Spice Board Registration

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.