Tea Board Launches CTM Registration Scheme for Small Tea Growers in Darjeeling

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Dated: 12.11.2026

Tea Board Launches CTM Registration Scheme for Small Tea Growers in Darjeeling

Small tea growers within the notified Darjeeling Geographical Indication (GI) area can now register under the Darjeeling Certification Trade Mark (CTM) regime through a dedicated, lower-cost fee structure.

The Tea Board has introduced the measure to bring eligible small growers into the formal certification system while reducing the compliance burden associated with protecting the origin, authenticity and integrity of Darjeeling tea. The framework takes effect immediately.

What the new framework covers

The Tea Board is the registered proprietor of the Geographical Indication and Certification Trade Mark for “Darjeeling.” Through its licensing regime, it certifies eligible participants in the tea value chain and helps safeguard the reputation of tea produced in the Darjeeling region.

Under the new category, small tea growers whose plantations are located inside the defined Darjeeling GI tract can obtain CTM registration on terms designed specifically for them.

Fees for small tea growers

Eligible small tea growers will pay the following charges, in addition to applicable GST:

Registration fee: ₹1,000
Renewal fee: ₹500 for each registered licence

This dedicated fee structure is intended to make participation in the Darjeeling CTM regime more accessible for smaller producers operating within the GI area.

Registration validity and renewal cycle

A CTM registration issued under this category remains valid for five years from the date of issue. Growers must renew their registration once every five years to retain their licence under the regime.

The five-year validity period provides a defined certification cycle while ensuring that registered growers periodically renew their status with the Tea Board.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is limited to small tea growers with tea plantations located within the notified Darjeeling GI area. The location requirement is central to the programme because the Darjeeling GI and CTM system is designed to protect tea associated with the recognised Darjeeling origin.

Application requirement

Eligible growers are required to submit their application, supporting documentation and applicable fees to the Tea Board’s designated office. Registration is therefore tied both to the grower’s eligibility within the Darjeeling GI tract and to completion of the prescribed application process.

Why this matters for Darjeeling tea

The initiative expands formal participation in the Darjeeling certification framework to small growers. By bringing more eligible producers under the CTM regime, the Tea Board aims to support traceability and reinforce confidence that tea represented under the Darjeeling name meets origin-related certification requirements.

For qualifying small growers, the arrangement offers a clear route to CTM registration: ₹1,000 plus GST for a five-year registration, followed by renewal at ₹500 plus GST every five years.

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 India

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