The Gujarat Ayurvedic Aushadh Manufacturers Association (GAAMA) made a strong appeal to the Ayush department recently demanding a separate committee for deciding parameters for heavy metal use in ASU products for exports. This demand comes in the wake of an alarming increase in the incidence of use of heavy metals in the ASU products which is affecting the quality, efficacy and reputation for this niche industry.

Lack of fixed rules and provisions to regulate the use of heavy metals in the ASU products has led individual companies to formulate their own set of guidelines that are customised to suit their demand rather than regulate. Leading to increased distrust among customers from the excising market of US and EU forcing them to adopt a stronger policing norm against Indian exporters.

Many Indian companies are facing problems in exports due to the mismatch in the parameters leading to loss of revenue and business for the industry. Prabodh Shah, president, GAAMA informed that today most of the ayurvedic products have lost their demand in the EU and US markets just because there is no uniformity in the parameters, which in turn is affecting the growth the prospect of the ASU industry and shunning new market avenues for the future.

He said, “The only way to address this issue is by setting up a committee headed by the experts from the industry to form a guidance document on the use of heavy metals in all the ASU products that are to be exported. This will not only ensure and regulate the activities of the companies but will also help in brining more credibility and recognition to the products that are made in India.”

Shah further insisted that there is an urgent need for common standard as only that can lead to the growth and acceptance of the ASU medicines worldwide. The association proposed that to address all the existing problems and to ensure that the companies do not face any problems during exports it is essential to prepare a separate parameter for heavy metal for exports at the earliest.