The Spices Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, promotes Indian spices globally and connects Indian suppliers with international buyers.

Spices Board registration is mandatory for all producers and businesses involved in spice exports. As per the Spices Board Act of 1986, a valid certificate is required to carry out import-export activities. Trading without this certificate can lead to legal action, including imprisonment for up to one year.

Who Needs Spices Board of India – CRES?

Any individual or business exporting any of the 52 listed spices or cardamom—whether a manufacturer or retailer—must obtain the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) from the Spices Board of India.

Eligibility Criteria for Spices Board Registration – Sperso Filings

To register with the Spices Board of India, exporters and manufacturers must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a registered entity under the Companies Act, 1956 or Partnership Act, 1932
• Must hold a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT
• Minimum turnover of ₹2.5 lakhs in the previous financial year
• Must have a permanent business address and proper spice storage facilities
• Should possess infrastructure, technical skills, and quality control systems
• Must comply with food safety and quality standards set by the Spices Board
• Must agree to follow the board’s prescribed export and manufacturing guidelines

Fulfilling these conditions is essential for obtaining Spices Board registration and ensuring legal compliance.

RCMC-CRES in India – Sperso Filings (Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices)

Once the registration is complete, the applicant receives the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) along with unique credentials for Spice Board login. Required documents must be submitted to the head office. The CRES certificate can then be downloaded from the official Spices Board website.

Need help? Our experts at Sperso Filings are here to guide you through the entire CRES registration process.

Benefits of Spices Board Registration – Sperso Filings

Getting registered with the Spices Board of India offers several key advantages to spice exporters:

• No RCMC Required: As per recent updates, exporters no longer need an RCMC if they already hold the CRES certificate.
• Access to Global Data: Gain access to updated databases of importers and exporters worldwide.
• Stronger Global Networking: Connect with international firms, trade policymakers, and buyers through recognized contact groups.
• Trade Facilitation: Get verified trade inquiries routed to credible exporters like you.
• International Exposure: Participate in global trade fairs and exhibitions, fostering strong ties with foreign buyers.

Responsibilities of the Spices Board of India

• Quality Assurance
  Ensures Indian spices meet global standards through rigorous inspections and certifications.
• Market Expansion
  Identifies and develops new global markets for Indian spice exports.
• Export Facilitation
  Supports exporters by providing essential resources, data, and assistance.
• Research & Innovation
  Promotes better farming practices, processing techniques, and value addition through ongoing research.
• Regulatory Oversight
  Oversees spice exports to maintain India's credibility in the global market.
• Sustainable Practices
  Encourages environmentally responsible cultivation and processing methods.
• Training & Capacity Building
  Conducts workshops and training for farmers, processors, and exporters to improve skills.
• Advocacy & Representation
  Represents India’s spice industry in global trade forums and negotiations.
• Market Intelligence
  Shares relevant trade insights to help stakeholders make informed decisions.

Documents Required for Spices Board Registration – Sperso Filings

To apply for the Spices Board of India registration certificate, you will need the following:

• Import Export Code (IEC) – Issued by the Director General/Joint Director of Foreign Trade
• Confidential Bank Report – In the prescribed format from your primary bank
• GST Registration Certificate (CGST) – Issued by tax authorities
• PAN Card – Mandatory for all applicants
• SSI or Manufacturer Certificate – If applying as a manufacturer exporter, obtain certification from the Industries Department

Procedure for Spices Board Registration

1. Spice Board Login
   Begin by visiting the official Spices Board website and completing your online registration. You’ll need to verify your IEC, mobile number, and email ID to proceed.
2. Fill the Application Form
   After verification, you’ll be directed to the application page. Fill in all required details carefully—especially the IEC, which must be accurate, as the CRES is issued based on it.
3. Upload Required Documents
   Once the first part is submitted, you’ll receive a unique application number. Use this number to log in and upload all required documents and your photo in the correct format.
4. Application Review
   Your application is sent to the appropriate regional office for review. If any issues are found, the application will be returned for correction.
5. Certificate Issuance
   After approval, the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) will be issued. You can log in and download your certificate directly from the Spices Board website.

Need help? Sperso Filings can assist you through the entire process for error-free and smooth registration.

Spice Business Opportunities & Profit Potential in India

Spice trading in India offers huge growth potential. Here’s why:

• High Demand: Spices are integral to Indian cooking and are growing in popularity worldwide for taste and health benefits.
• Export Potential: India is globally known for spices—tap into overseas markets and increase profits.
• Unique Blends: Create your own spice blends to cater to niche tastes and premium markets.
• Online Sales Growth: Sell through eCommerce platforms and reach more customers.
• Health & Wellness Appeal: Natural spices are seen as healthy, making them attractive to modern consumers.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Tourists and restaurants are consistent bulk buyers of authentic Indian spices.
• Build Your Brand: Produce high-quality products and establish a trusted brand identity.
• Government Support: Avail subsidies, training, and incentives from government export and agriculture schemes.
• Cultural Connection: Spices hold deep cultural significance in India, making them a valuable and emotional buy.
• Direct to Consumer: Grow, process, and sell your spices yourself for higher margins and better quality control.

Functions of the Spices Board of India – Sperso Filings

1. Development of Cardamom Cultivation
   The Board actively supports the growth of small and large cardamom by offering technical guidance, promoting sustainable farming, and improving yield and quality.
2. Promotion of the Spice Industry
   It fosters growth in spice cultivation, processing, and marketing through awareness programs, seminars, and workshops for farmers, traders, and exporters.
3. Regulation of Spice Exports
   The Board ensures all spice exports comply with international standards, documentation, and sanitary regulations, facilitating smooth trade with global markets.
4. Quality Control for Exports
   Quality assurance is a top priority. The Board defines and enforces standards for spices intended for export and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance.
5. Research & Development
   By collaborating with research institutions, the Board supports innovation in cultivation, processing, and value addition to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability.

Penalties for Violation of Spice Board Certificate

• Fine: A monetary penalty of ₹1,000 may be imposed for non-compliance.
• Suspension or Cancellation: Repeated or serious violations can lead to temporary or permanent cancellation of the exporter’s certificate.
• Blacklisting: Offenders may be blacklisted, restricting their ability to export spices from India in the future.
• Legal Action: In extreme cases, the Board may initiate legal proceedings against the violator for breaching export regulations.

Validity Period of CRES Certificate – Sperso Filings

• The Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) issued by the Spices Board of India is valid for a block period of three years.
• The Board notifies block years from time to time (e.g., 2017–2020).
• Exporters must renew the certificate at the end of each block period to continue operations.
• Timely renewal is essential to avoid penalties or disruption in export activities.

Post-Registration Compliance for Spice Board Certificate – Sperso Filings

• Quarterly Returns must be filed using Form B. Non-compliance attracts a ₹500 penalty.
• Renewal applications should be submitted at least 2 months before expiry. If not renewed in time, you must reapply from the beginning.
• If no exports occur during the 3-year block, the certificate may be cancelled.
• Change of premises must be updated in the IEC via DGFT and informed to the Spices Board for certificate re-issuance.

Final Document Submission After Online Application

Within 10 days of completing the online registration, all required documents must be physically submitted to the respective regional office for processing and issuance.

Spice Board of India – Core Activities

1. Export Promotion
   Organizes global trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and promotions to boost Indian spice exports.
2. Quality Control
   Sets and monitors quality standards, ensuring Indian spices meet global benchmarks.
3. Research & Development
   Invests in improved cultivation, processing, and new spice varieties in collaboration with institutions.
4. Farmer Training
   Provides training on sustainable farming, pest control, and post-harvest techniques to improve farmer income.
5. Market Intelligence
   Shares data on prices, demand trends, and trade updates to help businesses make informed decisions.
6. Infrastructure Development
   Facilitates modern facilities like labs, warehouses, and processing units for better spice handling and storage.
7. Policy & Compliance Support
   Advocates supportive regulations and ensures compliance across the spice supply chain.

List of Spices Mentioned in the Spice Board of India Registration Act

As per the Spices Board Act of 1986, the following spices are officially recognized for export regulation and certification in India: cardamom, pepper, chilly, ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, celery, aniseed, bishop’s weed, caraway, dill, cinnamon, cassia, curry leaf, kokam, mint, mustard, parsley, pomegranate seed, saffron, vanilla, tej patta, pepper long, star anise, sweet flag, greater galanga, horse-radish, caper, clove, asafoetida, cambodge, hyssop, juniper berry, bay leaf, lovage, marjoram, nutmeg, mace, basil, poppy seed, allspice, rosemary, sage, coriander, savory, thyme, oregano, and tarragon. These spices fall under the regulatory purview of the Spices Board of India for registration, quality control, and export certification.

Spices Board Registration Renewal

Spices Board Registration Renewal is the process of extending the registration for spice exporters and manufacturers with the Spices Board of India, a government agency promoting the spice trade domestically and internationally.

All exporters and manufacturers dealing in spices must register to ensure product quality and safety. The registration is valid for three years and must be renewed to maintain its validity.

For renewal, applicants must submit the necessary documents and pay the required fee. Timely renewal is crucial for continuing spice trade activities and staying compliant with Spices Board regulations.

Why Choose Sperso Filings?

Sperso Filings has an experienced team of legal and business professionals ready to assist with Spices Board registration in a few simple steps. From Spice Board login to final CRES certificate issuance, we provide complete support. Just share the necessary documents, and we’ll handle the entire process efficiently and accurately.