Tea Board Export Promotion Council

Overview on Tea Board Export Promotion Council

The Tea Board Export Promotion Council is a statutory body under the Government of India that regulates, promotes, and develops the tea industry. It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and oversees tea cultivation, processing, and export. The council ensures that only quality-certified tea is exported from India. It sets standards, issues certifications, and monitors compliance with legal requirements. Businesses engaged in tea export must register with the council to gain official recognition and access to export benefits. The council supports exporters through guidance, market intelligence, and participation in trade events. Its role is crucial for maintaining India’s reputation as a leading tea exporter globally.

Without Tea Board approval, exporters cannot legally export tea. This regulatory framework also safeguards consumer trust and ensures that Indian tea meets international standards, helping exporters remain competitive in the global market.

What is Tea Board Export Promotion Council?

The Tea Board Export Promotion Council is an official government body responsible for regulating and promoting India’s tea industry in the domestic and global markets. Established under the Tea Act, it operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• Its primary role is to license exporters, set quality standards, and ensure Indian tea meets international market requirements.
• The council organizes promotional campaigns, trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets to boost tea exports.
• It collects data, conducts research, and supports sustainable practices in tea production.
• Exporters registered with the council gain legal permission to export and access various government incentives.
• The council works closely with tea plantations, manufacturers, and traders to enhance market reach.
• It is responsible for protecting the geographical indications of Indian teas such as Darjeeling and Assam, ensuring authenticity in the global market.

By working with the Tea Board Export Promotion Council, exporters and stakeholders in the tea industry can access regulatory support, promotional opportunities, and legal protections, helping them expand their reach both domestically and internationally while maintaining high standards and authenticity.

Products covered under Tea Board Export Promotion Council

The Tea Board Export Promotion Council covers all varieties of tea produced in India, including black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Specialty teas such as Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, and Kangra are also included under its regulation.

• Processed and packaged teas, whether loose-leaf or in tea bags, fall within its purview.
   
• Instant tea powders, herbal tea blends containing a significant proportion of tea, and organic certified teas are also covered.
   
• The council regulates exports of both bulk shipments and retail packs.
   
• It oversees the use of geographical indication tags on origin-specific teas to maintain authenticity.
   
• All products must comply with the quality, packaging, and labeling standards set by the council.

Exporters dealing with these products are required to obtain necessary approvals before shipment, ensuring legal compliance and maintaining the global reputation of Indian teas.
 

Tea Board Export Promotion Council Process

Step 1 - Application Submission
The exporter submits an online application with business and contact details on the Tea Board portal.

Step 2 - Document Upload
The applicant uploads the required business and compliance documents in the prescribed format.

Step 3 - Fee Payment
The registration fee is paid online through the available payment methods on the portal.

Step 4 - Application Review
The Tea Board reviews the application for accuracy, eligibility, and completeness.

Step 5 - Approval and Certificate Issuance
Upon successful verification, the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate is issued.

Step 6 - Post-Registration Compliance
The exporter must follow ongoing quality checks, renew the registration as required, and update records.

Documents Required for Tea Board Export Promotion Council

1. Valid Import Export Code (IEC) certificate

2. GST registration certificate

3. Proof of business constitution (one of):

• Partnership deed
• Certificate of incorporation
• Proprietorship declaration

4.  Proof of business address (e.g., electricity bill, rent agreement)

5.  Cancelled cheque of the business bank account (for verification)

6.  For exporters dealing in specific varieties like Darjeeling tea:

• Valid GI (Geographical Indication) authorization letter

7.  Self-declaration confirming compliance with Tea Board standards

8.  (If applicable) Quality test reports of the tea
 

Exemptions Made under Tea Board Export Promotion Council

Certain exemptions apply under the Tea Board Export Promotion Council regulations. Small domestic tea sellers not involved in export are not required to register.

• Tea samples sent abroad for testing or promotional purposes in limited quantities may be exempt from full registration.
   
• Exports made directly by the government or through its agencies for diplomatic purposes may be exempt.
   
• Some categories of herbal infusions without tea content are outside the council’s jurisdiction.
   
• Temporary exemptions may be granted in case of specific government trade policies.

However, these exemptions do not apply to regular exporters or large commercial shipments. Any exporter claiming exemption must provide proof to the council and obtain written confirmation to avoid compliance issues.