APEDA Registration in India
With the Green Revolution, India’s agricultural and processed food exports are on the rise. Over the last year, agricultural exports in India have risen to $375 billion. To enter into the vast, growing market, exporters need to maintain quality and regulatory standards and obtain registration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Established in 1985, APEDA ensures that exported goods meet international standards. It oversees a list of scheduled products, which include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, confectionery, cereals, etc. Before registering with APEDA, it is essential to understand its eligibility criteria.
What is APEDA?
APEDA, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, is a government-established body aimed at boosting India's agricultural and processed food exports. It was established to advance, develop, and regulate the export of processed and agricultural foods. In addition to registering exporters, APEDA also sets quality standards, conducts inspections, and provides financial support to businesses through various schemes.
Benefits of APEDA Registration
APEDA Registration has the following benefits:
- APEDA registration is compulsory for exporting scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India.
- APEDA promotes Indian agricultural products under the "Brand India" initiative, enhancing the visibility and reputation of registered exporters' products in international markets.
- Registered exporters can access various financial assistance schemes provided by APEDA, including subsidies for infrastructure development, quality management, and market development activities.
- Exporters receive support for market development activities such as market research, participation in international trade fairs, and assistance to promote their products globally.
- APEDA offers technical assistance and expert guidance to help exporters in the following areas to help them to comply with international standards easily:
- Quality certifications like ISO, HACCP, BRC, etc.
- Label and barcode the products
- Packaging techniques
- APEDA helps exporters secure certificates and approvals from the government of India, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Organic certification under NPOP, ISO, FSSAI, and HACCP.
Who Can Register in APEDA?
Anyone who is engaged in the business of exporting the products mentioned in Schedule I of the APEDA Act, 1985, can register with APEDA. It can be:
- Individuals or Sole Proprietors
- Partnership Firms, small or medium-sized partnerships
- Limited Liability Partnership Firms
- Private Limited and Public Limited Companies
- One-person Company
- Cooperative Societies and Associations
- Manufacturing exporters: If your business is not involved in exporting raw produce but also in manufacturing processed food products, you must register with APEDA. Manufacturer exporters often need to provide additional documentation, such as FSSAI licenses and certificates from relevant certification agencies, to verify the quality and safety of their products.
Eligibility Criteria for APEDA Registration
The eligibility criteria of APEDS are based on the nature of the products being exported. According to the guidelines mentioned in the APEDA Act, 1985, and subsequent regulations, the following needs to be considered before registration:
1. Product Type: Only scheduled products, as defined in the First and Second Schedules of the APEDA Act, 1985, require registration. If you export products outside these schedules, APEDA registration is not mandatory.
1. |
Fruits, vegetables and their products. |
2. |
Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds. |
3. |
Meat and meat products. |
4. |
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. |
5. |
Poultry and poultry products. |
6. |
Cereal Products |
7. |
Dairy Products |
8. |
Cashew nuts, ground nuts, peanuts, and walnuts. |
9. |
Confectionary, biscuits, and bakery products. |
10. |
Pickles, chutneys and papads. |
11. |
Honey, jaggery, and sugar products. |
12. |
Guar Gum. |
13. |
Floriculture and floriculture products. |
14. |
Herbal and medicinal plants. |
15. |
De-oiled rice bran |
|
|
2. Valid Import-Export Code (IEC): Before applying for APEDA registration, your business must have a valid Import-Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). This code verifies that your business is legally permitted to engage in international trade.
3. APEDA registration is available only for businesses that are legally incorporated and operating in India. The business should be registered under either of the following:
- The Companies Act, 2013 (for private limited or public limited companies)
- The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 (for LLPs)
- The Partnership Act, 1932 (for registered partnerships)
- The Shops and Establishment Act (for proprietorships)
To qualify for APEDA registration, businesses must have a valid registered office address in India and comply with national and local regulations.
Documents Required for APEDA Registration
You need the following documents to register with APEDA:
- A completed and signed application form.
- A self-certified copy of the IEC certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
- A signed certificate from your bank confirming account details.
- A statement of your firm's bank account for the last two months.
- A cancelled cheque from your business's bank account.
- A list on the company's letterhead that gives the detailed names of directors, partners, or the proprietor.
For manufacturer exporters, additional documents may be required, such as:
- FSSAI Registration Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- NOC from the Pollution Control Board
Online Process of APEDA Registration in India
Follow the below-mentioned steps for APEDA Registration:
Step 1: Visit the official APEDA website at https://apeda.gov.in/RCMC and click on 'Get Started. ' If you are an exporter, click on 'Register as Exporter (RCMC). ' If you are a partnership firm or a business entity, click on 'Register as a Unit.'
Step 2: Enter your Import-Export Code, email address, and mobile number. An OTP will be sent for verification.
Step 3: Complete the application form by filling in the details and uploading the required documents
Step 4: Pay the registration fee online. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive an application number to track the status of your registration.
Step 5: APEDA will review your application and the accompanying documents. Upon verification, you will be issued a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), which is valid for five years.
Renewal
The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is valid for 5 years. It is essential to renew the registration before its expiration.
- Log in to the APEDA Online Portal using login credentials
- Once you log in, select the ‘Renewal’ option
- Review the application and update any changes in the business information
- Upload the documents:
- Self-certified copy of the Import-Export Code (IEC)
- Copy of the existing APEDA registration certificate
- Updated Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration certificate, only if applicable
- Pay the renewal fee of ₹5,000
- Submit the renewal application along with documents. APEDA will issue the renewed RCMC, which can be downloaded from the portal.
Export Promotion Agencies in India
Agency |
Governing Ministry |
Primary Focus |
Key Products/Commodities |
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) |
Ministry of Commerce & Industry |
Promotion of agricultural and processed food exports |
Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, cereals, confectionery, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, floriculture, herbal products, basmati rice, and organic products, among others |
MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) |
Ministry of Commerce & Industry |
Promotion of marine product exports |
Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic products |
Tea Board (Tea Board of India) |
Ministry of Commerce & Industry |
Promotion of tea cultivation, processing, and export |
Various types of tea (black, green, oolong, etc.) |
Spices Board (Spices Board of India) |
Ministry of Commerce & Industry |
Promotion of spice cultivation and export |
Over 50 spices, including cardamom, pepper, turmeric, cumin, and others |
How to Choose the Right Agency?
- Choose Agricultural & Processed Food Products If you are exporting items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, or processed foods.
- Choose Marine Products for exports related to fish and other seafood.
- If you are an exporter who deals with various types of tea, you should register with the Tea Board of India.
- If your business involves exporting spices, you should register with the Tea Board of India.
Checklist for APEDA Registration
- The business entity must be legally recognized and registered in India
- Exporters engaged in exporting items listed under the APEDA Act, 1985, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, cereals, and processed foods.
- The business entity or the exporter must possess an IEC issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
- Apply for APEDA registration within one month of initiating exports of scheduled products.
- Make sure that other export promotion councils like MPEDA, Tea Board, or Spices Board do not govern your products.
Why Choose Kanakkupillai for APEDA Registration?
Kankakkupillai is your go-to partner for APEDA Registration. We offer timely support and guarantee a smooth and correct registration process. Our professionals streamline the registration procedure, saving you time and effort. We provide:
- Tailored Solutions: We recognize that each exporter has unique requirements. Our team provides personalized guidance, ensuring that your APEDA registration aligns with your specific business objectives and product categories.
- Expertise in APEDA Compliance: With extensive experience in handling APEDA registrations, our professionals are well-versed in the regulatory nuances. We ensure that your application complies with all necessary guidelines with minimum risk of delays or rejections.
- Easy Registration Process: Completing the APEDA registration can be complex. We simplify this by managing the entire process from document preparation to submission, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
- Transparent and Competitive Pricing: At Kanakkupillai, we offer clear and competitive pricing for our APEDA registration services. There are no hidden charges, and we provide a detailed breakdown of costs upfront.
Contact Kankakkupillai for a consultation and take the first step toward successful APEDA registration!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APEDA registration required for all agricultural exports?
No, APEDA registration is mandatory only if you are exporting products listed under the APEDA Act, 1985. These include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, cereals, and other scheduled products. If your product is not on the list, you do not need APEDA registration.How long does it take to get APEDA registration?
Once you submit all the necessary documents, APEDA usually processes the registration within 7 to 10 working days. However, if your application contains errors or missing details, it may take longer.How long is the APEDA Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) valid?
The RCMC issued by APEDA is valid for five years from the date of issuance. You should renew it before it expires to continue enjoying the benefits of registration.Does APEDA offer financial support to registered exporters?
Yes, APEDA provides financial assistance for exporters under various schemes. These include subsidies for infrastructure development, quality certification, branding, and participation in international trade fairs.When should an exporter apply for APEDA registration?
If you start exporting scheduled products, you must apply for APEDA registration within one month of your first export shipment. If you miss this deadline for valid reasons, APEDA may grant an extension.Does APEDA provide training or workshops for exporters?
Yes, APEDA conducts training programs and workshops to help exporters understand export regulations, quality standards, packaging requirements, and global marketing strategies. These sessions are helpful for both new and experienced exporters.What makes Us Different

300+ Services
Relax at home, we take care of Tax/Compliance

Reasonable
Low price with professional service delivery

Customer Satisfaction
Prioritize client satisfaction and expectations at every step

Google Reviews
99% of Customers rated us 5* in Google.

Turn Around Time
99% of services will be delivered on within timeline

Compliance
We manage 99.9% of compliance within due date