EXPORT OF TEJ PATTA (INDIAN BAY LEAF) FROM INDIA

Introduction

Tej Patta, commonly known as Indian Bay Leaf, is a widely used aromatic spice in Indian, Middle Eastern, and global cuisines. Botanically known as Cinnamomum tamala, Tej Patta is distinct from the European bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) and is valued for its strong clove- and cinnamon-like aroma.

Apart from culinary use, Tej Patta is also used in Ayurveda, traditional medicine, pharmaceuticals, perfumery, and food processing industries. With the global expansion of ethnic food markets and rising demand for natural spices, the export of Tej Patta from India has been steadily increasing.

Tej Patta Producing and Exporting States in India

Major Producing States

Tej Patta is predominantly grown in the sub-Himalayan and hilly regions of India. Major producing states include:

• Uttarakhand
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Sikkim
• Meghalaya
• Assam
• Arunachal Pradesh

Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are the leading producers due to favorable climatic conditions and traditional cultivation practices.

Exporting & Processing Centers

Major export hubs are located in:

• Delhi / NCR
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• Kochi
• Chennai

These centers handle cleaning, grading, drying, packaging, and shipment of Tej Patta.

HSN Code for Tej Patta

Tej Patta is classified under the following HSN code:

• HSN Code: 0906 19 20
• Description: Tej Patta / Indian Bay Leaf

This code is used for customs clearance, GST refund, RODTEP benefits, and export documentation.

Export Policy

• Export of Tej Patta from India is “Free” under the prevailing Foreign Trade Policy.
• No export license is required.
• Exporters must comply with:
  • FSSAI standards
  • Spices Board of India quality norms
  • Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements of importing countries
  • Residue and contamination limits prescribed by destination markets

Export Destination Countries

India exports Tej Patta to several countries, including:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Canada
• Australia

The Middle East and South Asia are the primary markets, while demand in Europe and North America is driven by ethnic food consumption.

Export Performance

Tej Patta exports from India have shown consistent growth in both volume and value due to:

• Increasing global demand for Indian cuisine
• Use in spice blends and processed foods
• Expansion of Indian diaspora markets

India holds a strong competitive advantage due to natural availability, traditional harvesting practices, and cost-effective supply.

Documentation for Export of Tej Patta

Typical export documentation includes:

1. Commercial Invoice
2. Packing List
3. Shipping Bill
4. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
5. Certificate of Origin
6. FSSAI Export Certificate
7. Spices Board Registration (CRES)
8. Phytosanitary Certificate
9. Insurance Certificate
10. Export Declaration Form (EDF)

Additional certificates such as Organic, ISO, or HACCP may be required depending on buyer requirements.

Export Promotion Schemes

Duty Drawback: Refund of customs duties paid on imported inputs used for processing and exporting Tej Patta.

Interest Subvention Scheme: Under the Interest Equalization Scheme, exporters receive subsidized interest rates on export credit.

RODTEP Scheme: Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products, covering embedded taxes not refunded elsewhere.

GST Refund: Exporters are eligible for refund of GST paid on inputs and services or IGST paid on exports.

ECGC Support

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) provides:

• Export credit insurance
• Protection against buyer default
• Coverage against political and commercial risks

This support helps exporters expand into new markets with reduced risk.

Freight, Insurance, and Banking & RBI Compliances

Freight

• Sea freight for bulk shipments
• Air freight for small, high-value or urgent consignments

Insurance

Marine cargo insurance to cover loss, damage, or transit risks.

Banking & RBI Compliance

• Realization of export proceeds within RBI timelines
• Compliance with FEMA regulations
• Reporting through Authorized Dealer banks
• Proper documentation under LC, DP, or DA terms

Nodal Agencies

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
• Spices Board of India
• FSSAI
• Customs Department
• RBI & Authorized Dealer Banks
• ECGC

Export Promotion Councils

Spices Board of India

The primary body for promotion of Tej Patta exports:

• Exporter registration
• Quality upgradation
• Market development
• Participation in international trade fairs

APEDA

Supports exporters when Tej Patta is part of processed or blended food products.

Central and State Government Support & Initiatives

Central Government

• Export incentives under RODTEP and GST refund
• Market Access Initiative (MAI)
• Quality testing and certification support
• Promotion of value-added spice exports

State Government Initiatives

• Support for cultivation in hill states
• Infrastructure for drying and storage
• Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Financial assistance to MSMEs

Bottlenecks and Challenges

• Fragmented and unorganized cultivation
• Quality inconsistencies
• Limited branding in global markets
• Price volatility
• Stringent residue and quality standards
• Limited processing infrastructure near producing areas

Suggestions for Export Growth of Tej Patta

1. Organize Cultivation through FPOs
2. Promote Value Addition (powder, oil, extracts)
3. Improve Quality Standards and Traceability
4. Strengthen Branding of Indian Bay Leaf
5. Develop Export-Oriented Clusters
6. Expand Market Promotion Activities
7. Ensure Faster Incentive Disbursement

Conclusion

Tej Patta holds significant export potential for India due to its unique aroma, wide culinary application, and increasing global demand for natural spices. With better organization of production, quality assurance, and focused export promotion, India can further strengthen its position as a leading global supplier of Tej Patta.