What is the Tea Board of India?
The Tea Board of India, established in 1953 under the Tea Act, operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is responsible for promoting and regulating the tea industry in India. The Board's main functions include:
1. Promotion and Marketing: Conducts campaigns and participates in trade fairs to boost the global presence of Indian tea.
2. Research and Development: Funds research on tea cultivation and processing to improve yield and quality.
3. Regulation and Quality Control: Ensures compliance with quality standards and issues export licenses.
4. Support to Growers and Producers: Provides financial assistance and welfare schemes to tea workers and small growers.
5. Sustainability Initiatives: Promotes sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.
6. Data Collection: Collects and publishes data on tea production, consumption, and prices to aid stakeholders.
What is the Tea Board Registration License?
The Tea Board Registration License, often referred to as the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), is a certification issued by the Tea Board of India. This license is mandatory for entities involved in the export of tea, including bulk tea, packet tea, tea bags, and instant tea. The RCMC certifies that the holder is registered with the Tea Board and is eligible to avail of various benefits under the Export-Import Policy of the Government of India.
Purpose and Importance of the Tea Board Registration License
1. Legal Requirement: It is a mandatory legal requirement for exporters of tea products to be registered with the Tea Board to conduct export activities.
2. Export Promotion: The RCMC helps in promoting Indian tea in international markets by enabling exporters to participate in trade fairs, exhibitions, and other promotional activities organized by the Tea Board.
3. Access to Benefits: Holders of the RCMC can avail of import/export entitlements and duty drawback benefits under the Export-Import Policy.
4. Quality Assurance: Registration ensures that exporters adhere to the quality standards set by the Tea Board, which helps maintain the reputation of Indian tea globally.
What are the Benefits of a Tea Board Registration?
Official Authorization
Registration with the Tea Board provides legal recognition to operate within the tea industry, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by the government.
Participation in Trade Fairs and Exhibitions
Registered entities can participate in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and other promotional activities organized by the Tea Board, helping to increase market visibility and opportunities.
Export Entitlements
Exporters benefit from import/export entitlements under the Export-Import Policy of the Government of India, facilitating smoother and more profitable export operations.
Technical Training
The Tea Board provides technical training and support to improve the skills and knowledge of those involved in the tea industry.
Market Data and Analysis
The Tea Board collects and disseminates data on tea production, consumption, prices, and market trends, which can help stakeholders make informed business decisions.
Organic Certification
Support for organic tea farming and certification helps growers meet international organic standards and access premium markets.
Who can apply for Tea Board Registration License include:
Tea Growers
For individuals or companies involved in cultivating tea.
Tea Manufacturers
For those engaged in processing tea leaves into finished tea products.
Tea Brokers
For intermediaries who facilitate the sale of tea between buyers and sellers.
Tea Buyers
For intermediaries who facilitate the sale of tea between buyers and sellers.
Tea Exporters
For businesses involved in exporting Indian tea to international markets.
Auction Organizers
For entities that conduct tea auctions.
Role of Shamkris and Process of Tea Board Registration License
Under Tea Board registration in India, various products related to the tea industry can be registered. These products span across different categories and stages of tea production, processing, distribution, and export. Here’s a list of some of the key products that can be registered under Tea Board registration:
Tea Products:
1. Bulk Tea: Loose tea leaves are intended for packaging and distribution in bulk quantities.
2. Packet Tea: Packaged tea sold in retail-sized packets for consumer purchase.
3. Tea Bags: Pre-packaged tea bags containing measured quantities of tea leaves for convenient brewing.
4. Instant Tea: Tea products that can be prepared quickly by dissolving in hot water, often available in powder or granular form.
5. Flavored Tea: Tea leaves infused or blended with various natural or artificial flavors to create unique taste profiles.
6. Organic Tea: Tea produced using organic farming practices and certified by regulatory bodies for adherence to organic standards.
7. Specialty Tea: Premium-quality tea products distinguished by unique characteristics, flavors, and processing methods.
Document Required for Tea Board Registration License :
Role of Shamkris and Process of Tea Board Registration License
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to compliance with mandatory licence requirements in the organization. A simple and guidance methodology help organisation to achieve licence in a timely manner and cost-effective. Shamkris support 100% in advisory, Guidance, Compliance with respect to license requirements to obtain approval.
The License process described below:
- Advisory for the document required
- Preparation of documents as per application & list of documents.
- Application File
- Inspection by the department if required
- Liason department
- License issued
- Yearly Compliance if Applicable
- Renewal when due
Who can issue a Tea Board Registration License?
Validity of Tea Board Registration License
It is issued by the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) after verifying the exporter’s credentials, and is valid for five years. To obtain an RCMC, the exporter must submit a Tea Board export license application to FIEO along with a few required documents.
FAQ
Tea Board registration involves obtaining a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Tea Board of India, which authorizes entities to operate within the tea industry, including growing, manufacturing, brokering, buying, exporting, and auction organizing.
The following entities need to register:
• Tea growers
• Tea manufacturers
• Tea brokers
• Tea buyers
• Tea exporters
• Auction organizers
Application forms can be obtained from the Tea Board of India’s official website or from regional Tea Board offices.
Commonly required documents include:
• Identity proof (Aadhar card, PAN card, passport)
• Address proof (utility bills, lease/rent agreement)
• Business registration certificates (GST registration, company incorporation certificate)
• Proof of ownership or lease of tea garden or factory (for growers and manufacturers)
• Bank account details
• Importer Exporter Code (IEC) for exporters
The validity of the RCMC typically ranges from 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of registration and specific regulations of the Tea Board.