Noida, India - Early 2026: The Tea Board of India has declared a batch of major regulatory changes designed to make digital compliance easier, raise the level of manufacturing standards, and increase the ability to trace tea products. For the tea industry, they wish to reform the outdated system of registration, make the market more transparent, and provide good support for the future growth of the tea sector in India.
India ranks as one of the biggest tea-producing and exporting countries in the world, so these alterations will have a major impact on tea manufacturers, exporters, warehouse operators, and traders.



Complete Shift to Online Registration Process

As part of the government’s digital transformation efforts, the Tea Board has made it mandatory for all registrations, renewals, and license applications to be filed only through its official online portal.
Applicants are now required to:

1. Sign up or log in through the Tea Board portal
2. Accept the online undertaking
3. Select their state and the required registration or license type
4. Fill in business details and upload documents
5. Pay fees digitally

This move is expected to reduce delays, improve transparency, and simplify the overall application process.


Major Updates and Circulars Issued in 2026

The Tea Board has also drawn up a couple of new rules and compliance memorandums this year.

1. Updated Registration Policy for Flavoured Tea

On February 4 2026, changes were made to the regulations governing the manufacture of flavoured teas. The purpose of the amendments is to enhance product quality and labelling compliance.


2. Tea Warehouse Licensing Regulations

On February 11 2026, new specifications for the licensing of tea warehouses were rolled out to help promote safety in storage and efficient inventory handling


3. Tea Mark Certification & Digital Traceability

The Tea Mark certification scheme and digital market facilitation system have been introduced for the domestic tea trade to improve traceability. The present step is expected to increase consumer trust and market efficiency.


4. Mandatory Public Auction Requirement

According to a circular dated February 27 2026, registered tea manufacturers in India are required to sell at least 50% of their annual production through public tea auctions.
This step is expected to enhance price discovery and increase transparency in tea trading.


5. Import Control Directive

The new import directive (No. 01/2026) released on February 11 2026, brings updates regarding the imported tea to India.


Strict Compliance on Incomplete Applications

The Tea Board has cautioned applicants to submit full and accurate application forms. The Board shall only give one chance to the applicant to make corrections to the registration filings.

If the applicant does not respond within the allowed time period:
The application shall be treated as rejected, and any fees paid may be confiscated.
Hence, professional documentation and timely submission have become very crucial.


Documents Commonly Required

1. Businesses applying for Tea Board registration may need:
2. GST / MSME Registration
3. PAN / Aadhaar of the proprietor or directors
4. FSSAI Certificate
5. Land or Factory Ownership / Lease Documents
6. Other business-related approvals as applicable


RCMC Fee for Exporters

Exporters require the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) fee, which is normally 5,600, but the Central Government might change the fees as it sees fit.


Industry Outlook

By the present reforms, the Tea Board of India aims to bring up a modern and transparently competitive tea industry globally.

The stakeholders are suggested to understand the compliance thoroughly and keep a strict watch on the official notifications for timely updation.



About the Tea Board of India

The Tea Board of India is the highest body regulating and promoting the tea industry in India. It aims at quality standards, growth of export, development of the industry and fair trading practices.


Media & Business Assistance

If your business needs registration with the Tea Board, exporter certification, warehouse licensing, or help with compliance, the best thing would be reaching out to professionals who are familiar with these procedures so that everything can be done smoothly.



Disclaimer: Registration procedures and fees can be updated frequently. Always check the official Tea Board of India website for the latest circulars.