The Spices Board is the Indian government regulatory and export promotion agency for Indian spices. Spices Board was constituted in 1987 under with the merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board (1968) and Spices Export Promotion Council (1960). And have the responsibility of production/development of cardamom and export promotion of 52 spices shown in the schedule of the Act.
Manufacturers and merchants who deal with the export of Indian spices must register with the Spice Board (particularly 52 scheduled spices). On completion of registration, the manufacturer or merchant receives a Spice Board Registration Certificate known as CRES (Certificate of Registration as an Exporter of Spices).
List of Spices Mentioned in the Spice Board Act:-
The following are the list of the spices included in the Spice Board Act, 1986;
- Cardamom
- Pepper
- Chilly
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Fennel
- Fenugreek
- Celery
- Aniseed
- Bishops weed
- Caraway
- Dill
- Cinnamon
- Cassia
- Curry Leaf
- Kokam
- Mint
- Mustard
- Parsley
- Pomegranate Seed
- Saffron
- Vanilla
- Tej Patta
- Pepper Long
- Star Anise
- Sweet Flag
- Greater Galanga
- Sweet Flag
- Horse-Radish
- Caper
- Clove
- Asafetida
- Cambodge
- Hyssop
- Juniper Berry
- Bay leaf
- Lovage
- Marjoram
- Nutmeg
- Mace
- Basil
- Poppy Seed
- All-Spice
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Coriander
- Savory
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Tarragon
- Tamarind
Functions of the Spice board
The Spices Board has numerous roles and responsibilities and serves as the apex body for licensing and registration of entities and individuals who wish to work involving spices. The following are the responsibilities of the Spices Board;
- Post-harvest improvement of all types of spices
- Research, development, and regulation of domestic marketing of Large and Small cardamom
- Promoting organic production, processing, and certification of spices
- Working for the development of Spices in the North Eastern States
- Providing quality evaluation services
- Promoting export of all spices through
- Technology up-gradation
- Quality up-gradation
- Brand promotion
- Research and development
Responsibilities of the board dedicated to promoting Export of Spices from India includes;
- Quality certification & control
- Registration of exporters
- Documentation and collection of trade information
- Providing inputs to the Central Government on policies related to Import and Export of Spices
Spice Board May Reject Application Based on Following Criteria:
The Board may cancel any certificate on any one or more of the following grounds, namely:-
- That the holder of the certificate has violated any of the terms and conditions of the certificate.
- 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 cancelling 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 cancelled.
- 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.
Benefits of Spice Board Registration:
- 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.
FAQs
Qus:-Who needs to take Spice Board Registration?
No person shall begin or carry on the export business of any spice unless it has obtained registration under Spice board for making such export. The Spices Board is the regulatory and export promotion body for Indian spices under the Indian government. The Spices Board was formed in 1987 with the merger of the former Cardamom Board (1968) and the Spices Export Promotion Council (1960), under the Spices Board Act 1986. And have the responsibility of producing/developing cardamom and promoting exports of 52 spices shown in the timetable of the Act.
Qus:-Certificate of registration can be cancelled?
Registration can be suspended/cancelled under the Spices Board Act & Rules and the power delegated to Spices Board.
Qus:-What are the list of spices covered under CERS?
Cardamom, Pepper, Chilly, Ginger, Turmeric, Coriander. Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Celery, Aniseed, Bishopsweed, Caraway, Dill, Cinnamon, Cassia, Garlic, Curry leaf, Kokam, Mint, Mustard, Parsley, Pomegranate seed, Saffron, Vanilla, Tejpat, Pepper long, Star Anise, Sweet flag, Greater Galanga, Horse-raddish, Caper, Clove, Asafoetida, Cambodge, Hyssop, Juniper berry, Bay leaf, Lovage, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Mace, Basil, Poppy Seed, All-Spice, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Thyme, Oregano, Tarragon, Tamarind.
Spice Board of India is responsible for the development and promotion of Indian spices globally. The board provides certification, quality control, research, and development services related to the spice industry. The board operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
Spice Board registration refers to the process of registering with the Spice Board of India to avail of its services, including certification, quality control, research, and development services.
Features: The Spice Board of India provides various services to registered members, including certification, quality control, research, and development services. The board also provides training and guidance to members to improve their knowledge and skills related to the spice industry.
Types: The Spice Board of India offers registration to various types of organizations, including growers, processors, exporters, and manufacturers of spices.
Costs: The costs involved in Spice Board registration vary depending on the type of organization and the services availed. The fees for registration and services provided by the board are generally nominal.
Time Involved: The time involved in Spice Board registration varies depending on the type of organization and the services availed. The registration process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Advantages: The Spice Board of India offers various advantages to registered members, including access to certification, quality control, research, and development services. The board also provides training and guidance to members to improve their knowledge and skills related to the spice industry. Registered members also have access to various government schemes and grants.
Disadvantages: The process of Spice Board registration can be time-consuming and may involve significant documentation and compliance requirements.
Documents Required: The documents required for Spice Board registration vary depending on the type of organization and the services availed. However, the following documents are generally required:
- Certificate of incorporation or registration of the organization
- Proof of address of the registered office
- PAN card and GST registration certificate
- Bank account details
- Any other relevant documents as specified by the Spice Board of India
It is advisable to consult a legal professional or a chartered accountant before starting the process of Spice Board registration to ensure that all requirements are met and the process is completed smoothly.