What is APEDA Registration?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the APEDA Act of 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote the export of scheduled agricultural products.
For any business intending to export scheduled products, obtaining a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA is mandatory. This registration acts as a license to export and provides access to various government schemes and benefits.
Scheduled Products Under APEDA
APEDA oversees the export promotion of products listed in two schedules:
First Schedule
- Fruits, Vegetables, and their products
- Meat and Meat Products
- Poultry and Poultry Products
- Dairy Products
- Confectionery, Biscuits, and Bakery Products
- Honey, Jaggery, and Sugar Products
- Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds
- Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Cereal and Cereal Products
- Groundnuts, Peanuts, and Walnuts
- Pickles, Papads, and Chutneys
- Guar Gum
- Floriculture and Floriculture Products
- Herbal and Medicinal Plants
Second Schedule
- Basmati Rice
Benefits of APEDA Registration
- Legal Compliance: Mandatory for exporting scheduled products, ensuring your business operates legally.
- Financial Assistance: Access to various schemes for infrastructure development, quality improvement, and packaging.
- Market Access: Helps in finding new markets and participating in international trade fairs and exhibitions.
- Credibility: Enhances your reputation as a reliable exporter in the global market.
- Brand Promotion: Support for brand publicity and marketing of Indian products abroad.
- Data & Training: Access to market intelligence, trade enquiries, and training programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for APEDA registration, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Exporter Status: Must be an exporter of one or more scheduled products.
- IEC Code: Must possess a valid Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
- Business Entity: Can be a Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Company registered in India.
- Bank Account: Must have a current bank account in the name of the business.
For Manufacturer-Exporters: Additional requirements include a valid FSSAI license and potentially an NOC from the Pollution Control Board.
Documents Required
Ensure you have the following documents ready in PDF/JPEG format:
- Application Form: Duly signed and filled.
- Import-Export Code (IEC): Self-certified copy.
- Bank Certificate: Duly signed by the bank authorities, or a cancelled cheque/latest bank statement (last 2 months).
- GST Registration Certificate: Copy of GST certificate.
- Business Proof: Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or MOA/AOA as applicable.
- Rent Agreement/Utility Bill: Proof of business address.
- PAN Card: Copy of the business PAN card.
Registration Process
The APEDA registration process is entirely online:
- Portal Access: Visit the APEDA or DGFT e-RCMC portal.
- Account Creation: Register using your IEC, email, and mobile number. Verify via OTP.
- Application Filing: Fill in the online application form with business and product details.
- Document Upload: Upload the required scanned documents.
- Fee Payment: Pay the registration fee of ₹5,900 (inclusive of GST) online.
- Verification: APEDA officials verify the application and documents.
- RCMC Issuance: Upon approval, the RCMC is issued digitally. You can download it from the portal.
Timeline: The process typically takes 10-15 working days.
APEDA Registration Fees
Government Fee: ₹5,000 + 18% GST = ₹5,900 (One-time fee).
Professional Fee: Easyfilings charges a nominal professional fee for expert assistance (approx. ₹3,500).
Validity, Renewal, and Compliance
Validity: The APEDA RCMC is valid for 5 years. It is typically auto-renewed upon payment of the renewal fee.
Monthly Returns: Registered exporters must file online monthly returns of their exports on the APEDA portal, even if there are no exports (Nil return). Failure to do so can lead to cancellation of registration.
Cancellation: The certificate can be cancelled for:
- Providing false information.
- Breach of rules or conditions imposed.
- Failure to export scheduled products for 12 consecutive months.
- Non-payment of renewal fees or failure to file monthly returns.
