AYUSH heavy-metal limits — updated thresholds

Mercury tightened from 2.0 to 1.0 ppm. Arsenic from 3.0 to 2.0 ppm. Lead unchanged at 10 ppm.

Scope covers both classical (Sharangadhara, Ayurveda Sara Sangraha references) and patent formulations. Bhasma-based formulations face the most material impact.

Re-test every classical SKU against the new ceiling. Bhasma-based formulations are most at risk — expect to lose 8 – 12% of SKUs across the industry to the new threshold.

Tighten raw-herb sourcing. Heavy-metal contamination is often soil-driven — re-qualify suppliers from low-industrial regions.

Mercury-containing bhasmas (Rasa Sindoora, Makaradhwaja) most affected. Some classical references inherently exceed the new Hg limit and may need to be sunset entirely.

Alternative formulations exist for most therapeutic targets — work with a registered Vaidya to find Hg-free equivalents.

Sunset non-compliant SKUs before July to avoid licence-risk exposure. Brands that try to sell-through grey inventory post-July face inspection risk.

Communicate proactively with customers if a popular SKU is being sunset — brand-trust impact is the bigger risk than the SKU revenue.