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What is the Spices Board India?

The Spices Board is an Indian government regulatory and export promotion agency for Indian spices. It was constituted in 1987 under the merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board (1968) and Spices Export Promotion Council (1960) and has the responsibility of production/development of cardamom and export promotion of 52 spices shown in the schedule of the Act.

Functions of Spices Board of India:

• Research, Development, and Regulation of domestic marketing of Small & Large Cardamom
• Post-harvest improvement of all spices
• Promotion of organic production, processing and certification of spices
• Development of spices in the North East
• Provision of quality evaluation services
• Export promotion of all spices through support for:
  • Technology upgradation
  • Quality upgradation
  • Brand promotion
  • Research & product development

What is CRES?

CRES stands for Certificate of Registration as an Exporter of Spices and it is issued by the Spices Board of India. The certificate authenticates that an exporter of scheduled spices is registered with a regulatory agency authorised by the Government of India.

Importance of Spices Board Registration:

Having a Valid Certificate of Registration from Spices Board is mandatory for any manufacturer or merchant who is dealing with export of spices.

Also, the Spices Board Act, 1986 states that

“No person shall, after the commencement of this Act, commence or carry on the business of export of any spice under and in accordance with a certificate. Provided that a person is carrying on the business of export of spices immediately before the commencement, and if he has made an application for such certificate within the said period of three months till the disposal of such application.”

Punishment for Trading without Spices Board Certificate:

• Imprisonment upto one year
• Fine upto one thousand rupees

Documents Required for Obtaining the Certificate of Registration as an Exporter of Spices in India:

• Application in the prescribed form (Form-1)
• Self-attested copy of IE (import-export) code certificate
• Registration fee in the form of crossed Demand Draft favoring “spice board”
• Confidential bank certificate in prescribed format in deal cover from banker in support of your financial status
• Self certified copy of Partnership deed/ Memorandum and Articles of Association as the case may be.
• Self certified copies of GST registration certificate.
• Self attested certificate issued by directorate of industries in case of manufacturer-exporter of spices.
• Self certified copy of PAN card
• Passport size photo with white background of CEO or the designated officer of your firm.

Spices Board Registration Fees

The government fees for Spices Board Registration is as follows:

Spices Board Certificate Validity:

Certificate of Spices Board is issued for a block period of three years. The certificate should be renewed at the end of every block year. For example, if you obtained the certificate for 2017 to 2020, then you are required to renew your registration certificate at the end of 2020.

List of Spices Mentioned in the Spices Board Act (The Schedule 2)

All-Spice

Aniseed

Asafoetida

All-Spice

Bay Leaf

Bishop's Weed

Cambodge

Bishop's Weed

Caper

Caraway Seeds

Cardamom Large

Cardamon Small

Cassia

Celery

Chilli

Cinnamon

Clove

Coriander

Cumin

Curry Leaf

Dill

Fennel

Fenugreek

Garlic

Ginger

Greater Galanga

Horseradish

Hyssop

Juniper Berry

Kokam

Lovage

Marjoram

Mint

Mustard

Nutmeg & Mace

Oregano

Parsley

Pepper Long.

Pepper

Pomegranate

Poppy Seed

Rosemary

Saffron

Sage

Star Anise

Sweet Flag

Tamarind

Tarragon

Tejpat

Thyme

Vanilla

Spices Board May Reject Application Based on Following Criterias:

The Board may cancel any certificate on any one or more of the following grounds, namely:-

(a.) That the holder of the certificate has violated any of the terms and conditions of the certificate;

(b.) That in the opinion of the Central Government it is necessary for the interests of the general public to cancel the certificate.

• where the Board, for reasons to be recorded in writing is satisfied that pending consideration of the question of canceling the certificate on any grounds mentioned in subsection (1), it is necessary so to do, the Board may by order in writing suspend the operation of the certificate for such period not exceeding forty-five days as may be specified in the order and require the holder of the certificate to show cause, within fifteen days from the date of receipt of such order, as to why the suspension of the certificate should not be extended till the determination of the question as to whether the registration should be canceled.
• No order of cancellation of registration under this section shall be made unless the person concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in respect of the grounds for such cancellation.
• Any person aggrieved by an order made under section 13 may prefer an appeal to the Central Government within such period as may be prescribed.

In case of export/import of Spices/Spice products, Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices issued by the Board is also required in addition to the IE (import-export) Code number. Spices Board issues Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices [CRES] under Section 11 of the Spices Board Act.

Multi-faceted Activities of Spice Board of India:

• Promotion of exports of spices and spice products
• Maintenance and monitoring of quality of exports
• Development and implementation of better production methods, through scientific, technological and economic research.
• Guidance to farmers on getting higher and better quality yields through scientific agricultural practices.
• Provision of financial and material support to growers.
• Encouraging organic production and export of spices.
• Facilitating infrastructure for processing and value addition
• Registration and licensing of all spice exporters.
• Assistance for studies and research on better processing practices, foolproof quality management systems, improved grading methods and effective packaging techniques.
• Production of promotional and educational materials in a variety of media for the benefit of exporters and importers.

No person shall, after the commencement of this Act, commence or carry on the business of export of any spice except under and in accordance with a certificate. Provided that a person carrying on the business of export of spices immediately before the commencement of this Act, may continue to do so for a period of three months from such commencement; and if he has made an application for such certificate with the said period of three months till the disposal of such application.

An application for grant of certificate shall be made to the Board in such form and shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed and shall be accompanied by a receipt evidencing the payment of the prescribed fee. On receipt of such application, the Board shall:-

• If the application is not in the prescribed form or does not contain any of the prescribed particulars, return the application to the applicant; or
• If the application is in the prescribed form and contains the prescribed particulars, grant the certificate subject to such terms and conditions as may be determined by regulations.

Other Responsibilities Related to Export Promotion of Spices:

• Quality certification and control
• Registration of exporters
• Collection & documentation of trade information
• Provision of inputs to the Central Government on policy matters relating to import & export of spices

Package Services For Exporters/Importers:

• Helps exporters and importers in establishing mutual contact.
• Identifies competent supply sources for specific requirements of importers
• Processes and forwards foreign trade inquiries to reliable exporters.
• Organizes a common platform for interaction between Indian exporters and international buyers through participation in major international exhibitions and meetings.
• Examine complaints from importers for corrective and preventive action
• Spearheads the quality improvement program for Indian spices.
• Manages a comprehensive and up-to-date data bank for exporters and importers.
• Brings together international bodies, exporters, and policymakers through contact group programs.
• Makes India’s presence felt in major international food fairs; conducts food festivals and cooking demonstrations.

Final Words:

Any person who is either a Manufacturer Exporter or Merchant Exporter of the 52 scheduled spices and Cardamom must obtain the Certificate of Registration as an Exporter of Spices(CRES) from the Spice Board of India.

There are perks and benefits that only registered exporters receive and it is mandatory to get registered under Spice Board if you are an exporter of the scheduled 52 spices and Cardamom.

You can easily get registered as an exporter of spices by using our fast and hassle free service.