TEA MARK Certification: Elevating Indian Tea Quality and Traceability

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 11.07.2026

TEA MARK Certification: Elevating Indian Tea Quality and Traceability

The Tea Board India has launched the TEA MARK Certification scheme, a voluntary national certification mark designed to set a unified benchmark for the quality, authenticity, sustainability, and traceability of Indian teas. This initiative is supported by a robust online licensing portal and a dedicated e-commerce platform, making the certification process transparent and accessible for stakeholders across the tea industry.

What is TEA MARK Certification?

TEA MARK is an official certification mark issued by the Tea Board India. It signifies that a tea product has met stringent quality, traceability, and sustainability standards. The certification is voluntary and does not restrict the manufacture, sale, export, or distribution of tea under existing Indian laws.

Legal Framework

The TEA MARK Certification is governed by:

The Tea Act, 1953 (Section 10)
The Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003
The Trade Marks Act, 1999
Regulations and guidelines issued by the Tea Board India

Who Can Apply?

Initial Phase: Mini Tea Units and Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) registered under TMCO, 2003
Future Expansion: Tea estates, corporate factories, independent packers, and exporters (as notified by the Tea Board)

Eligible Tea Categories

Orthodox Tea
CTC Tea
Green Tea
Organic Tea
Specialty and Single-Origin Teas
Value-added Teas and Tea Products

Certification Process: Step-by-Step

Online Application: Submit application with valid TMCO Certificate, GST and FSSAI registrations, product details, and QR code cards via the Tea Board Licensing Portal.
Preliminary Verification: Tea Board reviews application for completeness and eligibility.
Certificate Issuance: Upon approval, download the Tea Mark certificate and logo for packaging.
Batch Permission: Apply online for batchwise permission to sell specific tea batches.
Sampling: Authorized officials inspect and collect samples from packed teas.
Laboratory Testing: Samples are tested at QCL, Siliguri or any NABL-accredited lab for FSSAI compliance.
Batch Approval: If compliant, batchwise permission is granted for sale on the Tea Marketplace platform.

Fees and Validity

Certificate Validity: 3 years from issuance
Renewal: Apply online at least 30 days before expiry
Fees:
- New/Renewal: Rs. 1000 + GST
- Batchwise Permission: Rs. 5400 + GST

Logo Usage Guidelines

The TEA MARK logo must be displayed on packaging with the certificate number or a traceability QR code.
The logo cannot be altered in color, font, or aspect ratio.
Usage is permitted on consumer packaging, export consignments, and authorized promotional materials.

Digital Traceability

The certification process is fully digital, ensuring end-to-end traceability. Consumers can verify the product’s origin, processing history, manufacturing date, laboratory clearance, and more via the traceability QR code.

Compliance and Enforcement

Unauthorized use of the TEA MARK logo is strictly prohibited.
Non-compliance or quality failures result in immediate suspension or cancellation of certification.

Continuous Improvement

The SOP for TEA MARK Certification is reviewed annually to incorporate market changes, technological advancements, and regulatory updates.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: TEA Board India

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Tea Board CircularDownload

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/