In a unique initiative aimed at boosting exports of ASU products from the country, Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) recently acted as a facilitator by introducing domestic manufacturers from this niche segment to renowned international quality certification agencies like US Pharmacopeia, NSF, Kocher, IFANCA.  This strategic move is aimed at not only sensitising the Indian manufacturers about the availability of these certification agencies abroad but also making them realise about the opportunities galore that may open up post certification.

Interestingly, to encourage better participation from the industry, the Council is even mulling over the possibility of providing financial assistance to the interested exporters by paying up 50 per cent of the total fees to the certification agency, under the existing scheme for product registration. At present, the Council is already refunding 50 per cent to the total expenditure of product registration fees to the exporters to meet the changes in the product registration process, which comes to around 50 lakh per annum.

Dr P V Appaji director general, Pharmexcil informed that the Council plans to include certification costs by agencies as well in the scheme so as to encourage the exporters to utilise these provisions, for scouting for market opportunities worldwide. “ASU manufacturers had a lot of misconception about these certification agencies, while being unaware of the important role they can play in helping a company explore market opportunity in regulated markets. Our main aim is to burst their myths and open up scope for them through new avenues. There is a huge untapped potential for ASU products, they only require proper outlet and confidence to meet the market challenges. This certification will help them in attainting exactly that and once certified they will have wide acceptance across the globe,” stressed Dr Appaji.

It is understood that for the certification, these agencies have very stringent norms and regulations that is designed to give confidence to the consumers on the health and nutraceautical supplements they intake. It is important to note that almost all the ASU products manufactured in the country are sold internationally either as nutraceautical or healthcare supplements.

Before granting the certification, representatives from these agencies verify the manufacturing facility for product safety, GMP requirements and other essential elements that are in lines with top international standards practiced worldwide. Once granted the certification mark will be carried on the labels of exported products to give confidence to the consumers. For instance, NSF certified products lets the consumers know that the company complies with strict standards and procedures imposed by NSF. While, Kocher, and halal like certification helps the consumers identify products that suits their socio religious sentiments.