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Spices Board registration (CRES) for spice exporters
How spice exporters register with the Spices Board and get a CRES, which also counts as an RCMC. Documents, online application, what is not officially verified about fees, and related licences.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
How spice exporters register with the Spices Board and get a CRES, which also counts as an RCMC. Documents, online application, what is not officially verified about fees, and related licences. Key facts: Issued by: Spices Board India (Ministry of Commerce); Validity: Per registration period set by the Board; Time: Online application on the Spices Board website.
Source: indianspices.com. Not yet matched to an official page; confirm on the official portal before paying.
What it is
Exporters of spices register with the Spices Board and receive the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices, called the CRES. Spices Board's notice says the CRES is treated as the RCMC for the purposes of the Foreign Trade Policy, so spice exporters do not need a separate RCMC.
The Board's FAQ says applications for new CRES and renewal are made online through the Board's website.
Who needs it
Merchant exporters and manufacturer exporters of spices and spice products. The Board separates the two types of exporter when it sets registration terms.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| CRES new registration and renewal | Amount set by the BoardNot officially verified SourceThe Board's circular for 2021-24 listed separate amounts for merchant and manufacturer exporters. We did not find the circular for the current period, and the Board's own pages gave different amounts, so we show no figure. Check the current circular on indianspices.com. |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- IEC
- Business registration papers (incorporation certificate, partnership deed or proprietor ID)
- For manufacturer exporters: proof of the processing or manufacturing unit, as the Board's circular lists
- Documents asked on the Board's online form for your category of exporter
Steps to apply
- Get your IEC from DGFT. IEC code guide Fee: ₹500
- Go to the Spices Board website and open the exporter registration (CRES) form. indianspices.com
- Choose merchant or manufacturer exporter, fill in the form and upload documents.
- Pay the fee the Board shows for the current period. Fee: As shown by the Board
- Receive the CRES. It counts as your RCMC.
Where to apply
- Spices Board India: Apply for CRES and read circulars
- Spices Board notice on CRES and RCMC: CRES treated as RCMC
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
Spices also need food and plant checks
Spice shipments are food products. The country you export to may ask for lab tests and a phytosanitary certificate. See the phytosanitary certificate guide and the buyer country's page in our Import and Export section.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Online application on the Spices Board website
Not officially verified Source
If you operate without it
A Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices is mandatory to export spices (section 11 of the Spices Board Act 1986). Exporting without it can bring jail up to one year, or a fine up to ₹1,000, or both, and Customs action can follow. Exports against the rules can also bring a penalty of at least ₹10,000 under the Foreign Trade Act.
Law: Spices Board Act 1986 sections 11 and 29; Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992 section 11
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Printed documents not sent in time | Post the printout and documents to the Regional Office within 10 days of the online filing. |
| Missing papers such as bank report, PAN, tax certificate or photos | Follow the checklist in the online registration window. |
| IEC not obtained first | Get your IEC from DGFT before you apply. |
| Late renewal | Apply in June; each later month adds a fine of ₹250. |
Not officially verified Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.