Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, scheduled for presentation on February 1, direct selling giant Amway India has made a significant appeal to the government. The company is advocating for food and dietary supplements to be formally acknowledged as a crucial component of overall wellness. Simultaneously, Amway India is urging authorities to rationalize customs duties on imported supplements and key ingredients, aiming to foster growth in the health and wellness sector.
Building on GST Rationalization Success
Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director of Amway India, highlighted that the GST rationalization implemented in 2025 served as a transformative moment for India's nutraceutical industry. He emphasized that this move simplified tax structures and provided substantial relief to consumers, setting a positive precedent. According to Chopra, Budget 2026 presents a timely opportunity to further strengthen India's health and wellness ecosystem as the nation progresses towards its Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Customs Duty Relief to Boost Make in India
Chopra pointed out that the upcoming budget should prioritize simplifying and rationalizing customs duty slabs on imported supplements and ingredients used in nutraceutical, beauty, and personal care products. He revealed that most of Amway's essential imports, including both finished products and raw materials, currently face customs duties of approximately 50 percent.
Rationalizing these duties, Chopra argued, would enhance India's trade competitiveness, encourage local manufacturing, and boost exports in alignment with the Make in India initiative. He suggested that this effort should be supported through Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, targeted tax benefits, and export-linked incentives to help Indian companies expand their global footprint.
Tax Relief for Small Sellers and Research Focus
In addition to customs duty reforms, Chopra proposed introducing lower income tax slabs for small businesses such as direct sellers and sole proprietors. This measure, similar to the fiscal support provided to startups through deferred taxation, would promote grassroots entrepreneurship and enable wider participation in formal economic growth, particularly among women and individuals in smaller towns.
Furthermore, Chopra called for dedicated budgetary support for clinical research and evidence-based nutrition. He asserted that such investment would help strengthen consumer trust and improve the global credibility of Indian-made supplements. This strategy aims to position India as a science-led hub for preventive health and long-term well-being, fostering innovation and quality in the sector.
As the budget discussions gain momentum, these recommendations from Amway India highlight the growing importance of the wellness industry in India's economic landscape. The company's proposals underscore a dual focus on regulatory support and research advancement to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
