EU Curbs on Ayurvedic Drugs Takes Effect on May 1

This new legislation claims to put consumer’s safety first by banning the ayurvedic and other herbal products in Europe.

With the implementation of the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) from May 1, experts and NGOs have expressed their concern on the impact of the ban and claimed that it would deprive millions from the benefits of Ayurveda.

Terming it is a non-trade barrier, another one created by the European Union to choke the Indian industry, they have urged the Government to take the matter to the World Trade Organisation.

"Countries that are producing such indigenous medicines and they have got indigenous cures if we properly standardize them, we can argue in favour of them. We can produce a strong lobby and go into the global market,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, a member of Council of World Medical Association (VMA).