Sri Lanka, with its rich history in Ayurveda and herbal medicine, offers a perfect environment for starting a herbal cosmetic or Ayurvedic product business. From skincare to wellness oils, demand is rising locally and internationally for natural, plant-based products.
But before you start mixing herbs and oils, there are important legal steps, registrations, and approvals you must follow.
This guide breaks it all down โ from business registration to regulatory approvals.
โ Step 1: Register Your Company
The very first step is to legally register your business.
๐ Where:
- Registrar of Companies (ROC), Colombo
- Website: www.drc.gov.lk
๐น What You Need:
- Choose your company name
- Decide business structure:
- Sole Proprietor
- Partnership
- (Pvt) Ltd (most recommended for herbal/Ayurvedic products)
- Prepare incorporation documents:
- Form 1 (Company Registration)
- Articles of Association
- Consent of Directors and Secretary
- Pay the registration fee (online or at ROC)
After registration, you will receive:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Company number
โ Step 2: Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to get your TIN.
- Needed for paying taxes and opening a business bank account.
- Apply online via RAMIS: www.ird.gov.lk
โ Step 3: Ayurvedic Product Registration & Approval
You cannot manufacture or sell Ayurvedic/herbal cosmetic products without proper registration and approval.
๐ Authority:
Department of Ayurveda โ Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
(Also referred to as the Commissioner of Ayurveda)
๐น Requirements:
- Application for product registration
- Formulation details (with ingredients, proportions)
- Label sample
- Manufacturing process description
- Details of manufacturer (local or foreign)
- Evidence of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) / hygienic production
If approved, you will get:
- Ayurveda Product License
- Validity: Typically for 3 years (renewable)
โ Step 4: Cosmetic Product Registration (If Non-Ayurvedic)
If you manufacture herbal cosmetic products that are not Ayurvedic (e.g., herbal face creams, soaps), you need to register with:
๐ National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA)
Visit: www.nmra.gov.lk
Submit:
- Product formulation
- Safety & efficacy documentation
- Labels and packaging samples
NMRA ensures that your product is safe, effective, and compliant with Sri Lankan health regulations.
โ Step 5: Factory / Manufacturing Site Approvals
You must ensure your production facility meets health and safety standards.
Authorities to notify:
- Local Municipal Council / Pradeshiya Sabha
- Environmental Authority (for disposal practices)
- Public Health Inspector (PHI) โ for inspection and hygiene clearance
You may also need:
- EPF/ETF registration (for employees)
- Fire department clearance (for factory premises)
โ Step 6: Apply for GMP Certification (Optional but recommended)
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification boosts your brandโs trust and is often required for exports.
Apply through:
- Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI)
- Website: www.slsi.lk
โ Step 7: Branding, Packaging, and Marketing Compliance
Labels must comply with:
- Ayurveda Act / Cosmetic regulations
- Include: Product name, ingredients, usage instructions, manufacturer info, batch number, Mfg. & Exp. dates
Avoid unverified โmiracleโ or medical claims unless scientifically proven and approved.
โ Step 8: Exporting (If Applicable)
Planning to export to countries like Europe, UAE, or India?
Youโll need:
- Export license (from Sri Lanka Export Development Board – EDB)
- Certificate of Origin
- Compliance with destination countryโs cosmetic/health regulations
EDB can assist new exporters: www.srilankabusiness.com
๐ Quick Checklist Summary
| Task | Authority |
|---|---|
| Register Business | Registrar of Companies (ROC) |
| Get TIN | Inland Revenue Department (IRD) |
| Ayurvedic License | Department of Ayurveda |
| Cosmetic Product Registration | NMRA |
| Factory Approval | Local Council + PHI |
| GMP Certification | SLSI |
| Export License (if needed) | EDB |
๐ฌ Final Thoughts
Starting a herbal cosmetic or Ayurvedic business in Sri Lanka is a promising venture โ but itโs not as simple as mixing herbs at home. You must comply with health and safety regulations, register your products properly, and ensure quality control at every stage.
By following these steps and building a solid foundation, you can create a reputable, legal, and export-ready herbal brand rooted in Sri Lankaโs ancient healing heritage.
