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.
In this blog, we will explain the meaning of APEDA, the benefits of registering with APEDA, who is eligible to register with APEDA, and a detailed step-by-step process. Whether you are an individual entrepreneur, a small business owner, or the owner of a large company, this guide will clarify whether your business falls under APEDA’s purview.
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.
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. The entity does not need to be significant; 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 local and national trade regulations.
Documents Required
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
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Follow the below-mentioned steps for APEDA Registration:
Step 1: Visit the official APEDA website at REGISTRATION-CUM-MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE (RCMC) | APEDA 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 certificate is auto-renewed every five years upon payment of the applicable renewal fee.
Conclusion
Registering with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a pivotal step for Indian exporters aiming to enter the global market for scheduled agricultural and processed food products. In addition to meeting a legal obligation, this registration opens up a world of advantages, such as access to technical support, financial aid, and quality and brand marketing through the “Brand India” campaign. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the step-by-step process, exporters and business entities can position themselves firmly in the international markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
