The Tea Board license fees in India range from ₹1,180 for a Mini Tea Factory to ₹2,36,000 for Auction Organizers (including 18% GST). The exact fee depends on the type of license you apply for, your business category, and the validity period attached to said registration.
The Tea Board of India, constituted on 1 April 1954 under Section 4 of the Tea Act, 1953, issues Tea Board Registration to growers, manufacturers, exporters, distributors, buyers, brokers, and warehouse operators across the country. This guide explains the costs associated with every license category, validity term, and the final payable charges set by the Tea Board for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The Tea Board license fees in India range between ₹1,180 and ₹2,36,000, including 18% GST, depending on your category and validity term.
- The Tea Board Exporter Registration Fee is ₹2,800, plus GST, with a five-year validity period.
- Some registrations carry lifetime validity, while others, such as the Exporter and Warehouse License, require periodic renewal.
- The Mini Tea Factory license at ₹1,180 (with GST) is the lowest-cost registration option available.
- Applications are submitted online through the official portal at onlineapps.teaboard.gov.in.
- The NOC for Manufacturing Unit construction and the Tea Export Clearance Certificate carry no government fees.
Official Tea Board License Costs in India (2026)
The table below presents the complete and verified tea board license fee structure for 2026:
| License or Registration Type | Validity | New Fee (Excl. GST) | New Fee (Incl. 18% GST) | Renewal Fee (Incl. GST) |
| Tea Waste License | 1 year (new), 3 years (renewal) | ₹3,300 | ₹3,894 | ₹3,894 |
| Manufacturing Unit Registration | Lifetime | ₹1,20,000 | ₹1,41,600 | NA |
| Mini Tea Factory | Lifetime | ₹1,000 | ₹1,180 | NA |
| Flavour Registration (Non-MSME) | Lifetime | ₹6,000 | ₹7,080 | NA |
| Flavour Registration (MSME) | Lifetime | ₹4,000 | ₹4,720 | NA |
| Buyer Registration | Lifetime | ₹9,000 | ₹10,620 | NA |
| Distributor License | Lifetime | ₹50,500 | ₹59,590 | NA |
| Organizers of the Tea Auction | Annual (31 Dec) | ₹2,00,000 | ₹2,36,000 | ₹1,47,500 |
| Exporter License | 5 Years (or until the current Foreign Trade Policy expires, whichever is earlier) | ₹2,800 | ₹3,304 | ₹3,304 |
| Permanent Exporter License | Lifetime | ₹2,800 | ₹3,304 | NA |
| Garden Registration | Lifetime | ₹5,600 | ₹6,608 | NA |
| Warehouse License | 3 Years | ₹14,000 | ₹16,520 | ₹16,520 |
| Broker in Tea Auction | Annual (31 Dec) | ₹90,000 | ₹1,06,200 | ₹66,080 |
| Change of Ownership of the Garden | Lifetime | ₹57,500 | ₹67,850 | NA |
| Change of Ownership of Factory | Lifetime | ₹1,16,000 | ₹1,36,880 | NA |
| NOC for Manufacturing Unit Construction | 12 Months | NIL | NIL | NA |
| Tea Export Clearance Certificate | Per shipment | NIL | NIL | NA |
| Tea Import Clearance Certificate | Per shipment | NIL | NIL | NA |
Disclaimer: All fees mentioned in this guide are based on the official Tea Board India fee structure published on onlineapps.teaboard.gov.in (as of 2026). Applicants must verify the latest rates on the official portal before submitting any application.
Additional Costs Beyond Tea Board License Fees
The actual investment in setting up a tea business goes beyond the charges applied for the Tea Board license alone. Other charges that may apply include:
| Expense Component | Cost Range | Details |
| FSSAI License | ₹100 to ₹7,500 | Mandatory for food and packaging activities |
| Import Export Code Registration | ₹500 | One-time fee for export operations |
| RCMC Certificate | ₹3,000 to ₹7,500 | For export incentive eligibility |
| Professional or Consultant Fee | ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 | Optional, helps avoid documentation errors |
| Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) | ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 | Optional for specific online filings |
Fees for Exporter Registration of the Tea Board
Tea board exporter registration fees depend on the type of exporter license selected under the official framework. The Tea Board issues two types of exporter licenses with different validity periods, such as:
1. Exporter License (5-Year Validity)
This standard exporter license is the most common option for tea exporters in India. The Tea Board Exporter Registration Fee is ₹2,800, which becomes ₹3,304 after adding 18% GST. The license remains valid for five years from the date of issue. Exporters must apply for renewal before expiry to continue international trade without interruptions.
2. Permanent Exporter License (Lifetime Validity)
The Permanent Exporter License also costs ₹2,800 plus GST, taking the total to ₹3,304. This license offers lifetime validity, removing the need for periodic renewal. Established exporters who plan long-term operations should consider this option for better cost efficiency.
After obtaining the Exporter License, traders can apply for the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). The RCMC is mandatory for accessing DGFT export benefits and incentives.
Penalties for Operating Without Tea Board Registration
Businesses that operate without a valid Tea Board registration face several other serious consequences:
- Seizure of goods: Customs authorities can seize tea shipments meant for export without a valid Exporter License.
- Cancellation of pending applications: The Tea Board may reject all future applications until the business clears the outstanding penalty.
- Suspension of related licenses: The FSSAI license, IEC code, or RCMC may face scrutiny or suspension based on Tea Board reporting.
- Loss of DGFT export incentives: Businesses cannot claim duty drawbacks, MEIS, or RoDTEP benefits without an active RCMC.
- Removal of unlicensed plantations: Under Section 40, the Tea Board can order the removal of tea planted without prior permission.
How to Pay the Tea Board License Fees Online?
The Tea Board accepts all license fee payments through the official online portal. The complete process follows these steps:
- Visit the official portal at onlineapps.teaboard.gov.in and register your account using business details.
- Select your license category from the available options under “Apply for License.”
- Fill the application form with business name, PAN, GSTIN, IEC code, and other required information.
- Upload supporting documents such as PAN, GST certificate, bank proof, FSSAI license, and incorporation papers.
- Pay the applicable fee through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI on the same portal.
- Download the certificate after the Tea Board verifies your application and approves it.
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