The Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003 (Updated to 2024): A Complete Guide for the Indian Tea Industry

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Dated: 11.05.2026

The Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003 (Updated to 2024): A Complete Guide for the Indian Tea Industry

The Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003, updated through 2024, is a pivotal regulation governing the tea industry in India. It establishes clear rules for registration, licensing, manufacturing, buying, and marketing of tea, ensuring quality, transparency, and fair practices across the sector.

Key Definitions and Stakeholders

Tea Board: The central authority overseeing tea regulation, registration, and licensing.
Manufacturers: Entities producing tea from Camellia Sinensis, including estate factories, bought leaf factories, mini tea factories, and co-operative factories.
Mini Tea Factory: Owned by small growers or their associations, producing up to 500 kg of tea per day from their own plantations.
Buyers: Individuals or companies purchasing tea from auctions or directly from manufacturers.
Brokers and Auction Organizers: Licensed entities facilitating public tea auctions.
Small Tea Growers: Those owning up to 10.12 hectares (25 acres) of tea area.

Registration and Licensing Procedures

For Manufacturers

No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required before setting up a tea factory, except for mini tea factories.
Registration: Mandatory for all manufacturers (except mini tea factories) within 90 days of the Order’s publication. Application must include NOC and detailed factory information.
Mini Tea Factory Certificate: Must be obtained within 30 days of commercial manufacturing. Existing mini factories must apply within 90 days.
Capacity Enhancement: Prior NOC required for increasing production capacity.

For Buyers

Registration: Buyers must register within 90 days to purchase tea from auctions or manufacturers. Application includes business details and types of tea handled.

For Brokers and Auction Organizers

Licensing: Required for organizing or brokering public tea auctions. Applications must include rules, committee details, and broker information.
Renewal: Licenses expire on December 31 each year and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiry.

Fees Structure

Manufacturer registration: Rs. 1,20,000
Buyer registration: Rs. 9,000
Auction organizer license: Rs. 2,00,000 (renewal: Rs. 1,25,000)
Broker license: Rs. 90,000 (renewal: Rs. 56,000)
Mini Tea Factory certificate: Rs. 1,000

Compliance, Returns, and Record Maintenance

Monthly Returns: Registered manufacturers must submit detailed monthly returns on production, sales, and tea waste.
Quarterly Returns: Registered buyers must report purchases, stock, and sales.
Record Keeping: All manufacturers, buyers, brokers, and auction organizers must maintain records as specified by the Tea Board.

Auction and Direct Sales Regulations

Auction Mandate: From 2024, manufacturers must sell at least 50% of their annual tea production (excluding certain types) and 100% of dust grades in specified states through public auctions.
Direct Sales: Allowed for packet tea, instant tea, tea bags, aromatic tea, green tea, quick brewing black tea, organic tea, and direct exports. These are excluded from auction requirements.
Buyers: Must purchase a specified percentage of their tea through auctions, as directed by the Tea Board.

Quality Standards and Monitoring

Food Safety Compliance: All tea must conform to standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Sample Testing: The Tea Board may draw samples from manufacturers and buyers to ensure compliance.
Green Leaf Price Monitoring: District committees monitor prices paid to small tea growers, ensuring fair compensation based on auction prices and a price-sharing formula.

Enforcement and Appeals

Inspection and Seizure: Authorized officers may inspect premises and seize tea stored or sold in violation of the Order.
Suspension/Cancellation: Registrations and licenses can be suspended or cancelled for violations, misrepresentation, or unfair practices.
Appeals: Aggrieved parties may appeal to the Central Government within three months.

Forms and Applications

Detailed forms are provided for registration, licensing, returns, and renewals, ensuring transparency and uniformity in processes.

Recent Amendments (2024)

Increased auction requirements for manufacturers in key tea-producing states.
Enhanced monitoring of green leaf prices and district-level committees.
Updated fee structures and application procedures.

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Source: Tea Board India

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