Overview of Spice Board Registration in India
India has been known as the "Land of Spices" for centuries and has played a vital role in global trade since ancient times. The country's spice heritage dates back over 5,000 years, with references to Indian spices found in ancient texts, including the Vedas and Ayurveda. Indian spices were highly sought after by ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese. The spice trade flourished during the medieval period when traders from Europe, Arabia, and Southeast Asia travelled through the famous Spice Route to procure exotic Indian spices like black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, and cinnamon.
With about 75% of the world's spice production, India continues to be the biggest producer, exporter, and consumer of spices worldwide. Indian spices continue to dominate international trade due to their rich flavour, aroma, and medicinal qualities, with a market worth about ₹50,000 crores. Businesses engaged in the manufacture, processing, and export of premium spices are required to meet stringent quality and safety standards as the demand for these products develops worldwide.
Founded in 1987, the Spice Board of India oversees and encourages the export of Indian spices while ensuring their compliance with global standards. A Spice Board Registration is necessary to lawfully trade spices while guaranteeing quality, authenticity, and adherence to food safety laws, regardless of whether you are a manufacturer, trader, or exporter.
What is Spice Board Registration?
Businesses that export spices must obtain an official certification from the Spices Board of India called Spice Board Registration. Registered spices are guaranteed to fulfil both Indian and global quality standards. To preserve Indian spices' reputation and safety in the international market, the Spice Board controls several areas of spice manufacturing, packaging, and export.
Why is Spice Board Registration Important?
Spice Board Registration is crucial for businesses involved in the spice industry, whether you're exporting or selling packaged spices. Here's why it's so important:
- Increases Buyer Confidence: For foreign purchasers, the registration serves as quality assurance, proving that your spices are safe to eat and fulfil strict quality criteria.
- Access to overseas Markets: In order to enter overseas markets, your company must adhere to international food safety rules, which are made possible by Spice Board Registration.
- Compliance with Indian Food Safety Standards: By registering, you can make sure that your company complies with the rules set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), safeguarding both your company and Indian customers.
Statute Governing Spice Board Registration
The Spice Board of India operates under the Spices Board Act of 1986, which is the primary legislation governing the export, quality control, and promotion of Indian spices.
1. Spices Board Act, 1986
- Establishes the Spice Board of India as the regulatory authority for spice exports.
- Empower the board to register exporters and monitor quality standards.
2. Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) & EXIM Policy
- Specifies export regulations and licensing requirements for spice traders.
- Requires exporters to register with the Spice Board to obtain export benefits.
3. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI Regulations)
- This applies to packaged spice manufacturers, ensuring food safety compliance.
- Mandates proper labelling, hygiene, and quality checks before spices are sold in India or abroad.
4. Export of Spices (Quality Control) Regulations
- Establishes standards for spice exports, requiring businesses to meet international norms.
- Provides guidelines on packaging, pesticide residues, and contamination limits.
Types of Spice Board Registration in India
The Spice Board of India offers only one type of registration for exporters: Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES).
Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES): This registration is mandatory for businesses that want to export Indian spices to international markets. The Spice Board of India ensures that exported spices meet global quality and safety standards, which helps Indian businesses maintain a strong reputation worldwide.
Who Needs It?
- Businesses involved in the export of raw or processed spices.
- Spice traders who purchase from local suppliers and sell internationally.
- Farmers or spice producers who want to sell their produce directly to international buyers.
Eligibility Criteria for Spice Board Registration
To apply for Spice Board Registration, businesses must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Businesses involved in raw or processed spices for international markets are eligible for Exporter Registration. It is mandatory to do the following:
- Business must be legally registered as a Company, Partnership Firm, Sole Proprietorship or any other recognised business entity in India.
- The applicant should have prior experience in spice processing, trading, or packaging to ensure quality standards are maintained. It is pertinent to note that new businesses can apply for Spice Registration provided that they have a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
- The business must follow food safety regulations and ensure the quality of spices meets export standards. This includes compliance with international trade regulations and hygiene requirements.
Documents Required for Spice Board Registration in India
If you plan to export spices, you need to submit the following documents:
- Business Registration Certificate
- Self-attested copy of the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) certificate.
- Self-certified copy of the GST registration certificate.
- FSSAI License
- Export License Application Form
- Self-certified copy of the PAN card of the business owner and the business entity
- Passport-size photograph of the CEO or designated officer
- Bank Details & Financial Statements
- List of Spices for Export with Product Specifications
- Processing Unit Details (if applicable)
- In the case of manufacturer-exporters, a self-attested certificate is issued by the Directorate of Industries.
Step-by-Step Process for Spice Board Registration Online in India
Registering with the Spices Board of India is a simple yet essential process for businesses involved in spice exports. Follow these steps to obtain your Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES):
Step 1: Submit Your Application
- Visit the Spices Board of India's official website.
- Select the appropriate registration type (Manufacturer Exporter or Merchant Exporter).
- Fill out the online application form with your company details.
- Upload necessary documents, including your GST certificate, PAN, IEC, and proof of business registration.
Step 2: Pay the Registration Fee
- Payment can be made online via the portal or through a demand draft payable to the Spices Board of India.
Step 3: Document Review & Inspection
- The Spices Board will review your application and verify your documents.
- If required, an inspection of your processing or packaging facility will be conducted to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
Step 4: Approval & Issuance of Registration Certificate
- After successful verification, the Spices Board grants approval.
- You will receive the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES), allowing you to legally export spices.
Compliance Requirements After Obtaining Spice Board Certification
Securing Spice Board Registration is the beginning of your spice business. You must also comply with ongoing regulatory requirements.
1. Quality Control
- Maintain strict and standard quality control measures for spice processing, packaging, and export.
- Make sure that spices meet safety and hygiene standards as set by the Spice Board of India.
2. Periodic Inspections
- The Spice Board may conduct random inspections to check whether the business is complying with the regulations.
- Facilities must be kept clean, well-maintained, and follow prescribed storage conditions.
3. Labelling Compliance
Packaged spices must follow Indian labelling regulations that include:
- List of ingredients.
- Net weight.
- Manufacturer details.
- Expiry date and batch number.
4. Record Keeping
- Businesses are mandated to maintain detailed records of exports, purchases, quality checks, and shipments.
- The Spice Board or other regulatory bodies may need these records for audits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
According to the Spices Board Act of 1986, it is illegal to export spices without first getting the required registration from the Spices Board. Penalties for such infractions include fines of up to 1000 rupees and up to one year in jail. Additionally, companies that violate safety and quality standards risk trade restrictions or export bans.
Renewal of Spice Board Registration
The CRES is valid for only three years, after which it must be renewed to continue exporting spices legally from India. Businesses should apply for renewal before the expiry date of the registration. The renewal process includes submitting updated business details and compliance reports and paying the renewal fee. Export operations may be suspended if renewals are not made on time.
Why Choose Kanakkupillai for Spice Board Registration?
Kanakkupillai is one of the top providers of Spice Board Registration services. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Experienced Professionals: Our team understands the requirements of the spice export industry and can guide you through every step of the Spice Board Registration process.
- Easy Process: Our team of experts is here to make the entire registration process simple, quick, and straightforward, saving you time, effort, and energy.
- Personalized Support: We understand that every business is different and has unique and exclusive needs. Therefore, from document submission to post-registration compliance, our team provides tailored assistance as per your requirements.
- Reliable Partner: Trust us as your partner in ensuring seamless Spice Board Registration and global market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get Spice Board Registration?
The process takes 30-60 days, depending on document completeness and inspection requirements.Is Spice Board Registration mandatory for small-scale exporters?
Yes, Spice Board Registration is required for all spice exporters, regardless of scale.Can foreign businesses apply for Spice Board Registration in India?
Foreign businesses must appoint an authorised Indian entity to apply on their behalf.What is the validity of Spice Board Registration?
Spice Board Registration is generally valid for three years.Do I need to comply with labelling requirements for packaged spices?
Yes, all packaged spices must meet Indian labelling standards, including product ingredients, weight, and expiration details.Can I export both raw and packaged spices under the same registration?
Separate registrations are required for exporting raw spices and packaged spice products.What happens if I don’t renew my Spice Board Registration?
Non-renewal can result in suspension or cancellation of your export eligibility.Are there any fees for Spice Board Registration?
Yes, there are fees for registration, inspections, and certification based on your business size and type.Is there any government support for spice exporters?
Yes, the government provides financial and technical assistance to spice exporters under various schemes.What should I do if my Spice Board Registration is revoked?
In case of revocation, you will need to resolve the issues with the Spice Board and reapply for registration.What makes Us Different

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