FAQs on the Ayush Quality Mark Programme
General Information
Q: What is the Ayush Quality Mark?
The Ministry of Ayush has instituted a system to recognize and grant Ayush Quality Mark (AQM) to Ayush products and services for demonstrating adherence to globally recognized standards under the aegis of the AYUSHEXCIL. Ayush product and services have been identified along with applicable globally recognized standards, criteria and process for grant of Ayush Quality Mark.
It's a voluntary programme and those wishing to secure the Ayush Quality Mark have to follow the prescribed criteria and procedure.
2. What are categories of Ayush products which can get the Ayush Quality Mark?
The following categories of Ayush Products can apply for the Ayush Quality Mark.
- Botanicals/Herbal Products Manufacturers
- Cultivators/Collectors of Medicinal Plants/ Herbs/ Botanicals as Raw/Starting Materials
- Medicinal Products Manufacturers
3. What are categories of Ayush services which can get the Ayush Quality Mark?
The following services have currently been identified for grant of Mark:
- Aysuh Hospitals/Daycare Centres/Clinics
- Ayush Wellness Centres
- Medical Value Travel Facilitators
- Ayush product testing laboratories
*Two more services – Training and Education are proposed to be added later.
4. How is this Programme different from the Ayush Mark scheme operated by QCI?
Ayush Mark Scheme is owned by Ministry of Ayush and operated by the Quality Council of India for Ayush Standard Mark and Ayush Premium Mark.
It is one of the criteria for grant of Ayush Quality Mark for Ayush Products. Those holding Ayush Premium Mark qualify to get Ayush Quality Mark for the products covered under Ayush Premium Mark.
Thus, those holding Ayush Standard Mark will not be eligible for Ayush Quality Mark. You need to first get Ayush Premium Mark and then apply for Ayush Quality Mark. Ayush Standard Mark does not qualify for it.
It may be noted, that:
- For Standard Mark: Compliance with domestic regulations (e.g., as per the Drugs & Cosmetics Act).
- For Premium Mark: GMP standards (based on WHO guidelines), plus product-specific criteria.
If interested, first meet the criteria given at the relevant System for Grant of Ayush Quality Mark of the Ayush product, to be eligible for recognition and subsequently grant of Ayush Quality Mark by AYUSHEXCIL.
5.Why should I go for Ayush Quality Mark?
Recognition It represents a formal recognition by the Govt of India about your status as a world class producer or service provider
Credibility & Trust: The presence of any independent quality mark enhances trust in product quality, both in domestic and international markets.
Export Advantage: Whether exporting products or servcies, having the Ayush Quality Mark will in course of time help in gaining acceptance in foreign markets.
Marketing: Once recognied under the Programme, you can use the Ayush Quality Mark on your product, packaging and promotional materials as proof of your wolrd class product/service.
Quality Assurance: The programme requires you to have gone through an independent certification or accreditation process by implementing identified global standards and typically require internal quality assurance protocols to maintain consistency in production/service.
6. How is the Ayush Mark scheme related to the Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL)?
- AYUSHEXCIL aims to promote the export of Ayush products globally. Ayushexcil has been assigned the role of Programme Manager and will house the secretariat for the Programme
- b. AYUSHEXCIL's website has application forms for the products and services mentioned as above at https://ayushexcil.in/aboutmark
- c. AYUSHEXCIL shall act as a nodal agency for certain certification-related coordination.
7. What are the benefits for exporters in being part of the Ayush Quality Mark scheme?
- Market Access: A certification mark (especially Premium) may improve acceptability in overseas markets that demand higher regulatory or quality assurance.
- Brand Differentiation: Products carrying the Ayush Quality Mark can be perceived as higher quality and more trustworthy.
- Regulatory Confidence: Exporters can better assure international buyers about product safety and compliance
- Support from AYUSHEXCIL: Listing on the website, apart from the Quality mark
8. What categories of producers/service providers can apply for Ayush Mark to AYUSHEXCIL?
At present, the scheme covers the following:
1.Manufacturers of Ayush Products
- Ayush Medicinal Products Manufacturers
- Botanicals/Herbal Products Manufacturers -
- Cultivators/Collectors of Medicinal Plants/ Herbs/ Botanicals as Raw/Starting Materials
2.Hospitals/Day Care Centres/Clinics
3.Ayush Wellness centres
4.Medical Value Travel Facilitators (MVTFs)
5.Product Testing Laboratories
9. How can an exporter raise queries or concerns about the Ayush Quality Mark?
a. Exporters/manufacturers should refer to AYUSHEXCIL documentation, and they can also reach out to AYUSHEXCIL via contact info on its website https://ayushexcil.in/aboutmark
b. For issues directly related to certification or mark usage, they should coordinate with their CB and QCI (scheme-owner).
10. What happens after Ayush Quality Mark is granted?
a. You will enter into a legally enforceable agreement with Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) for use of the Mark.
b. You can then affix the Mark on the product or its packaging (and on other communication materials like letterheads, advertisements etc).
c. You must maintain adherence to the criteria based on which y ou were granted the Mark
11. What are the rules for use of the Ayush Quality Mark?
a. The Mark is owned by AYUSHEXCIL
b. Its use is permitted only on products which are covered under the scheme based on which you were granted the Ayush Quality Mark – i.e. the products for which you have overseas regulatory approval or CoPP or Ayush Premium Mark,
c. You must adhere to the brand-use and design guidelines in the agreement.
d. Misuse of the Mark can lead to cancellation or suspension of your recognition
e. Fees may apply for use of the Mark under the scheme.
12. How long is the grant of Ayush Quality Mark valid?
a. The grant of AQM is concurrent with the validity of the regulatory approval or CoPP or Ayush Premium Mark based on which you were granted the AQM
13. How is misuse of the Ayush Mark prevented or penalized?
a. There are explicit rules for use of the certification mark; misuse can lead to suspension or cancellation.
b. CBs are mandated to monitor clients via the agreement for use of mark.
FOR REGULATORS/ GOVERNMENT BODIES
1. What is the role of the Government / Ministry of Ayush in this scheme?
a. The Ministry of Ayush is the owner of the initiative and the responsibility of operating the programme has been assigned to AYUSHEXCIL for the time being.
2. Are there any additional requirements prescribed under the Programme in addition to identified standards?
Yes, the Ayush Quality Mark has prescribed additional requirements at all levels – for the entities eligible for the Mark, the certification and accreditation bodies.
Additional criteria for various categories, as listed above, have also been developed.
FOR BUYERS/ IMPORTERS
1. What does the Ayush Mark (Standard / Premium) mean for me as a buyer?
- It's a quality assurance mark, indicating that the product has been third-party certified for certain quality criteria.
- Standard Mark: Confirms the product meets domestic regulatory standards.
- Premium Mark: Implies higher-level compliance, e.g., GMP, stricter testing, or international standard alignment.
- Ayush Quality Mark: Implies International credibility covering larger categories as defined above
2. Can I rely on the Ayush Mark for import regulation compliance?
While the Mark is voluntary, having it may make regulatory scrutiny easier (or at least reassure quality), depending on the importing country's requirements.
o However, importers should still verify that the product meets the specific import regulations, quality norms, and certifications required in their country — the Ayush Mark does not necessarily substitute for all regulatory imports, unless recognized by the importer's regulatory body.
3. Where can I check which products/manufacturers are certified?
AYUSHEXCIL will maintain list of certified clients.
The certification bodies (CBs) maintain lists of certified clients. For instance, QCI's PADD scheme documentation outlines list of certified companies.
Alternatively, you may request a copy of the certificate (or proof of valid certification) from the manufacturer or CB.