Tea in India is an important part of our daily lives. Be it a morning starter or an afternoon chat, tea is almost everywhere. India ranks second in the world in tea production and first in the production of black tea. Maintaining quality in such a large market is very important.
So, a new standardization scheme called “Tea Mark” has been launched. It is a quality certification that ensures the quality, safety, and origin of tea. This scheme is not mandatory but boosts credibility in the market. It will help in identifying good-quality tea. All the tea entrepreneurs with a tea board license must know about the tea mark scheme.
What is The Tea Mark Scheme?
Tea Mark is a simple and clear quality certification logo. It will be used in tea packets. This logo ensures that the tea has been tested according to certain standards. It is managed by the Tea Board of India.
Tea must follow some important rules to get this certification. For example:
- FSSAI’s food safety standards
- Tea Control Order rules
Tea is tested based on these two. Only if the test is passed can the tea mark be used.
It acts as a kind of “trust mark.” General buyers can easily understand which tea is safe and of good quality. However, only registered and qualified manufacturers can apply for this certification.
Nature of the Tea Mark Scheme
The Tea Mark scheme is not mandatory. No company will have to take this certification. Those who do not want to take it will not face any obstacles in their business. Still, many companies will be interested in joining this scheme. It ensures the quality of their products.
Key benefits:
- Increases customer trust – buyers easily trust the product
- Increases brand value – creates a good image in the market
- Can stay ahead of the competition – can be distinguished from others
This type of scheme is much like ISO or other quality certifications. They are also not mandatory, but companies take them to gain more importance in the market.
Read more – Flavoured Tea Registration – How to Apply?
How does the Tea Mark Certification work?
A specific process must be followed to get Tea Mark. It is done in a step-by-step manner. The steps are simple:
Step 1: Registration is essential
The manufacturer must first register under the Tea Control Order.
Step 2: Application
Then, an application must be made to get a Tea Mark.
Step 3: Lab Testing
Tea is tested in an approved laboratory.
Step 4: Verification
The quality and safety of the tea are verified.
Step 5: Approval and Logo Use
If everything is in order, the Tea Mark logo is allowed to be used.
The tests are:
- Purity
- Safety
- Chemical limits
Only the test-passed batches will be able to use Tea Mark. This will reduce the amount of low-quality or adulterated tea in the market. Buyers will get good-quality products.
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Digital Traceability and Verification
“Traceability” means tracking the entire path of a product. In the Tea Mark scheme, the Tea Board will use digital tools to ensure traceability. It monitors every step from the tea garden to processing and packaging.
This digital system will reduce the mixing of adulterated tea or the selling of low-quality tea under the name of good quality. The problem of misrepresenting the source of tea will also be reduced.
This benefits both sides. Buyers will easily understand that they are buying genuine and safe tea. On the other hand, it will be easier for the government to control it because the entire supply chain will now be transparent and trackable.
Testing, Compliance, and Enforcement
Tea must undergo specific tests to get the Tea Mark certification. These tests are conducted in laboratories authorized (empaneled) by the Tea Board. Here, the quality, safety, and various chemical limits of the tea are checked. It must be as per the FSSAI rules.
The Tea Board has complete control over this tea mark logo. No company can use this logo as it pleases.
If anyone makes false claims or uses the trademark incorrectly, strict action is taken. This may include fines or legal action.
This entire system is to ensure accountability so that the right and quality products reach the market.
Read more – Documents Required to Export Tea From India: Explained
E-commerce and Promotion of Tea Mark
The Tea Board may launch a separate online platform for Tea Mark-certified tea in the future. Good-quality tea can reach buyers both in the country and abroad more easily through this platform.
The key purpose of this platform:
- Promoting certified tea
- Helping brands reach the international market
This platform will have some special benefits. For example:
- Only verified sellers will be able to sell products
- Buyers will get reliable and quality products
A nominal fee may be charged for this service so that the platform is easy to operate.
Most importantly, it will create new opportunities for small and medium tea producers so that they can showcase their products in the big market.
Tea Consumption in India
India is in an important position in the world in terms of tea production. The country is the second largest tea producer in the world and the first in black tea production. Along with such a large production, the amount of tea consumption within the country is also very high.
The total tea consumption in India was about 1,197 million kg in 2023. The average per capita consumption is about 840 grams. There is a difference in this consumption between cities and villages. An average person in the city drinks 925 grams of tea, while it is about 797 grams in villages.
Maintaining quality is very important in this huge market. If the quality is not right during so much tea consumption, then the buyers may suffer. So, quality certification like the Tea Mark plays a very important role in this market.
Why is Tea Mark Scheme Important?
The Tea Mark scheme benefits at various levels. It is not just a logo but a symbol of trust.
For consumers:
Safe tea – they can be sure that the tea is healthy
Authentic product – adulterated or low-quality tea can be avoided
For businesses:
Increases trust in the brand – customers trust it easily
Available at good prices – it is possible to get more value for good quality
For industry:
Reduces waste – reduces low-quality tea in the market
Increases export quality – creates a good reputation in the international market
For government:
Easier to control – easier to monitor the entire system
So, the Tea Mark scheme makes the market more transparent and trustworthy.
Read more – How to Obtain Tea Board Certificate for Tea Export?
How Corpbiz Helps Businesses with TEA Mark Certification and Compliance?
Corpbiz is an experienced compliance partner that helps businesses complete various registrations, certifications, and legal processes with ease. In the case of new schemes like Tea Mark, many times businesses find it difficult to understand the entire process. Here, Corpbiz acts as a reliable guide and simplifies the entire process.
Key services of Corpbiz:
- Assistance in registering with the Tea Board
- Providing proper guidelines on the Tea Mark certification process
- Help in preparing the necessary documents
- Liaison with approved labs
- Assistance in getting FSSAI registration
- Support for business licenses and other registrations
- Advice and assistance regarding legal compliance
Businesses can save time, reduce the chances of mistakes, and get approvals quickly with the help of Corpbiz. So, it acts as a trusted advisor.
To Wrap Up
The Tea Mark scheme is a significant step in the tea industry in India. It is designed to ensure the quality, safety, and transparency of tea. This will enable consumers to buy tea with greater confidence.
This will not only benefit consumers but also the entire tea industry in the long run. It will increase trust in the market and strengthen the reputation of Indian tea internationally. This certification helps businesses stay ahead of the market. It is important to understand the entire process and complete it correctly. Here, Corpbiz can help you easily complete all the compliances. So, businesses can focus on their core business without any worries.
Common Questions About Tea Mark
What is the Tea Mark certification scheme?
Tea Mark is a simple mark that can be seen on tea packets. This mark indicates that the tea has been tested and meets certain standards. It has been launched by the Tea Board. So, it is a logo that allows the common man to understand that tea is of good quality and safe to consume.
Is Tea Mark mandatory for all tea producers?
No, the Tea Mark scheme is not mandatory. It is a voluntary scheme. Any tea producer can get this certification if they want, or they can run their business without it. However, those who get this certification get more credibility in the market and increase consumer confidence in their products.
Who can apply for Tea Mark certification?
The manufacturer must be registered under the Tea Control Order to apply for a tea mark. Only qualified and registered tea producers or packaging units can apply for this certification. This ensures that the applicant company is working according to the rules and is able to maintain the standards.
What criteria does Tea Mark follow?
You have to follow some rules to get the tea mark. The most important of these is the food safety rules of FSSAI. You also have to follow some guidelines for the Tea Control Order. These rules ensure that the tea is clean, safe, and properly made. So, people get a little more confidence if they have a Tea mark.
How does Tea Mark ensure the quality of tea?
Tea must go through various tests to get Tea Mark certification. These tests are done in approved laboratories. Here, the purity, safety, and chemical limits of the tea are verified. Only if all the conditions are met can Tea Mark be used. This reduces low-quality or adulterated tea in the market.
What is meant by digital traceability in Tea Mark?
Digital traceability means tracking the entire path of tea. It means where the tea came from, how it was made, all this information is recorded. No one can easily give wrong information by doing this. Buyers can also understand the originality of the tea. This makes the whole process clearer and more trustworthy.
Can small tea producers apply for Tea Mark?
Yes, small tea producers can also apply for the Tea Mark if they follow the required rules. They have to be registered under the Tea Control Order. This scheme is a good opportunity for small producers, as they can prove the quality of their products in the market if they get this certification.
What happens if someone misuses the Tea Mark logo?
If someone uses the Tea Mark logo incorrectly, action will be taken against them. The Tea Board takes this matter very seriously. If necessary, fines or legal action may be taken. It helps to reduce misleading people with wrong information.
How does Tea Mark benefit consumers?
Consumers can easily understand that the tea is of good quality with Tea Mark. So, they can buy tea with confidence. The chances of buying adulterated or bad tea are also reduced. It is a sign that makes people a little more confident.
How can businesses get help in securing a Tea Mark certification?
There are many documents and rules to follow while getting the Tea Mark certification. So many businesses take help from outside. For example, organizations like Corpbiz make these tasks easier. We help with registration, documents, and the entire process. This allows businesses to get certification easily and quickly.
Read more – Requirements for setting up Mini Tea Factory License
