Spices Board India, established in 1987 under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, serves as the premier regulatory and promotional agency for Indian spices. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, the Board plays a pivotal role in the development, promotion, and global export of Indian spices, with a mandate to ensure quality, sustainability, and international competitiveness in the spice trade.
Core Business
The core responsibilities of Spices Board India include:
- Development of spice production and processing
- Regulation and control of spice exports
- Promotion of Indian spices in international markets
- Quality certification for exported spices
- Research, education, and training in spice cultivation and processing
The Board supports the entire value chain—from farm-level practices to international trade—making it a central institution in India’s spice ecosystem.
Product and Service Offerings
While Spices Board India is not a commercial exporter, it plays a critical role in standard-setting, certification, and market development for more than 52 scheduled spices under its purview, including:
- Major Spices: Black Pepper, Cardamom (Small and Large), Turmeric, Chilli, Ginger, Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel
- Seed Spices: Fenugreek, Dill, Aniseed
- Tree Spices: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove
- Miscellaneous: Curry Leaves, Tamarind, Garlic, Saffron
Key services include:
- Export-oriented research and development
- Establishment of Spice Parks and processing centers
- Promotion through international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets
- GI tagging and branding of Indian spice varieties (e.g., Malabar Pepper, Alleppey Turmeric)
Specialisation and Core USP
Spices Board India is globally recognized for its role in ensuring the traceability and quality of Indian spice exports. Its laboratories and quality evaluation centers are accredited to international standards (ISO/IEC 17025), ensuring compliance with global food safety regulations like those of the EU, USFDA, and Codex Alimentarius.
Unique Selling Propositions:
- Quality Certification: Mandatory testing and certification for all spice exports
- Spice Parks: Advanced infrastructure for processing, value addition, and packaging
- eSpice Bazaar: Online platform to connect farmers and exporters
- Residue Testing: Ensures compliance with stringent Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) norms
Financials
As a government institution, Spices Board India is not revenue-driven, but it facilitates a high-value export sector. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Indian spice exports reached:
- USD 3.73 billion in FY 2022-23
- 1.53 million metric tons of spices exported globally
- Key export markets: USA, China, UAE, Bangladesh, Thailand, UK, Malaysia, and Germany
Spices Board’s efforts have contributed significantly to India holding a 15% share in global spice exports by volume and 23% by value.
Shipment and Trade Data
India, under the regulation of Spices Board, has seen consistent growth in spice exports:
- Chilli is the most exported spice, accounting for over 30% of total export volume
- Mint products, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper follow as high-value exports
- India exported spices to more than 180 countries in FY 2022-23
The Board monitors all export consignments for quality and residue limits through its quality evaluation labs located in key producing and exporting hubs like Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Guntur, and Tuticorin.
Target Market
Spices Board India targets:
- International buyers and importers of Indian spices
- Indian exporters and processors seeking certification and quality control
- Spice farmers and producer organizations seeking training and market access
- Food safety authorities and regulators globally
Capabilities
- 7 quality evaluation laboratories across India
- 6 Spice Parks with advanced processing and packaging facilities
- Residue analysis, microbial testing, and heavy metal detection
- GI certification and promotion of indigenous spice varieties
- Training programs for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
Certifications and Compliance
Spices Board ensures adherence to international quality and safety norms:
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratories
- FSSAI, Codex, EU, and USFDA compliant testing procedures
- Coordinates with agencies like APEDA, FSSAI, and state agriculture boards
- Provides support for Organic and GI certifications
Customer Testimonials
While as a regulatory board direct testimonials are limited, Indian spice exporters have frequently acknowledged the Board’s pivotal role in:
- Enhancing quality and traceability
- Ensuring market access through certifications
- Facilitating export documentation and clearance processes
Major Achievements
- Facilitated Indian spice exports to cross $3.5 billion annually
- Set up India’s first eSpice Bazaar for direct farmer-to-exporter linkage
- Helped secure GI tags for multiple regional spices including Sikkim Large Cardamom, Coorg Green Cardamom, and Byadgi Chilli
- Launched promotional campaigns like Flavourit Spices Trading Ltd. for retail branding
- Organized over 150 international trade fairs and exhibitions promoting Indian spices
Spices Board India remains a cornerstone of India’s agricultural export strategy, combining policy, research, quality control, and trade facilitation to maintain India’s leadership in the global spice trade.
