Legal landscape and a few case studies of natural products' sales in India: challenges and resolutions.

Abstract

This review examines India's legal framework governing natural product sales, focusing on challenges and solutions. It analyses key legislation, including the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Food Safety and Standards Act, and Biological Diversity Act, while addressing jurisdictional overlaps among bodies like FSSAI and CDSCO. Case studies highlight intellectual property disputes, quality control, mislabelling, false advertising, and unauthorised sales, emphasising consumer safety and public health. The article underscores challenges in ethical sourcing, sustainability, and integrating traditional medicine with modern regulations. Proposed solutions include blockchain for traceability, stricter labelling, public-private partnerships, and AI-driven drug discovery and quality control advancements. It emphasises balancing innovation with sustainability, stakeholder collaboration, and protecting traditional knowledge, referencing the Nagoya Protocol's role in biodiversity preservation. Recommendations include ethical sourcing, adaptive regulations, and evidence-based models. Future research calls for evaluating legal measures, harmonising international standards and exploring public-private partnerships in ethical sourcing.