Introduction
The Government of India has launched a dedicated digital portal for issuing Certificates of Origin for cultivated “Medicinal Plants”. The initiative has been rolled out by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It aims to simplify regulatory procedures and improve transparency for stakeholders seeking Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemptions.
The portal enables complete online processing, from application submission to electronic issuance of certificates. It removes the need for physical paperwork and repeated follow-ups. Stakeholders can now access a single-window system for faster and more predictable approvals. The platform is available through the NBA’s official ABS e-filing portal.
Table of Contents
Streamlining Compliance through Digital Access
The digital system is designed to support farmers, traders, manufacturers, researchers, and industry players working with cultivated medicinal plants. Certificates of Origin are a key requirement for claiming ABS exemptions, especially for commercially cultivated resources. By moving the process online, the government has reduced procedural delays and administrative burden.
The portal also strengthens traceability and accountability in the use of medicinal plant resources. It ensures that only eligible cultivated plants qualify for exemptions under biodiversity laws.
Backed by Amended Biodiversity Framework
The launch follows major legal reforms under the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, passed by Parliament in July and August 2023. To implement the amended law, the Ministry notified updated Biological Diversity Rules in 2024 and 2025. These Rules formally enable electronic generation of Certificates of Origin through a designated digital platform.
Support for AYUSH and Research Sectors
The portal is expected to benefit the AYUSH sector, seed industry, and research institutions by offering faster approvals and regulatory clarity. It reflects the government’s focus on balancing biodiversity conservation with ease of doing business.
Conclusion
The move signals a clear shift toward digital biodiversity governance, making compliance easier while strengthening oversight of India’s cultivated medicinal plant ecosystem.
This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice. The statements and opinions are the expression of author, not corpseed, and have not been evaluated by corpseed for accuracy, completeness, or changes in the law.
