Tea Board Registration in India

Introduction to Tea Board Registration in India

Tea is among the most popular beverages in India and international markets. To regulate tea production and trading activities the Tea Board of India was established which operates under the Tea Act, 1953. The board monitors tea cultivation, farming, processing, and oversees both exports and domestic tea trade. The Tea Board requires all commercial entities involved in producing, blending, packaging, and exporting activities to register for regulatory purposes. All businesses in this sector need Registration with Tea Board to fulfil quality standards and obtain government benefits.

What is Tea Board of India?

The Tea Board of India functions as a government authority through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with statutory powers from India. The tea board controls the tea industry by overseeing quality standards, licensing procedures, and promotional measures. The tea board headquarter is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It promotes research and marketing of tea at both domestic and overseas levels.

Key Functions of Tea Board of India

The Tea Board of India fulfills multiple regulatory and promotional responsibilities, such as:

• The organization grants required permits and certificates to manufacturers, exporters, and distributors in the tea industry.
• Ensures tea quality through strict inspection and certification
• The board supports Indian tea exporters through financial assistance and international market promotion services.
• The board performs studies and develops innovations for better tea cultivation and processing techniques
• Through its welfare initiatives, the corporation maintains programs that benefit tea plantation labourers
• It also performs market regulation responsibilities to oversee domestic tea operations, auction procedures, and price stability.

List of Tea Board Licenses under Tea Board of India

Businesses in tea production and trade must get specific licenses based on their activities. Below are the licenses issued by the Tea Board of India:

License Type	Purpose
Tea Estate Registration	Required for tea plantation owners and growers
Tea Manufacturing License	Mandatory for tea processing and packaging units
Tea Export License	Required for exporting Indian tea to foreign markets
Tea Auction License	Permits participation in government-regulated tea auctions
Tea Warehousing License	Grants permission for tea storage and distribution
Tea Blending & Packaging License	Needed for businesses engaged in blending and repackaging tea

 

Benefits of Tea Board Registration

Obtaining tea board registration has several advantages, including:

• Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to tea industry regulations and trade laws
• Quality Assurance: Certifies tea quality for domestic and international markets
• Financial Support: Provides access to government grants, subsidies, and incentives.
• Export Opportunities: Facilitates international tea trade with certification and assistance
• Market Recognition: Enhances brand credibility and consumer trust in certified tea businesses
• Participation in Auctions: Registered entities can take part in Tea Board of India Headquarter auctions for bulk tea trading

Who Requires Tea Board Registration?

Tea Board registration is required for all businesses in the tea industry. It ensures compliance with government rules and maintains quality standards. The following entities must register:

• Tea Growers and Plantation Owners: Individuals or companies growing tea must register with the Tea Board of India. This applies to both small and large tea estates. Registration allows them to access government subsidies, technical help, and quality certification.
• Tea Processing and Manufacturing Units: Factories that process tea leaves into black, green, or white tea must be registered. This includes businesses handling withering, rolling, oxidation, drying, and packaging. Registration ensures they follow Tea Board quality standards.
• Tea Exporters and Importers; Businesses that export or import tea need Tea Board registration. This helps them meet legal requirements and get global trade benefits. Exporters get an Exporter’s License, while importers must follow Tea Board safety rules.
• Tea Traders, Wholesalers, and Distributors: Companies or individuals trading tea on a large scale must register. This applies to businesses that buy tea from producers and sell it to retailers or exporters. Registration ensures proper records and legal compliance.
• Tea Packaging and Blending Companies: Companies involved in blending and packaging tea operations need to perform a formal registration process. These include entities that incorporate herbs, spices, and flavors to tea. The registration system verifies that product packaging and labeling follow government guidelines.
• Warehousing and Logistics Providers: Both tea storage businesses and transportation companies must carry out proper registration. The correct storage methods protect against contamination and keep the tea quality intact. By registering they gain access to work with pre-verified tea production facilities and exporting companies.

Products under Tea Board of India

The Tea Board of India manages and authorizes different tea categories through certification. Below are some examples:

• Black Tea – Orthodox and CTC varieties
• Green Tea – Processed through steaming or pan-firing
• White Tea – Minimally processed and delicate flavor
• Oolong Tea – Partially oxidized tea with unique characteristics
• Herbal and Flavored Teas – Infused with herbs, spices, and flavors

Eligibility Criteria for Tea Board Registration

All businesses applying for registration must fulfill specific conditions.

• The business must participate in any combination of tea cultivation, processing, trading or export operations
• It must have valid registration documents from the relevant authorities
• All companies participating in tea activities must follow Tea Board quality control requirements and industry standards

Documents Required for Tea Board Registration

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Document Name	Purpose
Business Registration Certificate	Proof of legal existence.
GST Registration	Required for taxation compliance
Factory/Trade License	Mandatory for processing units
FSSAI Certificate	Ensures food safety compliance
PAN and Aadhaar of Applicant	Identity verification
Bank Details	For financial transactions

 

Tea Board Registration Fees

Different business types and license categories determine the payment of registration fees to the Tea Board of India. The fee structure depends on the scale of operations and the nature of business activities. Businesses must pay the prescribed fee to obtain or renew their Tea Board registration.

Business Category	Registration Fee (₹)	Renewal Fee (₹)
Small-Scale Tea Traders	₹5,000 - ₹10,000	₹3,000 - ₹7,000
Manufacturers & Processors	₹15,000 - ₹50,000	₹10,000 - ₹40,000
Exporters & Importers	₹25,000 - ₹75,000	₹20,000 - ₹60,000
Warehousing & Distribution Units	₹10,000 - ₹30,000	₹7,000 - ₹25,000

 

Additional Charges and Considerations

• The application systems charge additional processing fees according to the application category.
• The cost for late renewal of registration can reach between ₹5,000 and ₹25,000 due to penalties.
• The registration fees for businesses fall under GST (Goods and Services Tax) regulations which results in additional taxes per existing tax laws
• All payments must be processed through the Tea Board of India’s official portal by using net banking, debit or credit cards, or by using a demand draft payment method.

Tea Board's Quality Control Procedure

The Tea Board of India use a thorough quality control systems which support high standards both in tea manufacturing and export operations. The implemented quality control measures guarantee that Indian tea products meet all domestic safety regulations and international trade standards.

Regular Inspections: The Tea Board of India checks tea farms, factories, and storage units. It ensure they follow safety and hygiene rules. Inspectors look at:

• How tea leaves are handled and stored.
• If only approved pesticides and fertilizers are used.
• Cleanliness of factories and packaging areas.
• Whether labor laws and fair trade policies are followed.

Lab Testing: Tea samples from different farms and factories go through lab tests to meet quality standards. Tests include:

• Chemical Check: Looks for pesticide residue, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals
• Physical Check: Examines leaf size, moisture levels, and color
• Taste and Smell Test: Experts check flavor and aroma to ensure quality

Certification Programs: The Tea Board provides certification programs to maintain high standards. Some important ones are:

• India Organic Certification: Confirms the tea is grown without synthetic chemicals
• Geographical Indication (GI) Tags: Protects well-known tea types like Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri
• ISO and HACCP Certifications: Ensures producers follow international safety and hygiene rules

Tracking System: To stop fraud and ensure quality, the Tea Board uses tracking systems, including:

• Unique Codes: Each tea batch gets a code for tracking from farm to store
• Export Records: Tea origin, processing, and sales details are properly documented
• QR Codes on Packs: Some brands use QR codes to let buyers check tea sources and quality

Export Opportunity and Assistance by Tea Board of India

The Tea Board supports Indian tea exporters through:

• Export Certification: Issuing licenses for international trade
• Financial Assistance: Providing export subsidies and grants
• Global Trade Fairs: Organizing participation in international tea expos
• Market Research & Promotion: Offering insights into demand trends and promotional campaigns

Role of Agile Regulatory

Agile Regulatory assists businesses with tea board registration, compliance management, and legal documentation. Our expert team ensures hassle-free registration, renewals, and adherence to Tea Board regulations.

By obtaining Tea Board Registration, businesses can expand their market reach, maintain product quality, and leverage government benefits effectively.

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