Overview

The Spices Board of India was established under the Spices Board Act, 1986 and operates under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. It is responsible for the development, promotion, and regulation of the export of 52 scheduled spices from India.

Any individual or business intending to export the scheduled spices from India must obtain a Certificate of Registration as an Exporter of Spices, viz. (CRES), formerly known as the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).

Why

Spice Board registration is mandatory for all exporters dealing with spices listed in the schedule of the Spices Board Act. Here's why it's essential:

• Legal Compliance: It is mandatory for exporters of scheduled spices under the Spices Board Act.
• Export Incentives: Required to avail benefits such as duty drawbacks, export subsidies, and financial assistance under government schemes.
• Credibility and Trust: Enhances recognition and reliability in global markets.
• Market Access Support: Access to the international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, training programs and market intelligence.
• Quality Testing and Certification: Use of Spices Board laboratories for sample testing and certification.

Process

The process of obtaining Spice Board registration involves the following steps:

1. Determine Eligibility:

• Applicant must be engaged in spice export activities.
• Must have a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT.

2. Prepare Documents: 

• Copy of IEC Certificate.
• PAN Card and Aadhaar (for individuals).
• GST registration certificate.
• MSME Certificate (if applicable).
• Company incorporation documents/partnership deed.
• Address proof of business premises.
• Export turnover details (if applicable).

3. Apply Online:

• Visit the official Spices Board eRCMC portal: https://indianspices.org.in/CRES_new/
• Create an account and fill the required details in the online application form.
• Upload the required documents and submit the application.

4. Pay Registration Fees (details below).

5. Verification:

• Spice Board officials may verify documents or seek clarification.

6. Grant of Registration:

• Once approved, the RCMC is issued digitally.

Documents

Applicants must keep the following documents ready (in digital format, preferably PDF or JPEG):

For All Applicants:

• Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Certificate issued by DGFT
• PAN Card of the business/entity
• GST Registration Certificate
• Address Proof of the business premises (Utility bill/Lease deed/Ownership proof)
• Cancelled Cheque or bank statement with account details
• Declaration on company letterhead regarding the nature of business and product list

For Proprietorship Firms:

• Aadhaar card of the proprietor
• Passport-size photo

For Partnership Firms:

• Partnership Deed
• PAN and Aadhaar of all partners
• Authorization letter from partners for one partner to act as signatory

For Companies (Private/Public Limited):

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
• Board Resolution authorizing one director to sign
• Director Identification Number (DIN) and Aadhaar of authorized director

For Manufacturer Exporters:

• Factory license or SSI/MSME Certificate
• FSSAI/Processing license (if applicable)

Note: All documents must be self-attested and will be uploaded in the specified file size and format as required by the portal.

Fees

The government fees for the manufacturer and merchant are mentioned below: -

Fees are subject to change. Always check the official portal for latest updates.

Note: Professional/consultancy fees may apply if using a service provider.

Time

• Merchant Exporter: 5 working days (approx.)
• Manufacturer Exporter: 7–10 working days. (includes site inspection)
• Validity: It is valid for three years from the date of issuance.
• Renewal: Apply manually before expiry; preferably 2–3 months prior.

Failure to renew on time or make exports during the block period results in loss of continuity and requires fresh registration with full fees as a new exporter.

Note: Timelines may vary depending on application volume and document verification delays.

FAQs