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Spice Board Registration

Exporters of spices must register with the Spices Board of India and obtain a Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) under Section 11 of the Spices Board Act, 1986, in addition to their IEC. According to the Board’s FAQ, CRES is treated as the RCMC, so a separate RCMC is not required. Registration is as a merchant exporter or manufacturer exporter, and applications are filed online through the Board’s exporter registration window.

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Service Overview

What is Spice Board Registration?

The Spices Board of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, set up under the Spices Board Act, 1986, to develop and promote the export of spices such as pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chillies and ginger. A CRES is the registration that legally authorises a person to export scheduled spices from India. Domestic traders and retailers who do not export are exempt.

Two categories exist: merchant exporters, who trade in spices, and manufacturer exporters, who process or pack spices and must show proof of manufacturing, such as FSSAI licence or Udyam. The registration can be suspended or cancelled under the Act and Rules if conditions are violated.

Spice Board Registration

Who Needs This Service

Exporters of whole and ground spices, spice oils and oleoresins, spice processors and packers, merchant exporters sourcing from farmers, and e-commerce sellers shipping spices abroad need this registration.

New exporters who have just obtained an IEC should apply to the Spices Board at the start, because shipments without registration can be stopped at customs. Spice farmer producer companies planning direct exports also need it.

Manufacturers should be ready with FSSAI and other licences for their processing units. Merchants should be able to show how they source spices and where they pack them.

If you export other commodities as well, such as tea or coffee, you will need separate registrations with those boards.

Key Benefits

Legal authority to export scheduled spices
Correct exporter category and documentation
Registration on the Board's online window with follow-up
Access to Spices Board promotional schemes
Clarity on CRES and RCMC treatment

Next Steps & Related Services

After CRES, plan certifications, packaging and shipments.

Related services: IEC Code, AD Code, FSSAI registration, ICEGATE Registration and APEDA, Coffee and Tea Board registrations.

Common Mistakes

Exporting before getting CRES.
Using the wrong category (merchant vs manufacturer).
Relying on a conflicting validity period without checking.
Missing FSSAI or Udyam proof for manufacturers.
Letting the registration lapse.

Timeline, Costs & Practical Tips

Processing time varies with documents and verification. Fees and renewal details differ across sources.

Practical tip: confirm validity and fee directly on the Board's exporter registration page before applying.

Additional Information

The Spices Board Act, 1986 empowers the Board to register exporters, regulate quality and promote exports. Exporters must follow the Spices Board (Registration of Exporters) rules. The registration helps ensure product quality and the reputation of Indian spices in global markets.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1:

A spice trader sourcing from farmers registers as a merchant exporter before booking international orders.

Scenario 2:

A masala manufacturer with its own packing unit registers as a manufacturer exporter with FSSAI proof.

Scenario 3:

An exporter checks whether the CRES doubles as the RCMC before applying for another certificate.

Practical Guidance

Spice exporters often assume the IEC is enough, but the Spices Board registration is a separate legal requirement. Plan for it at the same time as the IEC so that your first order is not delayed at customs.

Written By

Raghav Sharma

Operations Executive

10+ Years Experience

As seen on

Raghav Sharma has 10+ years of experience covering Company Registration - Operation, MCA Services - Operation, Corporate Operation, Import Export Services - Operation, Goverment Licence Services - Operation, FSSAI - Operation, SEBI - Operation, Labour Compliance - Operation, Fund Raising - Operation, Licence & Certificate - Operations.

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Frequently asked questions

Need clarity?

Is an IEC required?

Yes, CRES is mandatory in addition to the IEC.

Is a separate RCMC needed?

The Board's FAQ treats CRES as the RCMC; a secondary source says they are separate. Confirm with the Board.

How long is CRES valid?

Sources say three or five years; confirm the current period.

Who needs it?

Anyone exporting scheduled spices, as merchant or manufacturer.

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