The Department of Ayush, with the help of the Commerce Ministry, is in talks with the European Union to ease the restrictions on Ayurveda drugs recently imposed by the EU authorities, according to the Department authorities.

The EU guidelines, following the Traditional Herbal Medicine Products Directive (THMPD) 2004, were too 'strict’ and would affect the export of India’s traditional drugs, Ayush secretary Anil Kumar told newsmen here last evening.

According to the ban came into force from May 1, a company needs to demonstrate its efficacy and safety through traditional use for at least 30 years of which 15 years should be within EU. The new guideline mandates registration of a herbal medicine.

"This is very strict. We along with the Department of Commerce have taken up the issue with them (the EU) and they said they will look into it. We feel the compulsory period of usage should be reduced," Anil Kumar said.

 The THMPD had granted seven-year transitional period to all unlicensed herbal medicines to comply with the requirements and it ended on April 30 this year. This may have an impact on export of ayurvedic medicines though Kumar said the word 'ban' would not be proper in this respect.

He said a unit is also being set up to monitor adverse news reports about Indian medicinal systems which will prepare and send immediate and detailed responses to the media organisations concerned. Kumar also said manufacturers will have to ensure good quality of products.

The secretary also disclosed that guidelines to run Ayurveda, Homoeo, Siddha and Unani colleges in the country. One of the guidelines is to have at least 32 teachers in a college. Those colleges which can admit 50 students should have minimum 10 teachers in the capacity of professors and readers. Besides, the inspections of these colleges have also been made stricter.