India’s Latest Regulations for Tea Import, Export, and Testing

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Dated: 08.07.2026

India’s Latest Regulations for Tea Import, Export, and Testing

India, as one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters, maintains rigorous standards for the import and export of tea to ensure quality, safety, and traceability. The Tea Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has issued Directive 02/2026, which outlines the latest regulations, procedures, and compliance requirements for all stakeholders involved in the tea trade. This article provides a detailed overview of these updated rules and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for importing tea into India.

Background and Regulatory Framework

The Tea (Distribution and Export) Control Order, 2005 empowers the Tea Board to regulate the import, export, and distribution of tea in India. Over the years, several mechanisms have been introduced to monitor both the quantity and quality of tea entering and leaving the country. Key developments include:

Formation of Tea Councils: Initially, separate Tea Councils for North and South India were established to monitor tea imports and exports. In 2025, these were merged into the Tea Council Committee of India to streamline oversight.
Online Clearance Mechanism: Since 2013, an online system has been in place for mandatory checking and certification of tea consignments.
Testing Protocols: While sample testing was temporarily discontinued in 2018, recent directives have reinstated 100% testing for imported teas meant for re-export, with risk-based testing for domestic consumption.

Key Provisions of Directive 02/2026

Directive 02/2026 introduces several important measures to ensure the quality and traceability of imported and exported tea:

100% Testing for Re-Export: All teas imported for re-export must undergo 100% testing by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on behalf of the Tea Board.
Risk-Based Testing for Domestic Use: Teas imported for domestic consumption are subject to risk-based testing, initially set at 20% of consignments.
Mandatory Clearance Certificates: Every import consignment, whether for re-export or domestic use, must obtain a clearance certificate through the Tea Council portal.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): A detailed SOP governs the step-by-step process for importers, from application to final clearance.

Step-by-Step SOP for Importing Tea into India

To ensure compliance, importers must follow these procedures:

Submission of Import Details
- Register and submit shipment details (arrival date, warehouse, container count, proforma invoice) on the Tea Council Portal (https://teacouncil.teaauction.gov.in).
Application and Fees
- Pay an application fee of Rs. 2000 plus GST per application via the portal.
- Testing fees as prescribed by FSSAI must be paid directly to the laboratories.
Packaging Design Upload
- For teas meant for re-export, upload the complete packaging design (including country of origin) when applying for the export clearance certificate.
Issuance of Import Clearance Certificate
- The Tea Board issues the clearance certificate through the portal upon successful application.
Sampling and Testing
- Upon arrival, FSSAI draws samples and sends them to NABL-approved labs for testing against FSSAI parameters.
Test Report Upload
- The laboratory uploads the test report within five days of receiving the sample.
Final Clearance
- If the sample passes, the Tea Board issues the final clearance certificate via the portal.
Export Timeline
- Teas imported for re-export must be exported within six months of import, as per Paragraph 21 of the Control Order.
Exemptions
- Instant Tea and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) tea are exempt from sampling requirements.

Compliance and Communication

All licensees under the Tea (Distribution and Export) Control Order, 2005, must strictly adhere to these procedures. The Tea Board regularly updates the SOP and related policies on its official website under the “Policy and Legislation” section. Stakeholders, including exporters, producers, manufacturers, and buyers, are encouraged to stay informed and circulate updates within their networks.

Conclusion

Directive 02/2026 reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in tea quality and safety. By following the outlined procedures, importers and exporters can ensure smooth operations, regulatory compliance, and continued access to both domestic and international markets.

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Source: Tea Board of India

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