated without the use of toxic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based inputs, or genetic modification. Equally, the processing phase must exclude artificial colors, preservatives, irradiation, and GMOs. Natural products, on the other hand, are derived directly from nature with minimal processing. While both categories emphasize purity, organic certification provides an additional assurance of sustainability and safety.
Exporting natural or organic products demands precise documentation and compliance.
Key requirements include:
ü Invoice & Packaging Details: Product name, weight, carton dimensions, and total quantity.
ü FSSAI Certification: For food or Ayurvedic supplements, ensuring conformity with Indian safety standards.
ü Import-Export Code (IEC): Mandatory for all exporters.
ü Manufacturing License: Either owned or through a certified third-party manufacturer.
ü Shipping Documents: Airway Bill or Bill of Lading, Packing List, and Mode of Dispatch (Air/Sea).
ü Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, Government of India, confirming that the products are pest-free and meet the importing country’s phytosanitary norms.
ü Certificate of Origin: Recognized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, verifying India as the country of origin.
ü COA and MSDS: The Certificate of Analysis and Material Safety Data Sheet contain product composition, safety instructions, and handling procedures.
“Every export consignment represents not just goods—but trust, traceability, and compliance with global standards.”
Challenges on the road to global markets
ü One of the major hurdles lies in Ayurveda’s limited legal recognition across countries. While India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940) recognizes Ayurvedic formulations under Schedule 15, many nations require separate drug or supplement registration.
ü Language barriers (especially Sanskrit texts), regulatory differences, and strict claims policies add complexity. Logistics issues, recall costs, and transportation risks further test the exporter’s preparedness.
ü Cultural Understanding and Market Adaptation
ü To succeed internationally, exporters must work with trusted local partners who understand regional preferences and consumer behavior. A U.S. distributor, for example, should know how to position an Indian organic supplement in a premium, wellness-focused market segment.
“A good product speaks for itself—but understanding your consumer’s culture ensures it’s heard.”
Empowering small-scale producers
For small and marginal farmers, obtaining certification through government-approved bodies or PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) is the first step. Collaborating with established third-party manufacturers already engaged in exports helps bridge infrastructure and compliance gaps. However, inconsistent yields and climate variability remain significant barriers, emphasizing the need for collective farming and long-term sustainability planning.
Technology and transparency: the new era of traceability
Emerging technologies like Blockchain and IoT are revolutionizing transparency in the supply chain. From soil health monitoring to final shipment tracking, digital traceability ensures authenticity and builds consumer trust. When farmers embrace such technologies, the credibility of India’s organic exports strengthens globally.
Financial awareness and payment security
Currency fluctuation is a major concern in export trade. Exporters must study the economic viability of target countries and choose safe payment terms. Initial shipments should ideally be on an advance payment basis; once confidence builds, payment against delivery terms can follow.
Building sustainable global partnerships
The foundation of any long-term export success is consistent quality. Manufacturers and farmers who uphold stringent quality standards gain natural recognition worldwide. Online marketplaces and digital branding now enable direct consumer access—giving farmers a global voice through responsible entrepreneurs and manufacturers.
“Quality creates trust. Trust builds markets. That’s the essence of sustainability in exports.”
Balancing growth with environmental harmony
True sustainability extends beyond production—it’s about respecting nature’s rhythm. Crop rotation and seasonal farming maintain soil health and biodiversity. Over-cultivation, in contrast, erodes ecological balance. Farmers must produce according to natural cycles—rainy, summer, or winter—ensuring that both the land and livelihood thrive in harmony.
The way forward
Exporting natural and organic products offers India a powerful platform to share its traditional wisdom with the world. With proper documentation, ethical practices, and a commitment to quality, Indian exporters can lead a global shift toward sustainable wellness.
“When we export with integrity, we don’t just send products—we send India’s essence of purity and balance to the world.”
Contact details
Vaidya Akhilesh Varrier
Co-founder, Shivamastu Ayurevolve Solutions, Ahmedabad
Mob: 7406151508
Email: namaste@shivamastuayurvedasolutions.com
Last edited: