Tea Board Registration

Overview

Tea Board Registration is mandatory to get an RCMC certificate for exporters of bulk tea, packet tea, tea bags, and instant tea. The Tea Board India is responsible for licensing legitimate tea traders by assigning certification numbers.

Tea Board India issues multiple types of licenses and registrations for tea traders in India through its online portal, covering process requirements and fees.

India is the home of the most exquisite varieties of tea across the globe due to its favourable geography and advancements in technology and trade practices. It is the second-largest producer and third-largest exporter of tea in the world.

The Tea Board of India is the trade-promotion and export arm of the Indian tea industry. Established under the Tea Act of 1953 and constituted in 1954, it promotes and develops the tea sector.

Eligibility Criteria

Membership Categories

  • Manufacturer Exporter
  • Merchant Exporter

Who Needs a Certificate

  • Tea Growers
  • Tea Manufacturers
  • Tea Brokers
  • Tea Buyers
  • Tea Exporters
  • Auction Organizers

License Types

  • Tea Board Manufacturers License
  • Tea Board Export License
  • Tea Board Distributors License

Documents Required

1.Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
2.Name, address & contact details of directors/partners with proof
3.Proof of business registration
4.GST registration certificate
5.Declaration & authorization letter
6.Memorandum & Articles of Association

Products Covered

  • Bulk Tea
  • Packet Tea
  • Tea Bags
  • Instant Tea
  • Flavored Tea
  • Organic Tea
  • Specialty Tea

Additional Certifications

  • Broker in Tea Auction
  • Buyer Registration
  • Distributor License
  • Exporter License
  • Flavour Registration
  • Additional Flavour Inclusion
  • Garden Registration
  • Manufacturing Unit Registration
  • Mini Tea Factory License
  • NOC for Construction of Unit
  • Organiser of Tea Auction
  • RCMC Certificate
  • Tea Warehouse License
  • Tea Waste License (Bio-fertilizer)
  • Tea Waste License (Caffeine)
  • Change of Ownership (Garden/Factory)
  • Permanent Exporter License
  • Factory Capacity Enhancement

Exemptions

  • Small-scale producers below threshold production may not require registration
  • Domestic-only tea sellers (non-exporters) are exempt
  • Certain categories may follow different procedures or conditions

Violations

  • License obtained by fraudulent activity
  • Non-compliance with Tea Board orders or terms
  • Failure to follow registering authority directions
  • Contravention of Tea Act provisions

Penalties

  • Monetary fines
  • Imprisonment
  • License suspension
  • License cancellation

Incentives

  • Promotion for packaged Indian tea quality improvements
  • Subsidies for domestic exporters at trade fairs
  • Tea Development & Promotion Scheme support
  • Workers’ welfare initiatives
  • Research & development for small growers (Chai Sahyog app)

Benefits

  • Quality control: Ensures conformity to Tea Board standards and sustains global competitiveness.
  • Market Access: Grants access to domestic and international markets, trade fairs, and exhibitions.
  • Export Incentives: Offers diverse incentives and support to registered exporters.
  • Research & Development: Enables members to benefit from R&D functions for production improvement.
  • Compliance: Minimizes legal and regulatory risks by formalizing registration.