The recent conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in January 2026 marks a watershed moment for Ayurveda. For decades, Ayurvedic products and practitioners faced significant regulatory hurdles in Europe, often being relegated to the “wellness” or “food supplement” categories.

The new pact shifts this dynamic by providing a formal framework for both practitioners and products. Here is how it impacts the sector:

1. Impact on Ayurvedic Practitioners

The FTA introduces a “Comprehensive Mobility Framework” designed to ease the movement of skilled professionals.

• Recognition of Qualifications: Practitioners can now provide services in EU member states based on professional qualifications earned in India. This removes the need for exhaustive retraining in European systems for certain traditional practices.

• “Home Titles” Usage: For the first time, the EU has agreed to allow AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) practitioners to work under their “home titles” in countries where these practices were previously unregulated. You can now legally identify as an Ayurvedic Doctor/Practitioner rather than just a “wellness consultant.”

• Establishment of Centers: The pact facilitates the setting up of AYUSH Wellness Centers across Europe, allowing Indian clinics and hospitals (like Arya Vaidyasala) to expand their physical footprint with legal certainty.

2. Impact on Ayurvedic Medicine (Products)

While the FTA lowers trade barriers, it also demands higher standards of evidence and safety.

• Tariff Reductions: Tariffs on a wide range of pharmaceutical and herbal product categories (which previously faced duties up to 11% or more) are being phased out or eliminated, making Indian exports more price-competitive.

• Traditional Knowledge Protection: The EU has formally recognized India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). This is a massive win, as it prevents European firms from “biopiracy”—patenting traditional Indian remedies like Neem or Turmeric formulations as their own inventions.

• Regulatory Alignment: The deal provides a roadmap for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). This means Indian manufacturing standards (GMP) are moving toward being accepted as equivalent to EU standards, reducing the “red tape” and double-testing currently required at European borders.

3. The “Fine Print” & Challenges

Despite the breakthroughs, practitioners and manufacturers must still navigate strict EU safety protocols: