What it is
Plucked green leaf is processed within hours in a factory into CTC, orthodox or green tea. Small growers sell leaf to bought-leaf factories; made tea is sold at auctions and privately.
CTC (BP, BOP, PD, Dust)Orthodox (FTGFOP, BOP, Fannings)Green tea
Where India produces it
- Assam
2024: 649.84 million kg
- West Bengal
2024: 373.48 million kg
- Tamil Nadu
2024: 163.92 million kg
- Kerala
2024: 58.38 million kg
- Karnataka
2024: 4.5 million kg
Where imports come from
India is a large net exporter; imports were US$ 87.57 million in 2024-25 (HS 0902).
- Kenya — US$ 32.82 million imported under HS 0902 in 2024-25
- Nepal — US$ 30.78 million imported under HS 0902 in 2024-25
- Vietnam — US$ 4.52 million imported under HS 0902 in 2024-25
Rules before you buy or sell
- Tea manufacturers, buyers and exporters register with the Tea Board under the Tea (Marketing) Control Order, 2003.
- FSSAI licence or registration is needed to process, pack, store or sell it as food (Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006).
- Retail packs must carry Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 declarations.
Storage and handling
Green leaf must reach the factory the same day; made tea is stored in lined sacks away from odours.
Businesses that use it
Tea Blending and Packing Unit →Green Tea Processing Unit →Organic Green and Herbal Tea Cultivation →Masala Tea (Chai Masala) Unit →Tea Stall →