Tea Board Registration

India is renowned for its tea production and export, and the Tea Board of India plays a crucial role in promoting and developing the industry. Any registered exporter of bulk tea products such as tea bags, packet tea, and instant tea is required to obtain a Tea Board Registration License. The Registrationcum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) allows the exporters to avail of import/export entitlements and duty drawback benefits under the Export-Import Policy of the Government of India. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of Tea Board Registration, the process of obtaining it, and the documents required to apply for it.

I. Introduction

A. Tea Board of India

The Tea Board of India is a government organization that promotes tea production and exports of Indian tea. Its origin dates back to 1903, when the Indian Tea Cess Bill was passed. The Board was established to levy a cess on tea exports, and the proceeds were used to promote Indian tea both within and outside India. Today, the Tea Board plays a vital role in regulating the tea industry, and its functions include registration, certification, and export promotion. Manufacturers of tea in India need to register under the Tea Marketing Control Order 2003, and every registered manufacturer needs to provide a monthly return to the registering authority. The Board has developed an online portal for manufacturers to file these monthly returns conveniently. The Tea Board has also launched a Tea Garden Baseline Survey to understand and create new and improved models for the development of the tea industry. Overall, the Tea Board of India is committed to promoting the growth of the Indian tea industry and supporting the development of domestic tea markets. 

B. Roles and responsibilities

The Tea Board of India has various functions and responsibilities that it undertakes for the benefit of the tea industry in the country. Some of the roles and responsibilities of the Tea Board of India are as follows:
– It provides financial assistance to cultivators and technical assistance to manufacturers and marketers of tea.
– It promotes the exportation of tea and aims to encourage scientific research and development for improved tea cultivation and production.
– It assists plantation workers financially through different welfare schemes and programs.
– It helps unorganized sectors of small-scale producers and encourages them with financial and technical support.
– The Tea Board of India records, maintains and compares different data related to tea production and trade in India.
– The Tea Board of India complies with the rules and regulations assigned by the central government and enforces the same.
– The Board has various committees such as the Export Promotion Committee and the Labour Welfare Committee, and the Development Committee among others that guide and oversee the different activities of the Board. 

C. Types of tea promoted

The Tea Board of India actively promotes different types of tea from the country, in both the domestic and international market. India produces several varieties of tea, each with its unique aroma, flavor, and texture. Here are some of the popular tea types promoted by the Tea Board of India:
– Assam Tea: Grown in the northeastern state of Assam, it is the largest tea-producing region in India. Assam tea is known for its malty flavor, bright color, and strong-bodied texture.

– Darjeeling Tea: This tea hails from the Darjeeling district in West Bengal and is regarded as the ‘Champagne of Teas. It is considered to be one of the finest teas in the world and is characterized by its floral aroma, delicate flavor, and light color.

– Nilgiri Tea: Grown in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, this tea is known for its fragrant aroma and fruity flavor. It has a dark color and a brisk taste.

– Kangra Tea: Produced in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, it is a unique tea that has a subtle flavor and aroma, with floral notes.

The Tea Board promotes these and other types of tea to showcase the diversity and richness of the Indian tea culture. The objective is to help tea lovers discover and appreciate the unique flavors and nuances of the different types of tea, and also to encourage trade and export.

II. Licenses Issued by the Tea Board of India

A. License for using land as a new tea estate

The Tea Board of India ensures that the land used for tea cultivation is genuinely dedicated to the production of tea. If you plan to use virgin soil to grow tea, you must apply for a license from the board. This license is issued to reduce the misuse of tea waste and ensure that useful residues are appropriately utilized. To obtain this license, you must submit an application through the official website of the Tea Board of India. Obtaining this license is essential if you wish to export tea as it is one of the licenses required to begin exporting. Additionally, the Tea Control Order 1957 mandates a valid exporter’s license for exporters. To store tea in a warehouse, an exporter must obtain a Tea Warehouse License from the Tea Board of India. Overall, obtaining a license for using land as a new tea estate is an important step in the process of exporting tea from India. 

B. Exporter License

To export tea from India, a valid exporter license is mandatory according to the Tea Control Order 1957. The applicant must fill and submit the exporter license application Form A on the official website of the Tea Board of India following the required regulations. To store tea in a warehouse, an exporter is required to obtain a Tea Warehouse License from the board. The Tea Board India issues RCMC for the export of various types and grades of tea products on the grant of registration as an exporter of tea. The benefits of obtaining membership from the Tea Board of India include participation in major tea trade shows and exhibitions held in significant tea-consuming nations. This export promotion activity aims to promote awareness about the quality of Indian tea to overseas roasters, traders, and consumers. The Tea Board India conducts many programs for exporters to select fine teas and expose them to export markets. The eligibility criteria for obtaining an RCMC from the Tea Board of India are being a manufacturer exporter or a merchant exporter and submitting the required documents along with the application fee. 

C. Tea Warehouse License

Tea Warehouse License is a key license required to operate a tea warehouse in India. It is issued by the Tea Board of India and is mandatory for any entity that deals in the storage, processing, or packaging of tea. Let’s take a closer look at some of the important details about the Tea Warehouse License in India:

1. The Tea Warehouse License is a legal document that authorizes tea companies to operate a tea warehouse.

2. Companies applying for a tea warehouse license need to submit the necessary documents to the Tea Board of India, along with the applicable fees.

3. The Tea Board of India has established guidelines regarding storage, transport, and handling of tea which must be adhered to by the warehouse operators.

4. The Tea Warehouse License is issued for a period of three years, after which it needs to be renewed.

5. The Tea Board of India can cancel the license in case of non-compliance with the guidelines and regulations.

Overall, obtaining a Tea Warehouse License is essential for any tea-related business in India that deals with the storage and handling of tea. 

D. Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)

The Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a certificate that validates an exporter dealing with restricted products registered with an agency or organization authorized by the Indian Government. The RCMC serves as evidence of membership or registration of an exporter with a specific Export Promotion Council (EPC), commodity board, or export development authority and authorizes them for importing or exporting restricted products per the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP). Obtaining a RCMC offers several benefits to exporters such as access to export promotion schemes and benefits like Duty Drawback, Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), and Market Access Initiative (MAI). The certificate makes it easier for exporters to import or export restricted goods as it validates the authenticity of the exporter’s products and membership with a recognized authority and their compliance with government regulations. RCMC also enhances the credibility of the exporter and enables them to stay updated with the latest market information and developments through export promotion activities and programs organized by Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards. Finally, RCMC is mandatory to qualify for export incentives and subsidies under schemes like MEIS, RoSCTL, RoDTEP, SEIS, Advance License, and EPCG. 

III. Applying for Tea Board Registration

A. Tea Board Online Registration Cum Membership Certificate

Tea Board Online Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is mandatory for exporters of bulk tea, packet tea, tea bags, and instant tea. It is assigned to legitimate tea traders by the Tea Board of India, which is responsible for licensing and regulating the tea industry in India. The Tea Board of India was established in 1933 to promote and develop the tea industry in India. Being the second-largest producer and the third-largest exporter of tea in the world, India is home to the most exquisite varieties of tea across the globe. The procedure of Tea Board Online Registration is easy and convenient. Tea traders can apply for RCMC registration after obtaining the Tea Export License, and Tea Board officials would verify the application forms and documents. If found complete in all respects, the RCMC would be issued to the tea exporter. The Tea Board of India provides various licenses and registrations for tea traders, including License for using land as a new tea estate, Exporter License, and Tea Warehouse License. To apply for Tea Board Online Registration, applicants have to provide mandatory details and supporting documents as per the license category. 

B. End-to-end process of certification

Tea Board Registration in India requires obtaining a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) which is necessary for availing benefits under the Export-Import Policy of the Government of India. The Tea Board of India oversees the process of certification for Tea exporters. The Tea Board also provides financial assistance, technical knowledge, and fosters research and development in the tea industry. The end-to-end process for obtaining the RCMC includes several steps such as submitting the application form in a prescribed format, along with a copy of the Import Export Code (IEC), Tea Board’s exporter license, and other required documents. The process also involves inspection by the department, if required. The Tea Board of India has an online registration process for the certification. The objective of the Tea Board Scheme is to promote the growth of the Indian Tea industry. The components of the scheme include financial and technical assistance, research and development, and promoting cultivation, processing, and domestic trade, along with the exportation of tea from India. Obtaining a Tea Board Registration License ensures compliance with statutory requirements in a cost-effective manner, and helps businesses to achieve the license in a timely manner. 

C. Documents required for obtaining RCMC

To obtain a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Tea Board, tea traders need to provide several documents as per the license category. Some of the documents required for Tea Board registration include the name, address, and contact number of all directors/partners with proof. Licenses, registrations, certifications by Tea Board India, and inclusions of additional flavored tea in the existing flavor registration are also required. Additionally, the issuance of registration certificates for manufacturing units, NOC for the construction of a manufacturing tea unit, and change of ownership of garden registration are needed. Other documents required for Tea Board registration include the change of ownership of tea factory license, capacity enhancement of an existing tea factory, and tea waste license for bio-fertilizer unit or caffeine manufacturing unit. These documents help Tea Board officials check the application forms and documents. If found complete, Tea Board would approve the application, and a Tea Board Certificate (RCMC) would be issued to the tea exporter. 

D. Procedure for online registration

Tea Board of India online registration for getting a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is a convenient process that can be accomplished in a few easy steps. Here is a step-by-step procedure to follow:
1. Go to the official Tea Board of India website and select the ‘Tea Board Registration’ option.

2. Select the type of license you want to apply for and fill in the mandatory details such as name, address, contact number and upload supporting documents as per the license category.

3. Submit the required application fees along with the application form.

4. Once the application form is submitted, apply for Tea Board’s Exporter License. To apply, submit the required documents for Exporter License.

5. Once the Tea Export License is issued, apply for RCMC registration by submitting application forms (19A & 19B) and attachments online.

6. Approval & issuance of the Tea Board Certificate (RCMC) will be granted after the officials verify the application forms and attached documents.

The Tea Board of India online registration process is transparent, efficient, and easy to follow. Apply today and get expert assistance for a lifetime! 

IV. Tea Board of India Schemes

A. Approval of the Tea Board Scheme

The Tea Board of India has recently conveyed its approval for the implementation of the Tea Board Scheme during the Medium-Term Framework (MTF) from 2017-18 to 2019-2020. The scheme has seven components that cover the broad areas of the Tea Board’s operations. These components include Replantation, Replacement Planting, Rejuvenation of old tea bushes, Quality Upgradation and Product Diversification, Market Promotion – Domestic and International, and Orthodox Production. The objective of the Tea Board Scheme is to promote the production of quality tea and export it worldwide, making India a leading producer and supplier of tea globally. The Tea Board is dedicated to assisting tea farmers and cultivators in manufacturing and marketing high-quality tea. They conduct market surveys, analysis, and statistics related to the growth in tea production and implement various schemes assigned by the government in the favor of tea exports. Through these efforts, the Tea Board is focused on promoting the growth of tea exports from India and maintaining the quality of tea produced and exported. 

B. Components of Tea Board scheme

The Tea Board of India has a variety of schemes designed to promote and develop the Indian tea industry. The components of these schemes include:
1. Research and Development: This aims to improve tea production and quality through research and development initiatives.

2. Export Promotion: This promotes Indian tea in international markets through various marketing and promotional efforts.

3. Promotion: This promotes Indian tea in domestic markets through various marketing and promotional efforts.

4. Quality Control: This ensures that only the best quality tea is produced and exported.

5. Financial Assistance: The Tea Board provides financial assistance to tea growers, manufacturers, and exporters through various schemes.

6. Tea Tourism: This promotes tea tourism in the tea-growing areas of India, allowing tourists to experience the tea industry firsthand.

7. Human Resource Development: The Tea Board provides training and education to workers in the Indian tea industry, helping to improve the skills and knowledge of workers.

These components work together to promote and develop the Indian tea industry, making it a thriving and important part of the Indian economy. 

C. Objective of Tea Board scheme

The Tea Board of India has established a scheme to promote the cultivation, processing, and sale of tea within the country. The scheme has several objectives that aim to enhance the tea industry in India. These objectives include:
1. Promoting tea cultivation in non-traditional areas of the country to encourage diversity and improve supply.

2. Enhancing the quality tea produced in India to meet international standards, thus improving export potential.

3. Encouraging collaboration between tea growers, processors, and traders to create a more integrated value chain.

4. Supporting small-scale tea growers by providing financial and technical assistance to improve productivity and quality.

5. Promoting the consumption of tea domestically in India to reduce dependence on exports.

Through these objectives, the Tea Board scheme seeks to increase export revenue, create jobs, and promote sustainable tea cultivation practices in the country. Additionally, the scheme aims to raise awareness of Indian teas and improve their reputation globally. The Tea Board of India continues to oversee the implementation of this scheme, collaborating with various stakeholders in the tea industry to achieve its goals. 

V. Final Key-notes

A. Summary of Tea Board Registration process

In summary, the Tea Board of India was established to promote and regulate the cultivation, processing, and export of tea from India. The Tea Board undertakes various activities like organising fairs, exhibitions, meetings between buyers and sellers, and disseminating information to relevant stakeholders. The Tea Board has several licenses and registrations that must be obtained to export tea from India, including a License for Using Land as a New Tea Estate, an Exporter License, a Tea Warehouse License, and a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC). To obtain an RCMC, one must follow the end-to-end process of certification, which includes filling out an application form, creating a DD/cheque, and submitting the form online. Several documents are required for obtaining RCMC, including an application form, a copy of Importer and Exporter Code, a declaration in Letter Head, a letter of authorisation, and any other document demanded by the Tea Board. The Tea Board of India aims to make India one of the leading producers and suppliers of quality tea in global markets. 

VI. Documents required for Tea Board Registration in India

1. Proof of Identity such as PAN Card, Voter ID card, Passport, or Aadhaar Card.
2. Proof of Address such as electricity bill, water bill, telephone bill, or rental agreement.
3. Copy of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
4. Copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and Registration under the Companies Act, 1956.
5. Copy of the GST Registration Certificate.
6. Proof of possession of tea cultivation land or partnership deed in case of renting land.
7. Bank statement of the applicant.

VII. Advantages of Tea Board Registration in India:

1. Legal Recognition: A tea business registered with the Tea Board of India gets legal recognition and protection.
2. Quality Control: The Tea Board of India provides various training programs to enhance the quality of tea produced.
3. Promotion and Marketing: They promote tea produced in India both domestically and globally.
4. Grants and Subsidies: A registered tea business can apply for government grants and subsidies to enhance and improve the quality of tea production.

VIII. Disadvantages of Tea Board Registration in India:

1. Strict Regulations: The Tea Board of India imposes strict standards and regulations to ensure the quality of tea produced.
2. Lengthy Process: The process of getting Tea Board registration is lengthy and time-consuming.
3. Costly: The application fee and registration fee for Tea Board registration can be high for small tea businesses.
4. Continuous Monitoring: Once registered, the Tea Board continuously monitors the activities of the registered tea businesses, which can be intrusive for some businesses.

IX. Process of getting Tea Board Registration in India:

1. Fill the Tea Board Registration Application form online or visit the Tea Board of India office.
2. Submit the necessary documents and pay the requisite fees.
3. Schedule an inspection of the tea estate or factory by a Tea Board inspector.
4. Wait for approval or rejection of the application.

X. Types of Tea Board Registration in India:

1. Producer Registration: For tea growers and producers who cultivate and process tea for sale.
2. Exporter Registration: For tea traders who export tea from India to foreign countries.
3. Manufacturers Registration: For businesses involved in the manufacture of tea products such as packaged tea, tea bags, and instant tea.

XI. Frequently Asked Questions about Tea Board Registration in India:

1. What is the Tea Board of India?
Ans: The Tea Board of India is a regulatory body that oversees the tea industry in India.

2. Why is Tea Board Registration important?
Ans: Tea Board Registration provides legal recognition and protects tea businesses, ensures quality control, promotes and markets tea produced in India, and provides grants and subsidies.

3. What documents are required for Tea Board Registration?
Ans: Documents such as Proof of Identity, Proof of Address, Certificate of Incorporation, GST Registration Certificate, and Bank Statement are required for Tea Board Registration.

4. Is the Tea Board Registration free?
Ans: No, there is an application fee and registration fee for Tea Board Registration.

5. What is the process for getting Tea Board Registration?
Ans: Fill out the Tea Board Registration application form and submit the necessary documents and fees. An inspector then conducts an inspection before approval or rejection of the application.