Herbal Tea & Organic Product Business – Your Guide to AYUSH & FSSAI Certification

The market for herbal teas and organic products in India is booming as consumers increasingly seek healthy, natural alternatives. For entrepreneurs, this presents a golden opportunity to build a successful brand. However, navigating the complex legal landscape can be confusing, and the most critical step is securing the right licenses to ensure your products are safe, credible, and legally compliant. This comprehensive guide will demystify the herbal tea certification process in India. We will break down the roles of the two primary regulatory bodies—FSSAI and AYUSH—so you can understand which license applies to your business and how to obtain it, paving the way for a smooth and successful launch.

Why is Proper Certification a Non-Negotiable for Your Business?

Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey with the correct herbal tea business certification is not just a legal formality; it’s a fundamental pillar of your business strategy. Proper certification builds a strong foundation of consumer trust, as a visible license mark like the FSSAI logo serves as an immediate signal of quality, safety, and authenticity that discerning customers actively look for. Beyond consumer perception, it ensures you are in full legal compliance, safeguarding your venture from severe repercussions such as heavy financial penalties, seizure of your entire stock, and even the forced closure of your operations. Furthermore, proper certification unlocks crucial market access, as most established retail chains, distributors, and major e-commerce platforms mandate these licenses as a prerequisite for listing and selling your products. Ultimately, securing the right licenses enhances your brand value, positioning your business as professional, responsible, and trustworthy in a highly competitive marketplace.

FSSAI vs. AYUSH: Which License Does Your Herbal Product Need?

The most common point of confusion for new entrepreneurs in the herbal and organic space is determining which license their product requires. The answer depends entirely on how you position and market your product to the end consumer. Is it a food product intended for general wellness and consumption, or is it a medicine intended to treat a specific ailment? The claims you make on your packaging and in your advertising will directly dictate whether your product falls under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) or the Ministry of AYUSH. Understanding this distinction is the first and most crucial step in your compliance journey.

FSSAI License: For Products Marketed as Food or Beverages

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the primary regulatory body for all food products sold in the country. If you are positioning your herbal tea as a wellness drink, a refreshing beverage, a functional food, or a dietary supplement without making any specific medicinal claims, then you need an FSSAI certification for herbal tea. This applies when your product is meant for general consumption, to provide nutritional benefits, or simply for its flavour and aroma. For instance, marketing a product as “Chamomile Tea for Relaxation” or “Green Tea with Antioxidants” falls squarely under FSSAI’s purview. The FSSAI guidelines for organic products also mandate that any product sold with an “organic” claim must adhere to their specific labeling and certification standards.

AYUSH License: For Products with Medicinal or Therapeutic Claims

The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) regulates traditional and alternative medicine systems in India. If you claim that your herbal product can prevent, treat, manage, or cure any specific disease or condition, it is classified as an Ayurvedic, Siddha, or Unani drug and requires an AYUSH herbal product certification. Any marketing language that uses terms like “cures coughs,” “relieves joint pain,” “manages blood sugar,” or “treats indigestion” immediately shifts your product from the category of food to medicine. These therapeutic claims must be substantiated with evidence from classical texts or through modern clinical studies, making the organic products AYUSH guidelines much more stringent than those for food products.

Quick Decision Table

Product positioning	Governing Body	License Required
“A refreshing chamomile tea for a good night’s sleep”	FSSAI	FSSAI License
“An Ayurvedic blend to cure common colds and coughs”	AYUSH	AYUSH License
“Organic green tea rich in antioxidants”	FSSAI	FSSAI License (+ Organic Certification)

A Step-by-Step Guide to the FSSAI Certification for Herbal Tea

The FSSAI certification for herbal tea is a relatively straightforward, digital-first process managed through the government’s Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal. It is designed to be accessible for businesses of all sizes, from small home-based operations to large-scale manufacturing plants. Following a structured approach will help you secure your license efficiently and without hassle, ensuring your product can legally enter the market.

Step 1: Identify Your License Type

The type of FSSAI license you require is directly linked to the scale and turnover of your business. This tiered system ensures that the compliance burden is appropriate for your operational size.

• Basic Registration: This is for small businesses and startups with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 Lakhs.
• State License: This is required for mid-sized businesses with an annual turnover between ₹12 Lakhs and ₹20 Crores that operate within a single state.
• Central License: This is for large businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹20 Crores. It is also mandatory for importers, exporters, and businesses that have operations in multiple states or supply to government institutions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting your application, it’s essential to gather all the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth process. While specific requirements may vary slightly based on the license type and state, the common documents include:

• Passport-sized photograph of the applicant/proprietor.
• A government-issued photo ID and address proof, such as an Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
• Proof of business address (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement, or property documents).
• Proof of business constitution, such as a Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or MOA/AOA.
• A complete and detailed list of the food products (herbal teas, etc.) you intend to manufacture or sell.

Step 3: Apply via the FoSCoS Portal

The entire application process for an FSSAI license is conducted online, making it convenient and transparent. You must visit the official FoSCoS portal, select the appropriate form (Form A for Basic Registration or Form B for State/Central License), accurately fill in all the required details, upload scanned copies of your documents, and pay the prescribed government fee online. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the authorities, and they may conduct an inspection before granting the license.

• Actionable Tip: Bookmark the official FSSAI FoSCoS portal for your application. Link to: https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/

Special Note: Claiming Your Product as “Organic”

If you wish to market and label your herbal tea as “Organic,” obtaining an FSSAI license is not enough. You must also secure an additional certification to legally use the term and the official “Jaivik Bharat” logo. This requires getting your entire supply chain certified through one of two government-recognized systems: the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) or the Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India). This is a critical component of the FSSAI guidelines for organic products and an integral part of the overall organic certification process in India.

Navigating the AYUSH Certification Process in India

The AYUSH certification process India is significantly more rigorous and complex compared to FSSAI licensing because it pertains to products that make medicinal and therapeutic claims. The government places a high burden of proof on manufacturers to ensure these products are safe, effective, and produced under strict quality control measures. Obtaining an AYUSH license means your product is officially recognized as a traditional medicine, which requires adherence to pharmaceutical-grade standards.

Key Requirements for an AYUSH Manufacturing License

To qualify for an AYUSH license, your business must meet several stringent criteria designed to ensure product quality and consumer safety.

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Your manufacturing unit must be GMP-compliant. This involves adhering to strict standards for facility hygiene, machinery calibration, raw material sourcing, quality control processes, and record-keeping as laid out in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Qualified Technical Staff: The regulations mandate that you must employ qualified technical personnel to oversee the manufacturing process. This typically includes hiring an expert with a degree in Ayurveda (BAMS) or a related field who has the technical knowledge to manage production according to classical formulations and modern standards.
• Product Approval: Each individual product formulation must be submitted to the State Licensing Authority (SLA) for approval before it can be manufactured and sold. This application must include evidence from classical Ayurvedic texts to support the formulation’s use and claims, or in the case of proprietary medicines, you may need to provide data from clinical trials to prove its efficacy and safety.

The Application Workflow

1. Submit Application to State AYUSH Directorate: The process begins by submitting a detailed application to your respective state’s AYUSH department. This package includes the application form, a comprehensive product dossier detailing the formulation and claims, and reports from a facility inspection.
2. Scrutiny and Inspection: The AYUSH authorities will meticulously review your documentation. Following this, they will conduct a physical inspection of your manufacturing premises to verify GMP compliance and ensure that you have the required infrastructure and technical staff.
3. Grant of License: If your application, documentation, and facility meet all the prescribed requirements, the State Licensing Authority will grant the manufacturing license. The AYUSH herbal product certification is a mark of therapeutic authenticity and high quality.

• Actionable Tip: For detailed guidelines, refer to the official Ministry of AYUSH website. Link to: https://www.ayush.gov.in/

Beyond FSSAI & AYUSH: Other Essential Business Registrations

A comprehensive organic business certification India strategy extends beyond just the product-specific licenses from FSSAI or AYUSH. To build a robust and legally sound business, you must also secure several other fundamental registrations. These are essential for day-to-day operations, financial management, and brand protection. Neglecting these can create significant legal and operational hurdles down the line, regardless of how great your product is.

• Business Registration: First, you must legally establish your business entity. You can choose from structures like a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Firm, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or a Private Limited Company, depending on your business goals, funding needs, and liability preferences.
• GST Registration: Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration is mandatory if your annual turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold limit, which is ₹40 Lakhs for businesses dealing in goods in most states. Being GST-compliant is crucial for managing your taxes and issuing valid invoices.
• Trademark Registration: In the competitive herbal market, your brand name and logo are your most valuable assets. Filing for a trademark registration protects your unique identity from being copied by competitors, preventing consumer confusion and helping you build a strong, recognizable brand.

Conclusion: Pave the Way for a Compliant and Successful Business

Choosing the right certification is the foundational stone upon which your herbal tea and organic products business will be built. The process may seem complex, but it simplifies down to one golden rule: if your product is marketed as food for general wellness, you need an FSSAI license; if it makes any claim to treat or cure a medical condition, you absolutely need an AYUSH license. Securing the correct herbal tea certification is not just about avoiding legal penalties; it’s about building the essential trust and credibility with your customers that is necessary to thrive in today’s health-conscious market.

The paperwork, compliance nuances, and regulatory steps can seem daunting, especially when your primary focus is on creating excellent products. If you need expert guidance navigating the FSSAI registration, AYUSH certification process in India, or any other legal formalities, TaxRobo’s team of specialists is here to assist you. We handle the complexities of legal compliance so you can focus on what you do best—creating high-quality herbal products that your customers will love. Contact us for a consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Do I need a lab test report for FSSAI certification for herbal tea?

A: The requirement for a lab test report depends on the type of FSSAI license. For a Basic FSSAI Registration, a lab test report is generally not a mandatory initial requirement. However, for a State or Central License, the authorities will likely require a water test report from your manufacturing or processing unit to ensure it is potable and safe for use in food products. Additionally, they may ask for your products to be tested by an NABL-accredited laboratory to validate their quality, safety, and compliance with the standards set under the FSS Act, 2006.

Q2. How is “organic certification” different from an FSSAI license?

A: An FSSAI license and an organic certification serve two distinct but complementary purposes. An FSSAI license is a mandatory legal permit that allows you to manufacture, process, and sell food products in India, confirming that your business meets basic safety and hygiene standards. An organic certification, on the other hand, is an additional, voluntary (unless you claim your product is organic) verification that your product’s entire supply chain—from the farm where ingredients are grown to the final packaging—is free from synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and GMOs. You need both an FSSAI license to operate and an organic certification (from NPOP or PGS-India) if you want to legally label and sell your product as “Organic” in India. This is a key distinction in the organic certification process in India.

Q3. Can I sell my homemade herbal teas on Instagram without a license?

A: No. According to FSSAI regulations, every individual or entity that manufactures, sells, stores, or distributes food products is considered a Food Business Operator (FBO). This definition includes small-scale, home-based sellers and those operating through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Therefore, you are legally required to obtain an FSSAI registration or license, depending on your annual turnover. Selling food products without the required FSSAI license is illegal and can lead to penalties.

Q4. What happens if I make a medicinal claim but only have an FSSAI license?

A: This is a serious compliance violation and can have significant legal consequences. The FSSAI Act strictly prohibits food products from making unsubstantiated health or medicinal claims. If you market a product licensed under FSSAI with claims that it can cure or treat a disease, you can face hefty penalties for misbranding and misleading advertisement under the FSS Act. Furthermore, if your product’s claims classify it as a “drug,” you could also face legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, for manufacturing and selling a drug without a valid AYUSH license. It is absolutely crucial to ensure your product’s marketing claims align perfectly with your license type.