Rubber Board Registration in India

The Rubber Board license is an official permit issued by the Rubber Board of India. This government body, established under the Rubber Act, 1947, governs and develops the rubber industry. Essentially, this license gives you the legal authority to conduct rubber-related activities in India.

Who Needs a Rubber Board License in India?

If you are involved in any of the following activities related to natural rubber, you most likely need a Rubber Board license:

• Rubber Cultivators (Growers): Individuals or entities engaged in growing rubber plants.
• Processors: Units that convert raw rubber (latex or sheet rubber) into various forms like Ribbed Smoked Sheets (RSS), crepe rubber, or latex concentrate.
• Manufacturers: Companies that use rubber to make finished products such as tires, footwear, conveyor belts, and other rubber-based articles.
• Traders: Those who buy and sell rubber, including wholesalers and retailers (requiring a Dealer's License).
• Exporters: Businesses involved in exporting rubber or rubber-based products from India.

The Legal Mandate for a Rubber Board License

1. Foundational Law: The Rubber Act of 1947 is the key legislation that empowers the Central Government to control the quality, production, supply, and distribution of raw rubber in India.
2. Controlled Commodity: Natural rubber is designated as a controlled commodity under this Act, meaning its transactions are strictly regulated.
3. Mandatory Licensing: The Act explicitly makes licensing mandatory for all activities related to dealing with natural rubber, including its purchase, sale, and processing. This is enforced through various types of licenses issued by the Rubber Board.
4. Consequences of Non-Compliance:

• Legal Penalties: Operating without a valid license can lead to legal action, including fines and, in some cases, even imprisonment as per the provisions of the Rubber Act, 1947.
• Disruption of Operations: Unauthorized operations can be shut down by the authorities, leading to significant financial losses and operational disruptions.
• Financial Liability and Reputational Harm: Non-compliance can result in financial penalties and severely damage the reputation of your business, making it difficult to attract customers, suppliers, and investors.
• Ineligibility for Support: Without a license, businesses cannot avail themselves of the various government schemes, subsidies, and other forms of assistance offered by the Rubber Board.
• Difficulty in Trade: It becomes impossible to legally participate in the rubber trade, affecting the sourcing of raw materials and the sale of finished products.

The Rubber Board issues different types of licenses based on your specific involvement with natural rubber. Understanding these categories helps you apply for the correct Rubber Board license.

Obtaining your Rubber Board registration opens up a world of benefits for your business beyond just legal compliance.

1. Legal Compliance and Avoiding Heavy Penalties: A Rubber Board license ensures compliance with the Rubber Act, 1947, and Rubber Rules, 1955. It helps you avoid fines, suspension, or legal trouble from operating without authorization.
2. Government Subsidies and Financial Assistance Schemes: Licensed entities become eligible for various government subsidies and financial aid programs. These schemes support rubber cultivation, processing, and industry development.
3. Build Trust with Banks, Investors, and Business Partners: Holding a valid license enhances your credibility with financial institutions and stakeholders. It improves your chances of securing loans, investments, and strategic partnerships.
4. Access to Market Support and Export Promotion: Registered businesses get access to trade data, promotional tools, and market support from the Rubber Board. Exporters benefit from schemes, trade fairs, and RCMC-based incentives.

To get your Rubber Board license, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These vary slightly depending on the type of license you're applying for.

1. General Eligibility Criteria

• Legal Entity: The applicant must be an Indian citizen or a legally registered business entity in India (e.g., Proprietorship, Partnership Firm, Private Limited Company, Public Limited Company, Co-operative Society).
• Engagement in Rubber Business: The applicant must be genuinely associated with or engaged in rubber cultivation, processing, manufacturing, trading, or export activities.
• Compliance with Rubber Act: You must agree to follow the rules of the Rubber Act, 1947, and the Rubber Rules, 1955, as well as other relevant regulations.
• Financial Soundness: The business should ideally be financially sound and capable of sustaining its operations related to rubber.
• Adherence to Quality and Environmental Standards: Especially for processors and manufacturers, there's an expectation to adhere to quality standards and environmental guidelines.
• Clearance of Dues: For renewals, all statutory obligations, including the submission of returns/reports and remittance of any outstanding dues to the Rubber Board, must be cleared.

2. Specific Eligibility Criteria (depending on license type)

• For Processors:
  • Suitability of Applicant: The Rubber Board will assess the applicant's suitability.
  • Suitability of Site: The proposed factory premises must be suitable for processing activities.
  • Availability of Raw Materials: Assurance of access to raw materials (rubber).
  • Technical Know-how: Availability of necessary technical knowledge and expertise.
  • Arrangements for Technical Specifications: Ensuring proper arrangements for meeting the technical specifications of processed rubber.
  • Economic Feasibility: The project should be economically viable.
  • Pollution Control Board Consent: Valid consent from the State Pollution Control Board (Consent to Establish/Operate).
  • Local Authority License: Valid license from the local Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation authorities to establish the industry.
  • Project Report: A detailed project report outlining technical and operational plans.
• For Manufacturers:
  • Anticipated Rubber Requirement: The license fee and some requirements might vary based on the anticipated annual rubber consumption (e.g., up to 4 MT or exceeding 4 MT).
  • Readiness for Production: For new applications, the unit should be ready for the commencement of production at the time of license issuance.
• For Dealers:
  • Proof of Business Premises: Documentary evidence to prove the right of possession of the proposed business premises and storage.
• For Exporters:
  • Import-Export Code (IEC): A valid IEC code is mandatory.

The documents required will vary slightly depending on the type of license and your business structure.

Documents for a Dealer License (Form B)

• Proof of business premises (e.g., rent agreement or property ownership certificate)
• Affidavit confirming:
  • Identity and details of the proprietor or partners
  • Financial capability and intent to deal in raw rubber.

Documents for a Processor License (Form B1)

• Consent to Establish from the State Pollution Control Board.
• Consent to Operate from the State Pollution Control Board.
• Detailed project report including:
  • Nature of processing
  • Technical and operational capacity of the unit.

Documents for a Manufacturer License (Form D)

• A factory license or trade license from the relevant local authority.
• The estimated annual requirement of rubber for manufacturing.
• Description of manufacturing process and end products.

The application process for a Rubber Board license has become largely online, making it more convenient. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Understand License Type

i) Identify Your License Type: Determine which type of license your business requires based on your activity:

• Dealer's License (Form B): For purchasing, selling, or otherwise dealing in raw rubber.
• Processor's License (Form B1): For acquiring raw rubber for processing (e.g., into sheets, latex concentrate) or selling processed rubber.
• Manufacturer's License (Form D): For acquiring rubber to manufacture finished rubber products.
• Grower/Estate Registration (RCMC): For rubber cultivators.
• Exporter: Requires an IEC code and may fall under a Dealer's or Manufacturer's license if dealing with raw rubber or manufactured goods.

Step 2: One-Time User Registration on RBeGP/RUBIS Portal

i) Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Rubber Board's e-Governance portal (often referred to as RBeGP or RUBIS). The official website is for the e-governance section.

ii) Create an Account: If you are a new applicant, you will need to register as a new user. This involves providing basic details about your firm and setting up a username and password.

iii) Complete One-Time Registration: Fill in all required information for your firm and upload initial documents like ID proofs, address proofs, and business registration documents to complete the one-time user registration. This step is crucial for accessing the application forms and other services.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

i) Log In: Log in to your registered account on the RBeGP/RUBIS portal.

ii) Select Application Type: Navigate to the "Apply for New License" section and select the specific license type you wish to apply for (e.g., Processor Licence (Form-B1), Manufacturer Licence (Form-D), Dealer's License (Form-B)).

iii) Fill out the Form Accurately: Carefully fill out the online application form. Ensure all details are accurate and complete. Do not leave any mandatory fields blank; use "NA" if not applicable. Provide details such as:

• Applicant and firm details.
• Address of office, factory, and storage premises.
• Details of anticipated rubber requirement (for manufacturers/processors).
• Ownership particulars.
• Bank details.
• Existing licenses or registrations (if any).

iv) Upload Documents: Upload the scanned copies of all the required supporting documents as specified for your license type. Ensure that the file formats and sizes adhere to the portal's guidelines.

Step 4: Pay the Applicable License Fee

i) Fee Calculation: The portal will display the applicable license fee based on your chosen license type and, in some cases, your anticipated annual rubber consumption (e.g., for manufacturers).

• Dealer's License: Approx. Rs. 3540/- for three years (Rs. 1180/- per annum including GST).
• Processor's License: Approx. Rs. 3540/- for three years (Rs. 1180/- per annum including GST).
• Manufacturer's License:
  • Up to 4 MT annual consumption: Approx. Rs. 590/- per annum (including GST).
  • Exceeding 4 MT annual consumption: Approx. Rs. 1180/- per annum (including GST).

ii) Online Payment: Pay the license fee online using available options such as net banking, credit card, or debit card. Some portals may also allow payment via RTGS/NEFT or a Demand Draft. Ensure you receive and note down the UTR number or transaction ID.

Step 5: Submission and Physical Document Dispatch (if required)

i) Online Submission: After filling out the form and paying the fees, apply online through the portal.

ii) Hard Copy Submission (if instructed): While most of the process is online, in some cases, or for certain license types (e.g., for manufacturers), the Rubber Board may still require you to:

• Take a printout of the duly filled and submitted online application form.
• Sign the hard copy.
• Attach self-attested copies of all supporting documents.
• Send the complete physical application packet to the respective Rubber Board regional office or head office (Kottayam for manufacturers, Kochi for dealers/processors) via post or courier. Always check the latest instructions on the RBeGP portal for specific requirements.

Step 6: Application Processing, Verification, and Inspection

i) Initial Review: The Rubber Board officials will review your online application and the submitted documents for completeness and accuracy. They may request clarifications or additional documents if needed.

ii) Document Verification: The Board will verify the authenticity of the submitted documents.

iii) Site Inspection (for Processors/Manufacturers): For processing and manufacturing units, a physical inspection of your proposed factory/premises will likely be conducted by Rubber Board officials. This is to ensure compliance with infrastructure, safety, and environmental standards and to verify operational readiness.

iv) Due Clearance: Ensure all statutory obligations, like submitting past returns and clearing any outstanding dues, are met, especially for renewal applications.

Step 7: Approval and License Issuance

i) Final Review: After satisfactory verification and inspection (if applicable), the Rubber Board will conduct a final review of your application.

ii) Approval: If the application is approved, the Rubber Board will issue your license.

iii) Digital Certificate: You can typically download the digital license certificate from your RBeGP/RUBIS portal account. This certificate will include a Unique Certificate Number (UCN) for verification.

iv) Physical License (if applicable): In some cases, a physical copy of the license might also be dispatched.

The fees for obtaining a Rubber Board license generally include application fees and license fees. These fees help the Board manage regulatory functions and support the industry.

Fees for Different License Types

1. Dealer's License (Form B):

• Annual Fee: Rs. 1,180/- (Rs. 1,000/- + 18% GST) per annum.
• Initial Application (3 years): Approximately Rs. 3,540/- (Rs. 1,180/- x 3 years).
• Renewal (5 years): Approximately Rs. 5,900/- (Rs. 1,180/- x 5 years).

2. Processor's License (Form B1):

• Annual Fee: Rs. 1,180/- (Rs. 1,000/- + 18% GST) per annum.
• Initial Application (3 years): Approximately Rs. 3,540/- (Rs. 1,180/- x 3 years).
• Renewal (5 years): Approximately Rs. 5,900/- (Rs. 1,180/- x 5 years).

3. Manufacturer's License (Form D):

The fees for manufacturers vary based on their anticipated annual rubber consumption:

• Up to 4 Metric Tonnes (MT) Annual Consumption:

• • Annual Fee: Rs. 590/- (Rs. 500/- + 18% GST) per annum.
  • Initial Application (often 3 years, check specific terms): Approximately Rs. 1,770/- (Rs. 590/- x 3 years).
  • Renewal (often 5 years): Approximately Rs. 2,950/- (Rs. 590/- x 5 years).

• Exceeding 4 Metric Tonnes (MT) Annual Consumption:

• • Annual Fee: Rs. 1,180/- (Rs. 1,000/- + 18% GST) per annum.
  • Initial Application (often 3 years): Approximately Rs. 3,540/- (Rs. 1,180/- x 3 years).
  • Renewal (often 5 years): Approximately Rs. 5,900/- (Rs. 1,180/- x 5 years).

4. Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for Exporters:

• Application Fee: Approximately Rs. 5,900/- (Rs. 5,000/- + 18% GST).
• This is typically a one-time registration fee, but membership might have an annual or periodic component, or it might cover a longer period.

Other Potential Charges

• Penalty for Late Renewal: If you fail to renew your license before its expiry date, you may incur late fees or penalties.
• Amendment Fees: If you need to make amendments to your license details (e.g., change of address, change in constitution), there might be a nominal fee.
• Professional Consultation Fees: If you engage a consultant or legal professional to assist with the application process, their service charges would be additional.
• Bank Charges: Any bank charges incurred during the online payment or the Demand Draft creation process.

A new Rubber Board license is usually valid for an initial period of three years. After this, it is typically renewed for five years at a time. It's crucial to keep track of your rubber board license renewal date to ensure uninterrupted operations and avoid penalties.

The Process for Rubber Board License Renewal

The renewal process for your Rubber Board license is similar to the new application, largely done online through the RBeGP portal. You must submit your renewal application well before the expiry date to ensure continuous validity. The process involves:

• Log in to your RUBIS account.
• Select the renewal option for your existing license.
• Updating any changed information.
• Submitting necessary documents (e.g., evidence of continuing business, updated NOCs for processors).
• Paying the renewal fees online.

Failing to comply with the Rubber Act, 1947, and its rules can lead to serious consequences. The penalties for non-compliance are stringent and include:

The Rubber Board registration certificate is the official document issued by the Rubber Board of India that authorizes individuals or businesses to grow, process, deal in, or export natural rubber.

This certificate is a legal requirement and gives you access to various benefits such as subsidies, government schemes, and export entitlements.

The certificate contains:

• Name of the registered individual or entity.
• Rubber grower/processor/exporter code.
• Type of registration (Grower, Dealer, Processor, Exporter, etc.).
• Validity and issuance dates.
• Area of cultivation or scope of operation.

How to Download Your Rubber Board Registration Certificate?

Once your application is approved and your license is issued, you can easily download your official Rubber Board license certificate from the online portal. Follow these steps:

• Visit the Rubber Board Website: Go to rubberboard.gov.in.
• Log in to Your Account: Use your registered credentials (username and password) to securely log into the Rubber Board's e-Governance portal (RUBIS). Look for a "Login" or "Licensee Login" section.
• Go to the Registration/License Section: Once logged in, navigate to the section relevant to your registration type. This might be labeled "Licence Reports," "User Dashboard," "My Certificates," or similar, depending on the portal's layout.
• Search Your Registration/License: You may need to enter specific details to locate your certificate. This could include your Registration ID, Aadhaar number, the application number you received during the submission, or your specific license number.
• Download the Certificate: After successfully searching, your certificate details should appear on the screen. Look for a "Download Certificate" button or link, usually in PDF format. Click on it to save your official digital Rubber Board license to your device. You can then print it for your records.

How to Check the Rubber Board Registration Status Online?

If you've applied for a new license or a renewal and want to track its progress, the Rubber Board's online portal makes checking your status straightforward.

Step 1: Visit rubberboard.gov.in: Start by going to the official Rubber Board website.

Step 2: Click on the respective registration type: Navigate to the section that corresponds to your application type. This could be for "Grower," "Dealer," "Exporter," or a general "Licensing" or "e-Governance" section.

Step 3: Select "Check Registration Status" or use the application tracking feature: Within that section, look for an option to "Check Registration Status," "Track Application," or similar functionality that allows you to monitor the progress of your submission.

Step 4: Enter your Application Number or ID: You will be prompted to enter a unique identifier, which is typically the application number provided to you when you submitted your form, or your Registration ID.

Step 5: View your current application or renewal status: The system will then display the live status of your application. This will indicate whether it's pending, under scrutiny, approved, or if any additional information or action is required from your side. This helps you stay informed and know when to expect your Rubber Board license or its renewal.