The Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers’ Association (ADMA) has called upon the government to intervene and politicise the issue of EU ban on herbal medicines at the earliest, so as to ensure that the stability and future of the industry is not threatened. Industry fears a huge setback to the exports to EU, if other member states too follow suit to UK and implement the same in their respective countries.

The Association pointed out that a strong intervention by the Indian government by way of lobbying is the only viable option available to safeguard the interest of the industry at this juncture. This demand comes in the aftermath of implementation of the ban of herbal products in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is already leading to a huge loss to the industry.

It is understood that ADMA already had a spate of meetings with the Department of Ayush in this matter and is expected to meet the officials again by end of July to deliberate appropriate action plan. The Association which has been keeping a close tab on the development in this case stressed that it is high time for the government to take some decisive action before it is too late, as the threat of EU ban is already looming very close especially after MHRA's decision to implement the ban.

ADMA which is closely working with the Swiss Herbal Association informed that the situation is getting very complicated for business in the EU states, especially since there is no clarity on how and when the ban will be implemented by other states. As of now, EU comprises 28 member states, which is governed by the EU parliament and as per the EU guidelines 2004/24/EC the implementation of the guidelines depends upon the way it is being interpreted by each of the EU member states as they deem necessary. Interestingly, each of the EU member states categorises  herbal products differently, some deem it as herbals while others categorise it as food supplements.

Shashank Sandu, treasurer, ADMA, informed, “These uncertainties has complicated the matters far worse, creating a fear psychosis among exporters on their future exports to the EU. There is a lot at stake here and if the government fails to take preventive action it will erase the industry completely. Especially since, the sector mainly comprises of small scale manufacturers who will certainly not be able to cope up with the mounting financial pressure and will gradually fizzle out killing the sector altogether.”