The Central Government has modified the order, which mandated compulsory testing of ayurvedic products for heavy metal content. As per the modification, the exporters have been given an option to either display on the label that heavy metals are within permissible limits or merely submit the batch wise test data to the regulatory authorities at the time of shipment. The government order is to take effect from January 1, 2006.

It will be the responsibility of the representative of DCG(I) deployed at the airport or port of shipment to examine and ensure that all exporters of purely herbal ayurvedic, siddha and unani medicines comply with this order w.e.f. 1st January 2006.

Welcoming the government decision, Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) said that the change was made due to the effective intervention of the council

According to D B Modi, chairman, Pharmexcil, the council made a representation to the ministry pointing out the difficulties faced by the exporters of these medicines in implementing the order.

"Consequent to the representation made by Pharmexcil, the Department of AYUSH has issued its order dated 14th December 2005, a partial modification in the order of 14th October 2005," informed Modi.

Pharmexcil has advised all its members to take note of this very important order of the Government of India and take appropriate action while exporting herbal ayurvedic, siddha and unani medicines effective from January 2006.

The government notification making metal content testing compulsory for export of ayurvedic products came due to a study report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and subsequent actions taken by US and Canada regarding the allegedly high contents of heavy metals (lead, mercury and arsenic) present in some ayurvedic products exported to those countries.