If you are planning to export Indian spices, getting your registration through the Spices Board is non-negotiable. In this blog, we dive deep into what spice board registration means, why it matters, how to get it, what the fees are, and how it supports your business. This is an evergreen guide — meaning whether you are starting today or next year, the information remains relevant.


What is the Spices Board?

The Spices Board of India is the official government agency (under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry) responsible for promotion, quality control, and export regulation of 52 scheduled spices from India.

If you intend to export spices — whether as a manufacturer or merchant — you must register with the Spices Board and obtain a valid Certificate of Registration (CRES).

Why Spice Board Registration Matters

• Legal compliance: Under the Spices Board Act, 1986, exporters of scheduled spices must hold a valid registration certificate. 

• Export clearance: Without the registration certificate, customs clearance at ports may be blocked; shipments may be seized or rejected.

• Access to benefits: Registered exporters may get access to export-promotion schemes, quality testing, export incentives, brand registration, packaging support, and government-led trade promotions.

• Global buyer confidence: A valid Spices Board certificate lends credibility and reassures importers abroad about compliance and traceability.
  
  

How to Get Spice Board Registration Online (Spices Board Registration Process)

1. Get prerequisites: You need a valid Import-Export Code (IEC), PAN, GST registration (if applicable), bank account info, address proofs, and, depending on your business structure, incorporation documents, partnership deed, or proprietor Aadhar/PAN.

2. Visit the official portal: Use the official Spices Board e-RCMC portal (CRES application page) to apply online.
   

3. Fill application & upload documents: Submit required forms (Form-1), upload all mandatory documents as scanned PDFs, and ensure details match your IEC and business registration.

4. Pay registration fees (see below).

5. Verification & approval: The Board may verify documents — for manufacturers, this may include inspection of the processing unit; for merchants, often only document scrutiny.

6. Download certificate: Upon approval, you'll receive login credentials and can download the CRES certificate. 

Once issued, the certificate is typically valid for three years. Exporters must renew it before expiry to maintain compliance and continuous export eligibility.

Spice Board Registration Fees — What You Need to Pay

Here is the latest standard fee structure for registration under the Spices Board of India. Note: all amounts below are exclusive of GST. 

Some sources mention total amounts including GST — for example, a manufacturer’s new registration might amount to ₹ 17,700 (₹ 15,000 + 18% GST). 

Because these fees are subject to periodic updates by the Board, always verify on the official Spices Board portal before payment.

What Happens After Registration — Certificate, Validity & Post-Registration Benefits

Once your application is approved and the fee paid, you receive the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) digitally. 

Validity: Usually for three years. After that, you must apply for renewal to continue your export operations without disruption.

With a valid certificate, you become eligible for various export-promotion schemes from the Board — such as reimbursement of your registration charges (for selected beneficiaries), government support for packaging/bar-coding, participation in trade shows, subsidised sample shipments, and marketing/promotional assistance.

Also, compliance with Spices Board norms and certification enhances buyer trust — especially international buyers who often require documentation showing legal registration and adherence to export quality and traceability standards.

Common Mistakes & Tips for Smooth Spices Board of India Registration

• Mismatch in IEC / GST / PAN details: Ensure that all your business identifiers match perfectly across IEC, GST, PAN and address proofs to avoid rejection.
  
  

• Missing FSSAI or processing unit compliance: If you are a manufacturer/exporter, you may need an FSSAI licence or processing unit proof. Without that, inspection can fail and delay certification.
  
  

• Delay in renewal: If you don’t renew before expiry, you may have to reapply as a fresh exporter, which means full fees again and possible export disruption.
  
  

• Incorrect payment of fee / GST: Always check the latest fee and make a correct payment through the official portal.
  
  

Conclusion

Spice Board registration is not just a formality — it's a legal requirement, a passport for export, and a ticket to government benefits and global business opportunities. Whether you are a small trader or a full-fledged manufacturer, getting registered correctly with the Spices Board of India is the first and most important step to scale up your spice export business.

If you follow the official procedure carefully — gather correct documents, fill the online form correctly, pay the right fees, and maintain compliance — the registration process is fairly straightforward and worth the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 : Spices Board registration online — is it possible?

Yes, you can apply online through the official Spices Board portal (the CRES/e-RCMC registration system). The application form, document upload and fee payment are all done digitally.

2 : What are the spices board registration fees?

For a new registration, manufacturers pay ₹15,000 + GST, and merchants (export traders) pay ₹10,000 + GST. Renewal and amendment charges are lower as per the standard fee structure.

3 : How to get the Spice Board certificate?

First obtain an IEC (from DGFT), then apply online at the Spices Board portal, submit required documents and fees. After verification (and inspection if needed), the Spices Board issues the CRES certificate — downloadable digitally.

4 : What is the certificate for exporting spices?

The certificate is called Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) — issued by the Spices Board of India after successful registration. This certificate legally authorises you to export scheduled Indian spices