Buying Ayurvedic, Unani or homeopathic products from India is usually straightforward, but every country has its own rules for bringing in herbal products for personal use. Here is what to know before you order.
Personal import: the basics
Most countries allow individuals to import a reasonable quantity of herbal and traditional products for their own use. The details differ, and they change from time to time, so treat this guide as a starting point and check the official source for your country.
| Country | Who to check with | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| United States | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection | FDA has a personal importation policy for small, personal-use quantities. Ayurvedic products are not FDA-approved, and FDA has import alerts on some products found to contain heavy metals. |
| United Kingdom | GOV.UK, HM Revenue & Customs and the MHRA | Herbal products for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities. Import VAT and handling fees may apply. |
| Canada | Health Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency | Personal imports of health products are generally limited to a reasonable personal supply. Duties and taxes may apply. |
| Australia | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Australian Border Force | The TGA personal importation scheme generally allows a limited personal supply of many products. Some ingredients are restricted. |
Customs duties and taxes
Your parcel may be charged import duty, sales tax or VAT, plus a courier handling fee, when it arrives. These charges are set by your country, not by the seller, and are normally paid by the person receiving the parcel. The thresholds change, so check the current rules if you are placing a large order.
Products that are more likely to be stopped
- Metal and mineral preparations such as bhasmas and rasa formulas. Several regulators have raised safety concerns, and HerbalDealCare does not sell them.
- Products containing restricted ingredients in your country. For example, some animal-derived ingredients or scheduled substances.
- Large quantities that look like they are for resale rather than personal use.
- Products whose labels or names claim to cure diseases, which some countries treat as unapproved medicines.
Liquids and glass bottles
Arishtas, asavas and syrups usually come in glass bottles. They are heavier, so they cost more to ship, and they need careful packing. They also contain a small amount of natural alcohol, which is shown on the label.
How long delivery takes
With tracked international courier, orders from India usually arrive within one to three weeks, depending on your country and on customs. See Shipping & Delivery for our current times and costs.
Tips for a smooth order
- Order a reasonable personal quantity.
- Check that the products are allowed in your country.
- Use your full address and a phone number so the courier can reach you.
- Keep your order confirmation and tracking email.
- If customs contacts you, reply promptly; they may ask what the parcel contains and that it is for personal use.
Questions about a specific product or your country? Contact us before you order and we will help where we can.
This guide is general information about personal imports, not legal or medical advice. Rules change; always check the official source for your country.