Tea Board Registration Online in India

Tea Board of India registration refers to the official licensing and authorization required by various entities involved in the tea industry in India. The Tea Board of India, a statutory body established by the government, oversees the entire tea sector, from cultivation to export.

Obtaining a license from them is not just a formality; it's a critical legal requirement that brings numerous benefits to your business.

Tea Act 1953

The foundation of Tea Board registration lies in the Tea Act, 1953. This Act empowered the Central Government to control and develop the tea industry. It led to the establishment of the Tea Board of India on April 1, 1954. The Act grants the Tea Board wide-ranging powers to:

• Regulate tea production and cultivation.
• Improve tea quality.
• Promote cooperative efforts among growers and manufacturers.
• Undertake, assist, or encourage scientific and economic research.
• Regulate the sale and export of tea.
• Register and license manufacturers, brokers, tea waste dealers, and blenders.
• Improve the marketing of tea in India and abroad.
• Collect statistics and secure better working conditions for tea workers.

Therefore, any business dealing with tea needs to comply with this Act through proper Tea Board registration.

Registering with the Tea Board unlocks several key benefits that can strengthen and grow your tea business.

• Legal Recognition: It establishes your business as a legitimate and recognized entity within the Indian tea industry, ensuring compliance with government regulations.
• Access to Schemes and Subsidies: Registered businesses can avail themselves of various financial assistance schemes, subsidies, and grants offered by the Tea Board for development, quality improvement, and promotion.
• Export Opportunities: Tea Board exporter registration is mandatory if you plan to export tea from India. Without it, you cannot legally participate in the international tea trade.
• Quality Assurance: Registration signifies adherence to the quality standards set by the Tea Board, enhancing consumer trust in your products.
• Brand Protection: It helps safeguard the integrity and reputation of Indian tea globally, which indirectly benefits your brand.
• Traceability and Transparency: Registration ensures transparency in the tea supply chain, from garden to cup, which is increasingly important for consumers and global markets.
• Market Participation: It allows you to participate in organized tea auctions and other regulated market activities.
• Industry Support: Registered entities become part of the broader tea industry network, benefiting from market intelligence, research, and promotional activities undertaken by the Tea Board.

If your business touches any aspect of the tea lifecycle in India, you likely need Tea Board registration. The requirements vary based on your specific role:

1. Tea Growers: Tea Plantation and Garden Registration

• Requirement: If you cultivate tea, whether on a large estate or as a small tea grower, registering your plantation or garden is mandatory.
• Purpose: This registration helps the Tea Board monitor overall tea production, implement various development schemes for growers, ensure sustainable agricultural practices, and track quality at the very source.

2. Tea Makers: Licensing for Tea Manufacturers and Processing Units

• Requirement: Businesses involved in processing raw tea leaves into finished tea products (such as black tea, green tea, oolong tea, etc.) must obtain a Manufacturing Unit Registration or a Mini Tea Factory License.
• Purpose: This ensures stringent quality control throughout the production and manufacturing stages, guaranteeing that the tea processed meets the standards set by the Tea Board and other food safety regulations (like FSSAI). It covers aspects like processing capacity, hygiene, and machinery used.

3. Tea Traders: Registration for Exporters, Importers, and Distributors

• Tea Exporters:

  • Requirement: If you plan to send Indian tea to international markets, Tea Board exporter registration and an Exporter License are compulsory.
  • Purpose: This license is essential for legal compliance in international trade and is often a prerequisite for obtaining a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Tea Board, which is required to avail various export benefits under India's Foreign Trade Policy.

• Tea Importers:

  • Requirement: Businesses bringing tea into India for domestic sale or further processing require specific Import Licenses from the Tea Board.
  • Purpose: This ensures that imported tea meets Indian quality and safety standards and helps the Board regulate the flow of tea into the domestic market.

• Tea Distributors/Packers:

  • Requirement: If you are involved in selling, distributing, or packaging tea within the Indian domestic market, a Distributor License or Packer's Registration is necessary.
  • Purpose: This ensures regulated distribution practices, quality maintenance in packaging, and proper market oversight.

4. Market Participants: Licenses for Brokers, Buyers, and Auction Organizers

• Tea Brokers:

  • Requirement: Individuals or entities facilitating the sale of tea at public auctions need a specific Broker in Tea Auction License.
  • Purpose: Ensures fair trading practices, transparency, and adherence to auction rules, upholding the integrity of the tea auction system.

• Tea Buyers:

  • Requirement: Those purchasing tea in bulk, especially from auctions (either for domestic distribution or export), must obtain Buyer Registration.
  • Purpose: This registration ensures that only authorized and recognized entities participate in the auction system, maintaining transparency and accountability in bulk tea procurement.

• Auction Organizers:

  • Requirement: Entities that organize and conduct public tea auctions require an Organizers of Tea Auction License.
  • Purpose: This license authorizes them to conduct auctions under the Tea Board's regulations, ensuring a structured, transparent, and fair platform for the tea trade.

5. Support Services: Warehouse and Tea Waste License Requirements

• Tea Warehouse Owners:

  • Requirement: If you operate a facility for storing tea, particularly for auction or export purposes, you will need a Tea Warehouse License.
  • Purpose: This ensures that tea is stored under appropriate conditions (e.g., damp-proof, pest-controlled, hygienic) to maintain its quality and prevent contamination before it reaches the market or is exported.

• Tea Waste Dealers:

  • Requirement: Businesses dealing with tea waste (residue from processing) need a Tea Waste License. This applies to units manufacturing products like caffeine from tea waste or using it for bio-fertilizers.
  • Purpose: This regulation ensures proper handling, and disposal, and prevents misuse of tea waste, often involving specific quality and processing standards for the final product.

The Tea Board issues various licenses and registrations to cover the entire tea ecosystem. Here's a comprehensive list:

1. Garden Registration: For owners of tea plantations and estates. This registration helps in monitoring and regulating tea cultivation activities.
2. NOC for Construction of Tea Unit: A No Objection Certificate is required before constructing a new tea manufacturing or processing unit. It ensures the proposed facility complies with the Tea Board guidelines and environmental norms.
3. Manufacturing Unit Registration: Mandatory for all tea factories and processing units. This registration allows the Tea Board to maintain quality control and proper licensing of production units.
4. Mini Tea Factory License: Specifically for smaller-scale tea processing units. It supports small entrepreneurs in the tea industry by providing a tailored license.
5. Capacity Enhancement License: Required if you plan to increase the production capacity of an existing manufacturing unit. This ensures any expansion meets regulatory and safety standards.
6. Distributor License: For businesses engaged in the domestic distribution and sale of tea. This license regulates the supply chain and ensures compliance with market standards.
7. Exporter License: This license is a key requirement for any exporter seeking registration with the Tea Board and helps maintain export quality standards.
8. RCMC Certificate: While not a "license" per se, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued by the Tea Board to exporters and is essential for availing export benefits. It also facilitates participation in export promotion schemes.
9. Permanent Exporter License: For established exporters meeting specific criteria of continuous export volume. This license provides long-term export privileges and simplifies repeated registration.
10. Buyer Registration: For entities participating in tea auctions or purchasing bulk tea. Registration helps track buyers and maintain transparency in auction processes.
11. Broker in Tea Auction License: For individuals or firms acting as brokers in tea auctions. This license regulates brokerage activities and ensures fair dealings in auctions.
12. Organizers of Tea Auction License: For entities organizing tea auctions. This ensures the auction process follows Tea Board rules and standards.
13. Tea Warehouse License: For premises used for storing tea, especially for trade or export. Proper licensing ensures storage conditions meet quality and safety norms.
14. Tea Waste License: For dealing in tea waste, ensuring proper disposal or utilization. This license supports sustainable waste management practices in the tea industry.
15. Flavour Registration: Specifically for manufacturers of flavored tea, ensuring the flavors meet safety and quality standards and are properly labeled. This is a crucial step for any business seeking Tea Board registration for flavored tea, as it helps protect consumer health.

Eligibility for Tea Board registration depends on your business's role in the tea industry. The Tea Board aims to regulate and support all facets of the tea lifecycle, from cultivation to export.

General Eligibility Criteria (Applicable to most categories)

• Legal Entity: The applicant must be a legally recognized entity in India (e.g., Proprietorship, Partnership Firm, Private Limited Company, LLP, Trust, Society).
• Business Operations: The business must genuinely be engaged in a tea-related activity for which the license/registration is sought (e.g., growing, manufacturing, exporting, importing, distributing, brokering, warehousing, or dealing in tea waste).
• Compliance with Laws: The applicant must comply with all relevant Indian laws, including tax laws (PAN, GST registration where applicable), and potentially FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulations if dealing with consumable tea products.
• No Prior Disbarment: The applicant, its proprietors, partners, or directors should generally not have any association with a tea-based company whose license has been previously revoked, suspended, or canceled by the Tea Board.
• Infrastructure & Capacity: Depending on the license type, there might be specific requirements regarding the infrastructure (e.g., land for cultivation, factory premises for manufacturing, warehouse specifications for storage) and operational capacity.
• Financial Soundness: For certain categories like exporters or large-scale manufacturers, the Tea Board may assess financial stability or require a minimum export turnover for permanent licenses.

Specific Eligibility Highlights by Category

• Tea Growers (Plantation/Garden Registration):
  • Ownership or lawful possession of land designated for tea cultivation.
  • Details of the tea plantation area, age of bushes, and estimated production capacity.
  • Adherence to sustainable cultivation practices.
• Tea Manufacturers/Processing Units (Manufacturing Unit/Mini Tea Factory License):
  • Existence of dedicated factory premises with proper infrastructure and machinery for tea processing.
  • Compliance with FSSAI standards and obtaining an FSSAI license for food processing.
  • Details of manufacturing capacity and processes.
• Tea Exporters (Exporter License/Permanent Exporter License/RCMC):
  • Possession of a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.
  • Demonstrated capability to export tea. For a Permanent Export License, a minimum export of 100,000 Kg of Tea for 3 continuous years is required.
  • Regular filing of export returns.
  • Good track record in export operations.
• Tea Importers (Import License):
  • Valid IEC.
  • Adherence to quality and safety standards for imported tea.
• Tea Distributors/Packers (Distributor License/Packer's Registration):
  • Proof of business premises for distribution/packaging.
  • FSSAI registration for handling packaged food products.
  • Details of the distribution network or packaging facilities.
• Tea Brokers (Broker in Tea Auction License):
  • Established business entity (e.g., company, partnership firm).
  • Demonstrated experience or expertise in tea brokering.
  • Compliance with auction rules and procedures.
  • Typically, a valid company registration with MoA/AoA.
• Tea Buyers (Buyer Registration):
  • Registration to purchase tea in bulk, either from auctions or directly from tea estates.
  • Proof of VAT/CST registration (though now primarily GST registration).
• Tea Warehouse Owners (Tea Warehouse License):
  • Proof of ownership or legal possession of the warehouse premises.
  • The warehouse must meet specific standards for tea storage (e.g., a suitable environment, and pest control).
  • Map and layout of the warehouse.
• Tea Waste Dealers (Tea Waste License):
  • Proof of manufacturing plant registration if converting waste into other products.
  • Compliance with environmental and waste management regulations.
  • Sometimes requires a copy of a warehouse license.

While specific documents vary by license type, here’s a general list of commonly required documents for Tea Board registration:

General Documents Required (Common to most applications):

• Duly Signed Application Form: The system-generated application form, printed after online submission, must be properly signed with the office seal of the Proprietor/Partner/Director/Authorized Signatory, along with the date.
• Proof of Business Registration:
  • Proprietorship: Declaration on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper.
  • Partnership Firm: Copy of the Partnership Deed, duly attested by at least two partners (or notarized).
  • Company (Pvt. Ltd./Public Ltd.): Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association (MoA), and Articles of Association (AoA), duly certified by one of the directors.
  • LLP: LLP Agreement and Certificate of Incorporation of LLP.
• PAN Card: Copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of the applicant (individual, firm, or company).
• GST Registration Certificate: Copy of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration certificate, if applicable to your business.
• Identity Proof: Copy of Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors/Authorized Signatory.
• Address Proof: Copy of electricity bill, telephone bill, bank statement, or rent agreement for the registered office address.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Recent photographs of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors/Authorized Signatory.
• Authorization Letter/Board Resolution: If the application is signed by an authorized signatory, a resolution from the Board of Directors (for companies) or an authorization letter (for firms/proprietorships) permitting that person to sign on behalf of the entity.
• Bank Account Details: Bank name, account number, IFSC code, and a copy of a canceled cheque.

Specific Documents Required (Varies by License Type):

• For Tea Exporter License:
  • Copy of Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.
  • A declaration on company letterhead stating regular submission of monthly export returns (including NIL returns).
  • Copy of the Tea Board's existing exporter license (for renewal).
  • For Permanent Exporter License: Proof of minimum export of 100,000 Kg of Tea for 3 continuous years.
• For Tea Importer License:
  • Copy of Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.
  • Declaration regarding compliance with quality standards for imported tea.
• For Tea Manufacturers/Processing Units (Manufacturing Unit/Mini Tea Factory License):
  • Detailed list of machinery and equipment installed with dates of installation.
  • Copy of Factory Layout Drawing (often required to be drawn by a Civil Engineer).
  • Copy of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) License/Registration.
  • A declaration on non-judicial stamp paper stating that tea will be manufactured following FSSAI rules.
  • Copy of NOC (No Objection Certificate) issued by the Tea Board for setting up a new tea factory (if applicable).
  • Copy of Factory License issued by the concerned State Government authority.
  • Central Excise Registration Certificate (if applicable).
• For Tea Growers (Tea Plantation/Garden Registration):
  • Proof of ownership or lawful possession of the land where tea is cultivated (e.g., land deed, lease agreement).
  • Site plan/map of the tea garden/plantation.
  • Details of the planted area, age of bushes, and estimated annual production.
  • Soil suitability certificate (may be required for new plantations).
• For Tea Brokers (Broker in Tea Auction License):
  • Proof of experience in tea brokering.
  • Detailed company profile.
  • FSSAI Certificate (if applicable to operations).
  • Tax reports or audit reports (parameters may be set by FSSAI or NABL).
• For Tea Buyers (Buyer Registration):
  • Proof of GST Registration.
  • Declaration of intent to purchase tea from auctions or estates.
• For Tea Warehouse Owners (Tea Warehouse License):
  • Documents supporting ownership/registered lease deed/rent agreement of the warehouse premises (duly notarized).
  • Auction Organizer's Recommendation (for auction warehouses only).
  • Declaration on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper regarding warehouse conformity to specifications and no allegations.
  • Layout and map of the warehouse.
• For Tea Waste Dealers (Tea Waste License):
  • Copy of Warehouse License (if applicable).
  • Registration Certificate of the manufacturing plant (if converting waste into other products like caffeine).
  • Compliance with environmental regulations.

The Tea Board of India has streamlined its registration process significantly through its online e-governance portal, eGiCCS (Electronic Governance in Control & Certifying System). This allows most businesses involved in the tea sector to apply for and manage their licenses digitally.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the online Tea Board Registration process:

Step 1: User Registration/Sign Up on the eGiCCS Portal

• Visit the Portal: Go to the official Tea Board of India e-governance portal.
• Click "Sign Up": Locate and click on the "Sign Up" or "New User Registration" option.
• Fill Registration Details: Provide all mandatory details, including your Name, Company Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, Address, PIN code, State, and District, and create a User ID and Password.
• OTP Verification: An OTP will be sent to your registered Email ID and Mobile Number. Enter both OTPs to verify your account and complete the sign-up process.
• Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation of your user ID and password.

Step 2: Login and Select License Type

• Log In: Use your newly created User ID and Password to log in to the eGiCCS portal.
• Navigate to License Management: Once logged in, click on the "License Management" tab or similar option, then "Apply for License / Registration."
• Accept Declaration: Read and accept the undertaking/declaration.
• Select State: Choose your operating State from the dropdown menu.
• Choose License Type: Carefully select the specific License/Registration type that applies to your business activity (e.g., "Exporter License," "Manufacturer Registration Certificate," "Garden Registration," "Warehouse License," "Broker License," "Buyer Registration," etc.). The portal usually lists all available categories.

Step 3: Fill out the Application Form

• Access Application Form: The system will open the relevant online application form based on your selected license type.
• Enter Details: Fill in all required fields accurately. This will include:
  • Business details (name, address, legal status, PAN, GSTIN).
  • Details specific to your license type (e.g., tea plantation area for growers, manufacturing capacity for factories, IEC for exporters).
  • Contact person details.
• Save Draft: You can often save your application as a draft if you need to gather more information or documents.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Scan all necessary supporting documents (as per the specific license type's requirements) and convert them into separate PDF files. Ensure they are clear and readable. (REFER TO THE DOCUMENTS SECTION BELOW).

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

• Proceed to Payment: Once the application form is filled out and documents are uploaded, proceed to the payment section.
• Online Payment: Pay the prescribed government fee through online modes such as Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card. The fee amount varies depending on the license type.
• Confirmation: A payment confirmation will be generated.

Step 6: Submit the Application and Print System-Generated Form

• Download System Form: After successful payment, the system will generate a final application form. Download and print this form.
• Sign & Seal: Duly sign and affix your business seal on the printed form.
• Upload Signed Form: Scan the signed and sealed form, then upload it back to the portal by clicking the "Attach" or "Upload form" button.
• Final Submission: Click "Submit" to officially submit your application. An acknowledgment or application reference number will be generated.

Step 7: Application Review & Verification

• Scrutiny: The Tea Board officials will review your submitted application and the uploaded documents.
• Clarifications/Queries: If any discrepancies are found or additional information is required, the Tea Board may raise a "Query." You will be notified via email/SMS, and you'll need to log in to your dashboard to respond to the query by providing the necessary clarifications or documents within the stipulated time.
• Inspection (if applicable): For certain licenses (e.g., manufacturing units, large plantations, warehouses), a physical inspection of your premises might be conducted by Tea Board officials to verify the provided details.

Step 8: Approval & Certificate Issuance

• Approval: Once your application is found to be complete in all respects, and all verifications/inspections are satisfactory, the Tea Board will approve your application.
• Certificate Issuance: The Tea Board will then issue the registration certificate or license, which is typically valid for five years.
• Download Certificate: You can download the digital certificate in PDF format from your eGiCCS dashboard. You will also usually receive an email/SMS notification upon issuance.

The fees for Tea Board registration vary depending on the type of license or registration you are applying for. The Tea Board periodically revises its fee structure, so it's always best to check the latest fee schedule on the official eGiCCS portal or the Tea Board website.

Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on government updates, so always verify on the Tea Board’s official website before applying.

The validity period for Tea Board licenses in India varies significantly depending on the specific type of license.

While some licenses have limited validity and require periodic renewal, others, particularly those crucial for the core operations or established players, can be valid for a lifetime.

Renewing your Tea Board license is crucial to maintain legal compliance and continue your operations without interruption. The process is generally straightforward:

• Timely Application: Apply for renewal well in advance of your license's expiry date to avoid penalties or discontinuation of services. The Tea Board usually issues renewal reminders.
• Online Portal: Log in to the eGiCCS portal using your existing credentials.
• Renewal Application Form: Locate the renewal application section for your specific license type.
• Update Documents: If there have been any changes to your business details (address, directors, etc.), ensure you update these and upload the latest supporting documents.
• Pay Renewal Fee: Pay the prescribed renewal fee online.
• Await Approval: The Tea Board will review your renewal application. Upon approval, a fresh certificate will be issued, or the validity of your existing registration will be extended in the online system.

Tea Board registration covers a wide array of tea-related products and activities. Essentially, if it involves tea, it likely falls under their purview:

Note: Businesses dealing with any of these categories must register with the Tea Board of India to ensure compliance with legal and quality standards for manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.

To ensure a smooth tea board registration process, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Incomplete Forms: Failing to fill out all mandatory fields in the tea board registration form.
• Incorrect Information: Providing inaccurate or inconsistent details can lead to rejections or queries.
• Missing Documents: Not uploading all the required supporting documents or submitting outdated versions.
• Eligible Documents: Uploading scanned copies that are not clear or readable.
• Incorrect License Type: Applying for the wrong type of license for your business activity.

While both are issued by the Tea Board and are important for exporters, they serve distinct purposes:

Tea Board registration opens doors to various incentives and schemes aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of the Indian tea industry. While these schemes can vary, common areas of support include:

• Developmental Schemes: Financial assistance for improving tea cultivation practices, soil management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Quality Upgradation: Subsidies for modernization of tea factories, adoption of new processing technologies, and improvement of tea quality.
• Export Promotion Schemes: Support for participating in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, market research, and branding initiatives for Indian tea abroad. This is a major benefit of tea board exporter registration.
• Small Tea Grower Development: Specific schemes tailored to support small tea growers, including financial aid for planting, replanting, and infrastructure development.
• Labour Welfare Schemes: Initiatives focused on improving living and working conditions for tea plantation workers, including housing, education, and healthcare.
• Research & Development Support: Funding for research in new tea varieties, sustainable practices, and value addition.

These incentives underline the importance of the Tea Board online registration as a gateway to governmental support for your tea business.

Generally, the Tea Act, of 1953, and the rules thereunder mandate Tea Board registration for most commercial activities involving tea. However, some minor exceptions or specific interpretations might exist, often related to:

• Very Small-Scale Producers/Farmers: In some cases, extremely small tea growers (e.g., for self-consumption or minimal local sale) might have relaxed requirements or specific thresholds below which full registration is not mandatory. However, even small growers are encouraged to register to avail benefits.
• Retailers of Packaged Tea: Businesses that only retail pre-packaged tea from registered manufacturers or distributors typically do not require a separate Tea Board license. They primarily need general business registrations.
• Individuals for Personal Use: Obviously, individuals buying tea for personal consumption are exempt.

It is always advisable to clarify with the Tea Board or a legal expert if you believe your specific operation might fall under an exemption to ensure full compliance.

Operating without proper Tea Board registration or violating the provisions of the Tea Act, 1953, and its associated rules can lead to serious consequences:

Note: Penalties may vary depending on the case and repeated offenses, and the Tea Board reserves the right to initiate legal action for serious violations.

The Tea Board Registration Certificate is an official document issued by the Tea Board of India that certifies your business as a registered entity authorized to engage in tea-related activities such as cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or export.

This certificate ensures compliance with the Tea Act, 1953, and helps build credibility with buyers, regulatory authorities, and trade partners. It contains important details like the registered business name, license number, type of license, validity period, and official seal from the Tea Board.

How to Download Your Tea Board Registration Certificate Online?

Once your Tea Board registration application is approved, you can easily download your official certificate from their online portal, typically the eGiCCS portal. This digital copy serves as your proof of valid registration.

• Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Tea Board of India's dedicated e-governance platform, the eGiCCS portal.
• Log In: Use your registered user ID and password to access your account dashboard.
• Navigate to Approved Applications: Look for sections like 'Licensing Management Module,' then 'COMPLETE APPLICATION,' or similar, which lists your approved registrations.
• Download Certificate: Find your specific approved license/registration and select the option to 'VIEW/DOWNLOAD' the certificate, typically available in PDF format. Save it to your device for your records.

How to Check the Status of Your Tea Board Registration Online?

Tracking your Tea Board application's progress online offers transparency and keeps you informed every step of the way.

• Access the Tea Board Portal: Go to the Tea Board of India's official e-governance portal.
• Locate "Track Application": On the login page or within the 'License/Registration' or 'e-Services' section, find the 'Track Application' or 'Check License Status' option.
• Enter Details: Input your unique application number or registration ID. You might also need to provide other details like the type of license or your registered mobile/email.
• View Status: Submit the information. The system will display the real-time status of your application, showing if it's "Submitted," "Under Scrutiny," "Query Raised" (requiring your action), "Approved," or "Issued." Monitor this status until your certificate is ready for download.