
If you want to export spices from India, Spice Board registration is an important requirement. The Spices Board issues a Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) to eligible exporters. This registration is required along with an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) for exporting spices and spice products from India.
Many exporters also search for this registration as RCMC Spice Board registration or an RCMC certificate. CRES is connected with the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) process through the DGFT common digital platform.
In this article, we will explain Spices Board registration eligibility, documents, fees, process, validity, and other important details in simple language.
What Is Spices Board Registration?
The Spices Board of India regulates and promotes the export of Indian spices. If a business wants to export spices or spice products, it generally needs a valid Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) from the Spices Board.
CRES is issued under the Spices Board Act, 1986. Since 2022, applications for CRES have been processed through the DGFT common digital platform.
The registration is available mainly for two categories:
Merchant Exporter
Manufacturer Exporter
A merchant exporter purchases spices from suppliers and exports them, while a manufacturer exporter generally processes or manufactures the spice products before exporting them.
Who Needs Spices Board Registration?
Businesses involved in exporting spices and spice products from India need to obtain CRES registration.
Some examples include exporters dealing in:
Chilli and chilli products
Pepper
Cardamom
Turmeric
Cumin
Coriander
Ginger
Other spices and spice products
The Spices Board states that CRES is mandatory for the export or import of spices and spice products in addition to the IEC.
Documents Required for Spice Board Registration
The documents can vary depending on whether you are applying as a merchant or manufacturer exporter.
Documents for Merchant Exporter
Generally, the following documents are required:
Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
GST certificate
Central FSSAI certificate
Bank report in the prescribed format
Other information required in the online application
Additional Documents for Manufacturer Exporter
A manufacturer exporter may also need:
MSME certificate
Valid Consent to Operate from the Pollution Control Board
Proof of ownership or possession of the processing unit
Valid lease or rent agreement, where applicable
Recent property tax receipt, where applicable
The Spices Board's current CRES registration portal lists GST, bank report and Central FSSAI for both categories, with additional documents for manufacturer exporters.
Spice Board Registration Process
The Spice Board registration process is completed online through the DGFT platform.
Step 1: Obtain IEC
Before applying for CRES, the exporter should have a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Keep the GST certificate, Central FSSAI certificate, bank report and other applicable documents ready. Manufacturer exporters should also prepare the additional documents related to their manufacturing unit.
Step 3: Apply Through DGFT
Log in to the DGFT portal and link your IEC with your profile. Select the relevant RCMC application and choose Spices Board (SBCB) as the concerned commodity board.
The CRES application is currently submitted through the DGFT portal.
Step 4: Enter Business Details
Fill in the required business, exporter and contact details. The information should match the details available in your IEC and other supporting documents.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and complete the application carefully.
Step 6: Pay the Registration Fees
Pay the applicable CRES registration fee through the available payment facility.
Step 7: Application Verification
The application is reviewed by the concerned authority. You can check the application status through the DGFT portal.
Step 8: Receive CRES Certificate
After successful processing, the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices (CRES) is issued. The Spices Board FAQ states that the certificate can be downloaded from DGFT.
Spice Board Registration Fees
The Spice Board registration fees depend on the type of exporter.
The current Spices Board portal lists ₹10,000 + 18% GST for merchant exporters and ₹15,000 + 18% GST for manufacturer exporters.
Renewal and amendment fees are different from fresh registration fees.
How Long Does Spice Board Registration Take?
The processing time can depend on the application and documents submitted. The Spices Board FAQ states that a CRES can be issued in about one week after receipt of the application and complete documents, while the Spices Board Citizen Charter currently specifies a minimum service timeframe of 10 days.
Therefore, applicants should make sure that their documents and application details are complete to avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is the Validity of the RCMC Certificate?
The CRES is valid for three years from the date of issue. Exporters should apply for renewal before the certificate expires.
If there is a change in business address or branches, the exporter may need to file an amendment application through DGFT.
Why Is Spice Board Registration Important?
Obtaining Spices Board registration can help exporters meet the regulatory requirements for spice exports from India.
It can help you:
Obtain the required exporter registration for spices
Maintain compliance with Spices Board requirements
Use the RCMC/e-RCMC framework for export-related purposes
Continue spice export activities with a valid registration
Access relevant services and support available to registered exporters
Registered exporters are also required to submit quarterly export returns through the Spices Board's online system.
Get Assistance With Spice Board Registration
Applying for a Spice Board registration requires the correct documents, business details and proper submission through the DGFT platform. Mistakes in documents or mismatched information can delay the application.
PSR Compliance can assist businesses with the CRES/Spices Board registration process, document preparation and application support.
If you are planning to export spices from India, getting the registration requirements checked before applying can help you complete the process more smoothly.
📞 Call: 8796104190
📧 Email: support@psrcompliance.com
🔗 Learn more:https://www.psrcompliance.com/spice-board-registration

