How to start an ayurvedic products business in India?

Starting an Ayurvedic products business is promising but requires strict adherence to regulations and a focus on authenticity.1. Legal Formalities and Licensing (The First Step): FSSAI License: This is mandatory for any food product (like chyawanprash, juices) or product meant for internal consumption. You'll need a license appropriate for your manufacturing scale. AYUSH License: For products making Ayurvedic/medicinal claims (e.g., "cures acidity," "helps with joint pain"), you need a license from the Ministry of AYUSH. This involves submitting details of your formulation, manufacturing facility, and proof of efficacy (which could be based on classical texts). Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Your manufacturing unit must comply with GMP standards set by AYUSH. This involves hygiene, quality control, and standardized processes.2. Product Development and Sourcing: Formulation: Will you create your own formulations or manufacture classical formulations mentioned in ancient texts like Ayurvedic Samhitas? Creating your own requires expert consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. Raw Material Sourcing: The quality of herbs is everything. Establish direct relationships with trusted farmers or suppliers. Consider organic certification for a premium positioning. Third-Party Testing: Have your final products tested by independent labs for heavy metals, microbial load, and active ingredient potency to ensure safety and build trust.*3. Branding and Marketing: Authentic Storytelling: Your brand should communicate purity, tradition, and science. Avoid making exaggerated claims that could attract legal trouble. Channels: Sell through your own website, online marketplaces (Amazon, Nykaa), and eventually, retail chemists and organic stores. Educate Your Customer: Use content marketing to explain the benefits of ingredients and the Ayurvedic philosophy behind your products.This is a business built on trust. Prioritize quality and compliance above all else.

I started my small Ayurvedic skincare line from my kitchen five years ago. While the previous answer covers the formalities, let me give you the ground-level perspective.The AYUSH license is a long and expensive process for a beginner. I would not recommend it as your first step. Instead, start with a product category that falls under FSSAI as a "food" or "cosmetic."My first products were a simple herbal hair oil and an ubtan (face pack) powder. These are considered cosmetics, so I started with an FSSAI license, which was easier to obtain. I avoided making any medical claims. My marketing was "Nourishing hair oil with traditional ingredients" not "Hair oil to cure baldness."Sourcing is where the magic is. I spent months visiting farms and suppliers. I finally found a woman's collective in Uttarakhand that grows herbs organically. Building that direct relationship ensures quality and gives me a great story to tell. I put a picture of the farm on my website.Start local and small. I sold my first 100 bottles at a local weekend farmers' market. The direct feedback was invaluable. People told me if the oil was too heavy or the scent was too strong. I reformulated based on that.Your biggest challenge will be shelf life. Since I avoid harsh preservatives, my products have a shorter shelf life. I make small batches and am very transparent about the "best before" date. This actually became a selling point—people know it's fresh.My advice is to begin with a few simple, high-quality products. Build a loyal local customer base first. The regulatory hurdles for medicinal claims can be tackled once you have a proven product and some revenue.