New Requirements for Online Certificates of Origin for Darjeeling Tea

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Dated: 27.08.2026

New Requirements for Online Certificates of Origin for Darjeeling Tea

The Tea Board of India has announced significant updates to the process for obtaining Certificates of Origin (COO) for Darjeeling tea exports. These changes, effective from September 17, 2026, are designed to enhance traceability and transparency in the export process. Here’s a comprehensive overview for tea producers, exporters, and stakeholders.

Background: Online COO Issuance for Darjeeling Tea

Since April 3, 2023, the Tea Board has facilitated the online issuance of COOs for Darjeeling tea through its dedicated portal (https://darjeelingtea.teaboard.gov.in/). This system streamlines the export process and provides producers with easy access to Management Information System (MIS) reports, including:

Green leaf plucked
Garden invoices
Total tea manufactured
Country of export
Quantity of tea exported

Previous COO Generation Process

Initially, the portal allowed producers to generate COOs using only factory invoices, without the need to submit detailed sourcing data. This simplified process helped with the transition to the new digital system and ensured smooth operations during the initial phase.

What’s Changing from September 17, 2026?

With the portal now stable and widely adopted, the Tea Board has mandated a crucial change:

Mandatory Sourcing Data:
- All COOs generated through the portal must now include comprehensive sourcing data.
- The previous option to generate COOs with only factory invoices (without sourcing data) will be discontinued.
Enhanced Traceability:
- This requirement ensures that every batch of Darjeeling tea exported can be traced back to its source, reinforcing the authenticity and integrity of the Darjeeling GI (Geographical Indication) brand.

Who Is Affected?

87 Recognized Tea Gardens of Darjeeling GI: All must comply with the new sourcing data requirements.
5 Mini Tea Factories within Darjeeling GI: These smaller producers are also included in the mandate.

Action Steps for Producers and Exporters

Update Internal Processes:
- Ensure that all relevant sourcing data is accurately recorded and ready for submission when generating COOs.
Portal Familiarization:
- Review the updated portal features and guidelines to ensure compliance.
Staff Training:
- Train staff responsible for COO generation on the new requirements and data entry procedures.

Why This Matters

Protecting the Darjeeling Brand: The new measures help safeguard the reputation of Darjeeling tea by preventing mislabeling and ensuring only authentic tea is exported under the GI tag.
International Compliance: Enhanced traceability aligns with global best practices and meets the expectations of international buyers and regulators.

Additional Information

The Tea Board has circulated this update to all relevant associations and stakeholders, including the Darjeeling GI members, ITA, TIPPA, ITEA, and internal departments for necessary action and compliance.

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.

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Source: Tea Board of India

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