Indian Compliance
Spices Board Registration (CRES) 2026: Fees, Documents & Process for Exporters
India is the world's largest producer and exporter of spices. If you want to be part of that trade, you need a CRES, the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices, from the Spices Board of India. Without it, you cannot legally export the spices listed under the Spices Board Act, 1986.
This guide covers who needs CRES, the 2026 fees, documents, the online process and renewal. For the wider licence picture, see our guide on licences needed to export spices.
Who Needs a CRES?
- Manufacturer exporters who process spices, such as grinding, cleaning, sorting, packing or making spice products
- Merchant exporters who buy and export spices without processing
The requirement covers whole spices, ground spices, spice blends, oils and oleoresins of scheduled spices. CRES also acts as your RCMC for spices, so you do not need a separate one from FIEO.
Which Spices Are Covered?
The schedule to the Spices Board Act lists 52 spices. The ones most often exported include:
- Seed spices: cumin, coriander, fennel, fenugreek, celery, mustard, ajwain, dill
- Major spices: black pepper, small and large cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric
- Tree spices: clove, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cassia, tamarind
- Others: garlic, vanilla, saffron, curry leaf, star anise and more
Value-added forms such as spice powders, curry powder, mixed masalas, spice oils and oleoresins are also covered. If any scheduled spice is in your export product, check with the Spices Board before shipping.
Spices Board Registration Fees
| Type | Manufacturer exporter | Merchant exporter |
|---|---|---|
| New registration | ₹15,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Renewal | ₹10,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Amendment | ₹5,000 | |
GST applies on top. Fees are paid online during the application.
Documents Required
For all applicants:
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- GST registration
- PAN of the business
- Bank certificate or bank report on the applicant
- Central FSSAI licence
- Company incorporation documents, partnership deed or proprietorship proof
Manufacturer exporters also need:
- Udyam (MSME) registration
- Consent to Operate from the State Pollution Control Board, where applicable
- Proof of the processing premises and details of machinery
How to Apply
- Get your IEC and Central FSSAI licence first.
- Log in to the DGFT portal and choose the Spices Board as the registering authority.
- Select manufacturer or merchant exporter and fill in the details.
- Upload documents and pay the fee.
- Spices Board review, which may include a premises inspection for manufacturers.
- CRES issued, valid for three years.
Validity and Renewal
CRES is valid for three years. Apply for renewal on the DGFT portal before expiry, with updated documents. Changes such as a new address, partners or premises need an amendment.
After You Get CRES
- File export returns with the Spices Board as required
- Meet quality requirements of importing countries, such as pesticide residue and aflatoxin limits
- Use the Spices Board's testing labs or approved labs where buyers or rules require
- Keep your FSSAI licence and other registrations current
Common Mistakes
- Applying with a State FSSAI licence. A Central licence is needed for export.
- Choosing the wrong exporter type. Processing makes you a manufacturer exporter.
- Getting an RCMC from FIEO for spices. The Spices Board is the right body.
- Letting CRES lapse. Exports without a valid CRES can be held.
How Instacertify Helps
We arrange the IEC and Central FSSAI licence, prepare documents, file CRES on the DGFT portal and handle renewals and amendments. See our Spices Board registration service.
Frequently asked questions
What is CRES?
CRES is the Certificate of Registration as Exporter of Spices, issued by the Spices Board of India. It is mandatory for anyone exporting spices listed in the schedule to the Spices Board Act, 1986.
What are the Spices Board registration fees?
For a new CRES, ₹15,000 for manufacturer exporters and ₹10,000 for merchant exporters, plus GST. Renewal is ₹10,000 and ₹7,500. An amendment costs ₹5,000.
How long is a CRES valid?
Three years. Apply for renewal before it expires to avoid a gap in exports.
Is FSSAI licence required for Spices Board registration?
Yes. A Central FSSAI licence is among the required documents for CRES.
Do spice exporters need APEDA registration?
No. Spices come under the Spices Board, which acts as the export promotion body for them. APEDA covers other scheduled agricultural and processed food products.
Where do I apply for CRES?
Online through the DGFT portal, which routes the application to the Spices Board.