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Spices Board of India: Benefits, functions, and registration guide

The Spices Board of India was established to promote the export of spices from India. Learn more about the products covered and the registration process in this blog.

Known for their flavor and texture, Indian spices have been a cornerstone of global trade for centuries. The Spices Board of India was established to regulate and promote this vital sector, ensure quality, and enhance export opportunities. By providing support to farmers and exporters, the Spices Board plays a crucial role in maintaining India's position as a premier supplier of spices worldwide. In this blog post, we will discuss what the Spices Board of India is, its role, functions, and registration process.

What is the Spices Board of India?

The Spices Board of India stands as the primary body for the advancement and international promotion of Indian spices. Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Government of India, the Spices Board acts as a bridge between foreign importers and Indian exporters, fostering connections and facilitating trade.

Established on February 26, 1987, through the Spices Board Act of 1986, the Board was formed by merging the Spices Export Promotion Council (established in 1960) and the former Cardamom Board (established in 1968). This unification created an autonomous organization responsible for the development of both small and large cardamom, as well as the promotion of 52 scheduled spices for export.¹

The Board's initiatives span all sectors of the spice industry, aiming to uphold and enhance the excellence of Indian spices on the global stage. For any manufacturer or seller wishing to export spices from India, registration with the Spices Board is mandatory.²

Roles and functions of the Spices Board of India

The promotion and export of spices from India is one of the key functions of the Spices Board. The Board also initiates conversations between exporters and the government to resolve trade issues and executes new policies and schemes. Some of its key roles and responsibilities are as follows:

● Promotion of spice export by supporting Indian sellers through technology upgradation, quality evaluation, scientific and economic research, and brand establishment.
● Quality control and issuing certification for spices to ensure they meet international quality standards.
● Registration of spice exporters as members and guidance on required documentation and trade-related policy updates.
● Collaboration with the government to share insights on policies and reforms that address trade-related concerns of exporters.
● Promotion of awareness and education among importers and exporters about quality management systems, effective packaging techniques, and foreign trade policies.
● Examining complaints from importers and exporters and suggesting preventive actions.
● Participation and related support for exporters in international food fairs and food festivals.³

Products covered under the Spices Board

Some of the spices that fall within the purview of the Spices Board are as follows:

1. Cardamom
2. Pepper
3. Chilli
4. Ginger
5. Turmeric
6. Coriander
7. Cumin
8. Fennel
9. Fenugreek
10. Celery
11. Aniseed
12. Ajowan
13. Caraway
14. Dill
15. Cinnamon
16. Cassia
17. Garlic
18. Curry leaf
19. Kokam
20. Mint
21. Mustard
22. Parsley
23. Pomegranate
24. Saffron
25. Vanilla
26. Tejpat
27. Pepper Long
28. Star Anise
29. Sweet flag
30. Greater Galanga
31. Horseradish
32. Caper
33. Clove
34. Asafoetida
35. Camboge
36. Hyssop
37. Juniper berry
38. Bay Leaf
39. Lovage
40. Marjoram
41. Nutmeg
42. Mace
43. Basil
44. Poppyseed
45. Allspice
46. Rosemary
47. Sage
48. Savory
49. Thyme
50. Oregano
51. Tarragon
52. Tamarind ⁴

Benefits of Spices Board registration

Some key benefits of registering with the Spices Board of India are as follows:

1. International recognition:

Spices Board registration enhances a company's credibility among global suppliers and buyers. This helps expand the exporter’s reach into new markets.

2. Evaluating market trends:

Registration with the Spices Board allows companies to observe and assess market trends by analyzing customer preferences and other factors. This insight helps exporters make well-informed business decisions.

3. Export assistance:

The Spices Board simplifies the complexities of spice exports by supporting promotional efforts and expediting the export documentation process. This makes it easier to comply with necessary laws and regulations.

4. Global brand promotion:

Spices Board registration offers exporters the opportunity to market their brands on an international platform. Trade shows, exhibits, and fairs help showcase products and increase global awareness.⁵

Eligibility criteria for Spices Board registration

The eligibility criteria for Spices Board registration includes the following:

● Valid ID proof.
● A business entity that is registered in India.
● No criminal records against directors, partners, or owners of the business.

Documents required for Spices Board registration

Some of the documents required for Spices Board registration are as follows:

● Bank certificate in deal cover, conveying the financial status of the applicant.
● Self-attested copy of the certified IEC (Importer Exporter Code).
● Self-certified copy of the partnership deed or memorandum.
● Self-certified copy of the GST registration certificate.
● Certificate granted by the Directorate of Industries in case of a manufacturer-exporter.
● Self-certified copy of PAN and a passport-sized photo of the CEO or designated official against a white background.
● FSSAI food license.⁶

What is CRES?

CRES – Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices – is an export license required by businesses that export spices from India. While most export promotion councils in India offer a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) as a certificate for exports, the Spice Board of India provides CRES with a validity of three years – a mandatory requirement for spice export.⁷

Step-by-step process for Spices Board registration

Some of the steps involved in the Spices Board registration process are as follows:

Step 1:

The first step in applying for a Spices Board registration certificate is to register online on the government website. This involves providing details like the IEC, mobile number, and email address.

Step 2:

After completing the login, applicants must fill in all the required fields, including the IEC code. All necessary documents and photos must be uploaded.

Step 3:

Once completed, the application is forwarded to the relevant office for review. If any inconsistencies are found, the application will be returned for corrections.

Step 4:

Upon successful review and completion of the registration process, the certificate will be issued to the applicant.⁸

Note: In May 2022, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) implemented a common digital platform for the issuance of RCMC. As CRES is treated as RCMC under the Foreign Trade Policy, applications for CRES now have to be filed through the DGFT’s common digital platform.⁹

The Spices Board of India plays a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing the export of Indian spices, providing essential support and resources to exporters. As the world embraces digital trade, e-commerce exports offer a viable and efficient medium for Indian spices to reach a broader audience, further boosting the industry's growth and global presence. For more support and assistance on e-commerce exports from India, exporters can leverage the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.

Easy e-commerce exports with Amazon Global Selling

If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.

Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.

More blogs on commodity boards

1. Coffee Board of India: How to register and get a coffee export license?

2. Rubber Board of India: Promoting export of rubber globally

3. Commodity Boards in India: All you need to know about registration and membership

4. What are the types of Tea Board license and how to register?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a CRES from the Spices Board?

All exporters who want to sell spices or spice-related products in foreign markets need to obtain the Spices Board's Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES).

What is the validity of a CRES certificate?

CRES is valid for three years.¹⁰

How to renew the Spices Board registration?

Applications for renewal may be submitted up to two months prior to the certificate's expiration date.

What are the most exported spices from India?

The most exported spices from India are pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, curry powder, nutmeg, mace, and spice oils.¹¹

How to pay the registration fee for the Spices Board?

The registration fee for the Spices Board can be paid online during the application process. Upon successful payment of fees, the application will be transferred to the concerned office for verification.

Is Spices Board registration mandatory?

It is necessary for spice exporters to register with the Spices Board of India and obtain CRES to export from India without any hassles.

Do we need to obtain RCMC for exporting spices?

No. You need to obtain CRES issued by the Spices Board of India to export spices from India.

Can I get the Spices Board registration certificate online?

Yes, you can register with the Spices Board of India online.

Visit the Exports Compliance dashboard to view and meet your documentation requirements

Published on March 17, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://www.indianspices.com/
2. https://www.indianspices.com/hin/sites/default/files/faq.pdf
3. https://www.indianspices.com/about-us/constitution.html
4. https://www.indianspices.com/spices-development/spice-catalogue.html
5. https://www.corpseed.com/service/spice-board-registration
6. https://www.corpseed.com/service/spice-board-registration
7. https://www.indianspices.com/hin/sites/default/files/faq.pdf
8. https://vakilsearch.com/spice-board-registration
9. https://www.indianspices.org.in/CRES_new/e-r-o/exporters-registration/form/Registration.php
10. https://www.indianspices.com/hin/sites/default/files/faq.pdf
11. https://www.indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,31,24100,24119

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