APEDA RCAC Registration
4.9
APEDA RCAC Registration Online – Process, Fees & Documents
APEDA RCAC also known as APEDA registration cum allocation certificate issued by APEDA is a mandatory certificate issued for Indian exporters of basmati and non-basmati rice as per the guidelines of foreign trade agreement. It is a transaction-based certificate which monitors bulk commodity trades specifically Basmati and non-basmati rice exports.
As per regulations it is compulsory for both merchant exporters and manufacturer exporters to obtain a registration cum allocation certificate for every rice export transaction. The primary objective of this certificate is to ensure that all rice export activities are properly monitored and maintain transparency. Invalid RCAC certificate can result in penalties and can attract legal consequences. The certificate must be submitted to the customs authorities at the time of shipment as it serves as the legal proof of registration with the relevant Export Promotion Council.
Professional Utilities with more than a decade of experience in handling export-related compliance ensures that exporters seamlessly obtain APEDA RCAC and stay compliant with export related regulations to avoid any potential issues or delays in their export transactions. A valid RCAC ensures that businesses can easily export scheduled agricultural and processed food products, take advantage of APEDA's promotional assistance, and enhance their global brand reputation.
Apeda RCAC Sample
Process for APEDA RCAC Registration
Exporters must complete APEDA registration online via the official APEDA portal, submit the necessary paperwork, and pay the registration fee in order to receive the certificate.
- Log in to APEDA Portal - Access the official APEDA portal at apeda.gov.in using the RCMC user ID and password. RCAC can only be applied by existing APEDA RCMC members.
- Navigate to RCAC Module and Enter Contract Details - Open RCAC application module. Select the rice type (Basmati or Non-Basmati) and enter contract details such as quantity in metric tonnes (MT), buyer name, destination country, and discharge port.
- Upload LC / Contract / Proforma Invoice - A scanned copy of the Letter of Credit (LC), Contract, or Proforma Invoice must be uploaded before the application can proceed. Application process is deemed invalid without LC, Contract or Proforma Invoice.
- Upload Quality Certificates - Upload the EIC/EIA quality certificate or other certificates applicable for the destination country. Applicants are required to ensure that all documents should be in readable and good condition.
- Payment of Processing Fee - Fee is paid online through APEDA payment gateway; processing charge is ₹82.60 per MT (₹70 per MT + 18% GST) of the contracted quantity.
- Issuance of RCAC Certificate - Members of APEDA receive the Registration cum Allocation Certificate on their APEDA login page. As per the guidelines of APEDA, exporters are required to ship their products within 45 days of receiving the RCAC. Certificate must be printed and submitted to customs along with other export documents at the time of shipment.
Documents Required for APEDA RCAC Registration
These are the following documents that are required to be enclosed with the application form while filing for APEDA registration cum allocation certificate (APEDA-RCAC). Applicants are required to ensure that all their documents should be in readable and good condition.
Primary Requirements
- Import export code certificate
- Bank documents (signed certificate, statement, cancelled cheque)
- APEDA registration certificate & signed form
- LC / Contract / Proforma Invoice
- Quality certificates (EIC/EIA, NABL lab, SFDA)
- GST Certificate
Additional Requirements
- FSSAI Central License (manufacturers)
- MSME certificate (if applicable)
- NOC from pollution control board
- Incorporation/firm registration certificate
- DIS/SIA from horticulture department
Note: Documents required vary by destination country. Importers in the EU, US, and Japan may have additional quality or phytosanitary requirements beyond RCAC.
APEDA RCAC Registration Fees
The APEDA RCAC registration fee includes applicable government and registration charges.
| Particulars | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Government Fees (with 18% GST) | ₹5,900 |
| Professional Fee | ₹7,499 |
| GST @ 18% on Professional Fees | ₹1,350 |
| Total | ₹14,749 |
What is APEDA Registration Cum Allocation Certificate (APEDA RCAC)?
APEDA RCAC (Registration cum Allocation Certificate) is a per-shipment export certificate issued by APEDA for every contract of rice export from India. It is separate from the APEDA RCMC (Registration cum Membership Certificate) which is the 5-year membership. As per DGFT Notification No. 18/2015-20 dated August 1, 2016, RCAC is mandatory for export of basmati rice. Latest DGFT Notification No. 33/2025-26 dated September 24, 2025, mandated that export of non-basmati rice is permitted only after registering export contracts with APEDA. Each RCAC is valid for 45 days from issuance and covers one export contract.
India exported ₹50,138 crore of basmati rice in 2025-26, with Saudi Arabia (16.6%), Iran (13.9%), Iraq (11.2%), UAE (8.2%), and Yemen (5.7%) as the top five destinations. Basmati rice (HS Codes 1006 3010 and 1006 3020 for parboiled basmati rice) carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Basmati rice from states such as Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir is covered under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Who Requires an RCAC Certificate ?
The Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC) is issued by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India to its member exporters and merchants. This certificate is specifically required by exporters of agricultural products listed under schedules 1 and 2, such as basmati rice.
Once the allocation of the APEDA RCAC is completed, all exporters are required to export their products within 45 days of receiving the certificate. This is an important regulation that aims to ensure timely export of agricultural products and prevent unnecessary delays in the supply chain.
Prerequisite for APEDA RCAC
The RCAC is issued only to the member exporter or registered merchant exporter of the APEDA. Usually it is advised for exporters to get registration cum allocation certificate for their shipment only when they are fully prepared to meet the compliances and timely delivery of the said product.
Benefits of APEDA Certification
APEDA certification offers multiple advantages to exporters and manufacturers dealing in scheduled agricultural products. Here are the key benefits:
- Access to government export schemes and data becomes easier
- Ensures product quality and supports timely delivery of shipments
- Enhances brand value and builds trust among international buyers
- Fulfills mandatory legal compliance for exporters, manufacturers, and merchants
- Helps members tap into global markets with the support of the APEDA council
Non-Basmati Rice RCAC: September 2025 Extension
Effective from 24 September 2025, the APEDA RCAC requirement was extended to all non-Basmati Rice exports from India. The September 2025 amendment made it compulsory for non-basmati rice to secure a fresh RCAC before customs clearance.
| DGFT Notification | No. 33/2025-26 dated 24 September 2025: amended Export Policy of non-Basmati Rice to require registration of contracts with APEDA prior to every shipment. |
|---|---|
| APEDA Trade Notice | APEDA-CRL/20/2025-CD dated 25 September 2025: issued procedure for online registration of contracts and issuance of RCAC for non-Basmati Rice. |
| ITC (HS) Codes Covered | 10063011 · 10063019 · 10063091 · 10063099 · 10064000 |
| Validity | 45 days from date of RCAC issuance, same as Basmati Rice. All shipments under the contract must be completed within this window. |
| Quantity Amendment | Not permitted after issuance. A fresh RCAC application must be filed for any change in contracted quantity. |
| Customs Submission | RCAC must be submitted to customs authorities along with other export documents at the time of shipment. Export is permitted through Custom EDI ports only. |
| Saudi Arabia: Additional Requirement | Merchant exporters shipping non-Basmati Rice to Saudi Arabia must upload a certificate from an SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority)-accredited rice establishment from where the rice was purchased, before RCAC issuance. This is a destination-specific requirement effective from September 2025. |
India exported ₹51,892 crore of non-Basmati rice in 2025-26, making it India's single largest agricultural export category. All non-Basmati rice exporters now require APEDA membership (RCMC) and must obtain RCAC for every export contract. For first-time non-Basmati exporters, APEDA RCMC registration must be completed before applying for RCAC.
Difference Between APEDA RCAC vs RCMC
RCMC and RCAC are two separate and mandatory compliance documents for rice exporters. RCMC is the foundation membership whereas RCAC is the per-contract export clearance.
| Parameter | APEDA RCMC | APEDA RCAC |
|---|---|---|
| What is it | Registration cum Membership Certificate — one-time membership with APEDA granting access to all FTP export benefits and schemes | Registration cum Allocation Certificate — per-shipment export certificate required for every individual rice export contract |
| How it is issued | Applied through the DGFT Common Digital Platform (dgft.gov.in) — APEDA processes and issues the RCMC digitally via the DGFT dashboard | Applied directly on the APEDA portal (apeda.gov.in) using the RCMC user ID and password — APEDA issues the RCAC digitally on the applicant's login page |
| Validity | 5 financial years — from 1 April of the issuance year to 31 March of the fifth year. Auto-renewed; no additional documents required on renewal. | 45 days from date of issuance per contract. Shipment must be completed within 45 days. Quantity cannot be amended after issuance. Fresh RCAC required per contract. |
| When required | Before the first export of any scheduled agri-product to avail FTP benefits, DGFT schemes, and export incentives. Prerequisite for obtaining RCAC. | Before each rice export shipment — RCAC must be submitted to customs at the time of shipment. Only RCMC holders can apply for RCAC. |
| Products covered | All APEDA scheduled agri-products — fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, floriculture, cereals, processed foods, spices, and all other products under Schedules 1 and 2 of the APEDA Act | Rice only: Basmati Rice — since DGFT Notification No. 18/2015-20 (August 1, 2016). Non-Basmati Rice — since DGFT Notification No. 33/2025-26 (September 24, 2025). |
Note: RCAC cannot be obtained without a valid RCMC. Rice exporters must first complete APEDA RCMC membership registration before applying for RCAC on the APEDA portal.
Validity and Renewal of APEDA RCAC Registration
APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC) comes with a fixed validity period and must be renewed timely:
- RCAC is valid for 45 days from the date of issuance and covers one export contract
- Quantity cannot be amended after issuance. A fresh RCAC is required for each shipment
RCAC Registration from APEDA with Professional Utilities
Indian exporters can enter and prosper in international markets with the help of the APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC), which is more than just a legal requirement. Exporters can guarantee adherence to Indian export regulations, obtain access to beneficial government programs, and improve their reputation with foreign buyers by completing the APEDA registration online.
Businesses can easily export scheduled agricultural and processed food products, take advantage of APEDA's promotional assistance, and bolster their global brand recognition with a valid RCAC. In addition to avoiding trade disruptions, timely registration and renewal put exporters in a position for long-term success and growth in the cutthroat global economy.
FAQ’s On APEDA RCAC Registration
What is apeda RCAC certificate?
The RCAC stands for registration cum allocation certificate which is issued by APEDA council to its registered exporter members. The document is required for the export of processed food products from India.
What is the validity period of APEDA RCAC?
The RCAC fullfills the purpose of export/shipping only. Once the certificate is issued the merchants are required to ship their products within 45 days.
What is the difference between APEDA RCMC & RCAC?
APEDA RCMC stands for registration cum membership certifcate which is required to have in order to export scheduled agri products from India. However APEDA RCAC is required by exporter at the time of shipment for their said agri products.
What is the Fee for APEDA RCMC registration?
The membership registration fee for APEDA is ₹ 5900 only for the manfacutrer exporters and merchant exporters.
Speak Directly to our Expert Today
Reliable
Affordable
Assured
RCMC Board Registrations for Various Export Promotion Councils
Disclaimer:The information provided on this website is intended for general information purposes only. Although all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the information provided is correct and reliable, it is not advised to be used as a substitute for professional advice. The information herein is not to be used in place of seeking professional services, counsel, or guidance. We highly advise that you consult a professional before you make any business or legal decisions regarding the information presented on this website. This website and its contents are given "as is", and we do not take any responsibility for any action that is taken based on information given on this website.
- Written by: Anuja Sahi
- Fact-checked: Sahil Singh
- Updated on: September 25, 2026
Testimonials
"Explore how Professional Utilities have helped businesses reach new heights as their trusted partner."
It was a great experience working withProfessional Utilities. They have provided the smoothly. It shows the amount of confidence they are having in their field of work.
Atish Singh
It was professional and friendly experience quick response and remarkable assistance. I loved PU service for section 8 company registration for our Vidyadhare Foundation.
Ravi Kumar
I needed a material safety data sheet for my product and they got it delivered in just 3 days. I am very happy with their professional and timely service. Trust me you can count on them.
Ananya Sharma
Great & helpful support by everyone. I got response & support whenever I called to your system. Heartly thanx for Great & Super Service. Have a Great & Bright future of team & your company.
Prashant Agawekar
Thank you so much Professional Utilities team for their wonderful help. I really appreciate your efforts in getting start business. Pvt Ltd company registration was smooth yet quick.
Abhishek Kumar
I applied for Drug licence and company registration and their follow-up for work and regular updates helped me a lot. They are happily available for any kind of business consultancy.
Vidushi Saini
Great experience went to get my ITR done, process was quite convenient and fast. Had a few queries, am happy about the fact those people explained me all things I wanted to know.
Taniya Garyali
Great services provided by Professional Utilities. They are best in this industry and the best part is their prices are so affordable. Kudos to you. Now you guys are my full-time consultant.
Aftab Alam
Trusted By
