Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) have been an important part of India’s cultural, economic, and social life for centuries. India is known for its rich diversity of MAPs, with over 7,000 species of plants used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. The demand for MAPs is growing worldwide due to their therapeutic properties, and India is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand. The exporting procedure for MAPs in India as :

Exporting MAPs from India requires compliance with various legal requirements and procedures. The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 is the primary policy governing the export of MAPs from India. The policy provides guidelines and regulations for MAPs export to ensure their sustainable harvest, proper processing, and quality control.

Here are the steps to export MAPs from India as per the Foreign Trade Policy 2023:

1. Obtain the necessary licenses: To export MAPs, the exporter needs to obtain the necessary licenses from the concerned authorities. The exporter must obtain an Import-Export Code (IEC) from the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and register with the relevant Export Promotion Council (EPC). Additionally, the exporter must obtain licenses from the Plant Quarantine Authority, the Customs Authority, and the Food and Drug Administration, depending on the specific requirements for the type of MAPs being exported.
2. Ensure compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): MAPs are regulated under the CITES, an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Certain MAPs may be listed under CITES, and the exporter must obtain the necessary CITES permits and certificates for such plants.
3. Ensure compliance with Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP): The MAPs must be collected, processed, and stored as per the GACP guidelines to ensure their quality and safety. The GACP guidelines specify the standards for the cultivation, collection, and processing of MAPs, including the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
4. Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): The MAPs must be processed and manufactured as per the GMP guidelines to ensure their quality, purity, and potency. The GMP guidelines specify the standards for processing, packaging, labeling, and storage of MAPs.
5. Ensure compliance with the Export Inspection Council (EIC): The exporter must comply with the EIC guidelines for the inspection and certification of MAPs to ensure their compliance with the importing country’s quality and safety standards.
6. Prepare the necessary documents: The exporter must prepare the necessary documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin, among others.
7. Ship the MAPs: Once all the necessary procedures are completed, the exporter can ship the MAPs to the importing country.

The exporting of MAPs from India requires compliance with various legal requirements and procedures. The Foreign Trade Policy 2023 provides guidelines and regulations for MAPs export to ensure their sustainable harvest, proper processing, and quality control. The exporter must obtain the necessary licenses, comply with the relevant guidelines and standards, and prepare the necessary documents before shipping the MAPs. By following the proper exporting procedure, Indian exporters can tap into the growing demand for MAPs worldwide and contribute to the sustainable growth of the industry.