What is a Tea Exporter License?

It is a mandatory registration (RCMC) issued by the Tea Board of India for anyone intending to export tea from India.

Who needs to register with the Tea Board?

Any business (Merchant or Manufacturer) intending to export tea in bulk, packets, or tea bags must register.

Can I export Darjeeling Tea without a license?

No. Exporting tea without a license is illegal, and using the 'Darjeeling' name specifically requires GI (Geographical Indication) authorization.

Is it different from APEDA registration?

Yes. APEDA covers general agricultural products. The Tea Board of India specifically handles the tea industry.

How long is the Tea Board RCMC valid?

A Tea Exporter License is typically valid for 3 years, after which it must be renewed.

Do I need a separate license for Green Tea?

No. The tea exporter license covers all types of tea produced from the Camellia sinensis plant, including black, green, white, and oolong.

What is the importance of the GI logo?

Geographical Indication (GI) logos (like the Darjeeling logo) protect the heritage of specific tea regions and ensure that customers get authentic products.

How long does the registration take?

Once a complete application is filed on the Tea Board portal, the license is usually issued within 10 to 15 working days.

Service

Tea Exporter License Online

Apply for a Tea Board exporter license online. Mandatory for exporting tea from India. Expert guidance on tea quality, RCMC, and export subsidies.

Bringing the World's Finest Tea to Global Markets

Apply for a Tea Board exporter license online. Mandatory for exporting tea from India. Expert guidance on tea quality, RCMC, and export subsidies.

Share India's heritage with the world. Get your Tea Exporter License from the Tea Board of India to legally export Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri teas.

The mandatory legal authorization for tea exporters in India. Secure your license from the Tea Board of India to export premium teas and protect India's global tea reputation.

The Tea Board of India is the apex body responsible for the development and worldwide promotion of the Indian tea industry. To ensure that only high-quality tea is exported from the country and to protect the reputation of Indian tea brands, the board mandates that every exporter must obtain a Tea Exporter License. This license acts as a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).

Indian tea, especially varieties like Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri, is highly valued globally. The Tea Board regulates the export through strict quality controls and by monitoring the use of Geographical Indication (GI) logos. For an exporter, this license is essential not only for legal compliance but also for accessing the board's expertise in market development and technical assistance.

QuickTaxperts provides specialized assistance in Tea Board registrations. We help you navigate the 'Tea Board Exporter' portal, manage the technical documentation for your tea products, and ensure your business is fully compliant with the latest export norms to ensure your tea shipments are recognized globally.

Category: Food & Agri Commodity
Authorizes the legal export of Black, Green, White, and Oolong teas.
Provides access to the Tea Board's financial assistance for market promotion.
Mandatory for obtaining 'Certificate of Origin' for tea shipments.
Essential for participating in international tea auctions and trade fairs.
Mandatory for exporting all types of tea (Bulk or Packet)
Registration for Merchant Exporters and Manufacturer Exporters
Essential for using Geographical Indications (GI) like 'Darjeeling'
Provides access to tea export promotion schemes and trade fairs

Quality and GI Standards

Protecting the 'India Tea' brand.

GI Logo Usage: Specific permission required to use the 'Darjeeling' or 'Assam' logo on packaging.
Pesticide Limits: Mandatory testing to ensure tea meets the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) of importing countries.
Plantation Origin: Traceability requirements to verify the garden where the tea was produced.
Packaging Norms: Adherence to the Tea Board's guidelines for bulk and retail packaging.

Eligibility and applicability

We check applicability before filing so the selected registration, licence, or compliance route matches your facts.

Any individual or entity intending to export tea from India.
Must have a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT.
Can be a Merchant Exporter (trader) or a Manufacturer Exporter (Estate owner).
Must be a registered legal entity (Proprietorship, Partnership, Company, LLP).

Documents required

Document requirements vary by entity type, state, premises, and authority. These are the usual groups we verify before submission.

Mandatory Documents: Copy of the Import Export Code (IEC) Certificate.; PAN Card of the Business Entity.; Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed / Trade License.; Cancelled Cheque and Banker's report in the prescribed format.; Aadhaar and PAN of the Authorized Signatory.; Details of the tea warehouse or processing facility (if any).; GST Registration Certificate.

Our Tea Board Registration Workflow

Securing your tea export ID in four steps.

Step 1: IEC Verification: Ensuring your Import Export Code is active and correctly reflects your business profile.
Step 2: Tea Board Portal Filing: Registering the entity on the Tea Board's online portal and filing the exporter license application.
Step 3: Document Review: Uploading the mandatory legal and financial proofs for review by Tea Board officials.
Step 4: Certificate Issuance: Once the verification is successful, the Tea Exporter License (RCMC) is issued digitally.

Deliverables

After completion, we share organized acknowledgements, references, and next-step guidance for banking, renewals, or future filings.

Tea Board Exporter License (RCMC)
Tea Board Portal Login Credentials
Guide to Tea Export Subsidies
GI Logo Usage Guidelines

Expert review

Tea Exporter License Online content is reviewed by QuickTaxperts Export Advisory, Export-Import Compliance Specialists.

Checklist-led review
Document pre-verification
Authority-specific next steps

Frequently asked questions

These quick answers cover common planning questions before you request a checklist or quote.

What is a Tea Exporter License?: It is a mandatory registration (RCMC) issued by the Tea Board of India for anyone intending to export tea from India.
Who needs to register with the Tea Board?: Any business (Merchant or Manufacturer) intending to export tea in bulk, packets, or tea bags must register.
Can I export Darjeeling Tea without a license?: No. Exporting tea without a license is illegal, and using the 'Darjeeling' name specifically requires GI (Geographical Indication) authorization.
Is it different from APEDA registration?: Yes. APEDA covers general agricultural products. The Tea Board of India specifically handles the tea industry.
How long is the Tea Board RCMC valid?: A Tea Exporter License is typically valid for 3 years, after which it must be renewed.
Do I need a separate license for Green Tea?: No. The tea exporter license covers all types of tea produced from the Camellia sinensis plant, including black, green, white, and oolong.
What is the importance of the GI logo?: Geographical Indication (GI) logos (like the Darjeeling logo) protect the heritage of specific tea regions and ensure that customers get authentic products.
How long does the registration take?: Once a complete application is filed on the Tea Board portal, the license is usually issued within 10 to 15 working days.