Introduction
As the Ayurvedic and herbal industry continues to grow, ensuring product quality and compliance has become essential for manufacturers and brand owners in India. If you’re planning to launch your own Ayurvedic brand or start a third-party manufacturing partnership, two key certifications you’ll come across are:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- AYUSH License
Although both are important, they serve different purposes. In this post, we’ll break down the difference between GMP and AYUSH certification, why each is necessary, and how Ayutra India helps you stay compliant while building a successful herbal brand.
Start your own Ayurvedic line with full compliance support at Ayutraindia
What is GMP Certification?
GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices. It is a quality standard that ensures the manufacturing process is consistent, clean, and controlled.
✔ Key Features of GMP:
- Ensures hygiene and cleanliness in the production facility
- Standardizes production methods to ensure safety and uniformity
- Requires proper documentation of manufacturing processes
- Applies to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food supplements, and Ayurveda products
Issuing Authority:
In India, State Drug Control Departments or Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) issue GMP certificates.
✅ Why GMP is Important:
- Ensures consumer safety
- Mandatory for exports
- Boosts brand credibility
🔗 Read more from WHO on GMP standards
What is AYUSH Certification?
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, regulates Ayurvedic product licensing and formulation under this category.
Key Features of AYUSH License:
- Legal permission to manufacture Ayurvedic or herbal products
- Covers Classical & Proprietary Ayurvedic formulations
- Verifies use of approved herbs and methods as per AYUSH pharmacopeia
Issuing Authority:
- Respective State AYUSH Departments
- Under control of Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India
Types of AYUSH Licenses:
- Manufacturing License – for setting up own facility
- Loan License – for marketing companies without own manufacturing setup
- Third-Party License – for those using certified contract manufacturers
GMP vs AYUSH Certification: Key Differences
| Criteria | GMP Certification | AYUSH Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Quality assurance in manufacturing | Legal license to manufacture/sell Ayurveda products |
| Issued By | CDSCO / State Drug Department | Ministry of AYUSH |
| Focus | Cleanliness, safety, uniformity | Ingredients, authenticity, formulation |
| Mandatory For | Domestic & Export markets | All Ayurvedic manufacturing in India |
| Applies To | All pharma, herbal, cosmetic, food sectors | Only AYUSH (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeo) products |
Which One Do You Need?
You typically need both if:
- You’re planning to manufacture herbal or Ayurvedic products.
- You’re partnering with a third-party manufacturer.
- You’re targeting international markets.
🟢 Ayutraindia provides herbal manufacturing with both GMP and AYUSH compliance, helping you focus on branding and marketing.
How Ayutra India Helps:
- GMP-compliant production unit
- AYUSH license-based herbal formulations
- Free guidance for new entrepreneurs
- Private labeling & export documentation
🛡️ Let us handle compliance while you focus on sales. Get Started with Us
Final Words
Both GMP and AYUSH certifications are vital pillars of a trustworthy Ayurvedic brand. GMP builds customer confidence in quality, while AYUSH gives your product legal validity.
So if you’re building your own Ayurvedic line, be sure to partner with a manufacturer like Ayutraindia that is both GMP and AYUSH certified.
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