APEDA Registration in India
APEDA Registration
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What’s Included?
APEDA RCMC Certificate Application on APEDA Portal Scheduled Product Category Coverage IEC & GST Verification Digital Signature Certificate Support DGFT Coordination & Liaison 5-Year Validity with Renewal Assistance Export Incentive Eligibility Guidance Document Preparation & Support Expert Filing & Follow-Up
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APEDA Registration in India – Process, Fess & Documents
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) assists exporters in exporting products such as fruits, grains, vegetables, meat products, organic produce and processed food items every year across the globe. Exporters dealing in scheduled food products must obtain APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), also known as APEDA license. APEDA acts as a regulatory body and verifies the documents and processes the application before issuing a license to exporters.
APEDA-registered exporters gain access to international markets and are required to adhere to making better food products with quality and safety considerations. Exporters are liable for financial incentives to focus on other areas of work. The certificate promotes exporters to comply with infrastructure and safety and opens doors for participation in trade fairs. Exporters must obtain APEDA certificate before exporting floriculture, fruits, dairy products, jaggery, cashew nuts, spices, herbal products, and all such commodities.
APEDA license assists businesses in getting essential market information, such as trade data, and collecting strategic foresight for their exports. Professional Utilities, with hands-on experience in handling exports-related compliance, assists exporters in obtaining APEDA registration so that they can focus on their business while we focus on compliance-related matters.
Apeda Certificate Sample
How to Apply for APEDA Registration?
Exporters must apply for APEDA RCMC registration online through the official APEDA portal by submitting required details and documents:
- Log in to the DGFT Portal and Access e-RCMC : Submit application online at the official portal. After logging in using valid IEC credentials, open the e-RCMC service under the Services menu and start a fresh application.
- Re-verify Auto fetched IEC Profile Data : IEC profile including PAN, firm name, registered address, branch records, GSTIN, bank details, MSME or UDYAM number and director or partner details with DIN are auto fetched. Verification of each field must be done carefully; corrections are not permitted in RCMC form once the application proceeds.
- Select APEDA and list agri-products with ITC (HS) codes : Select APEDA as registering authority and enter the filing office, branch GSTIN, membership tenure (1 to 5 years), exporter category (Manufacturer or Merchant Exporter), zone (EOU or SEZ where applicable), and the applicable fee slab. List APEDA-scheduled products with their ITC (HS) codes- fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, floriculture, basmati rice, processed foods, and non-alcoholic beverages — along with destination countries, annual turnover, previous-year export performance, and authorised representative contact details.
- Submission of fee, documents & Digital Sign : Supporting documents are uploaded in PDF along with online fee payment through the DGFT payment gateway. Upon successful payment the applicant confirms the declaration, reviews the application summary and authentication is done using a DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign before final submission.
- Issuance of Digital RCMC Certificate : Upon successful verification of business credentials, IEC and GST records, FSSAI License and other supporting documents, DGFT issues digital RCMC certificate usually within 7 to 10 working days. Certificate remains valid for 1 to 5 financial years from 1 April of the issuance year to 31 March of the fifth year.
Documents Required for APEDA RCMC Registration
The following set of documents must be submitted to obtain APEDA Certificate:
Common Documents
Documents generally required for an RCMC application:
- IEC issued by DGFT
- PAN and GST Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
- MoA and AoA, where applicable
- Board Resolution / Authorization Letter
- Aadhaar of the authorised signatory
- Cancelled Cheque / Bank Proof
- Self-Declaration / Undertaking
- Last RCMC Certificate for renewal
- DSC or Aadhaar e-Sign
APEDA-Specific Documents
Additional documents may be required based on the product category:
- Self-certified copy of IEC
- Bank Certificate and recent bank statement
- Company registration proof
- FSSAI License for food products
- NPOP / Organic Certification, if applicable
- EIA / EIC approval, where required
- HACCP, ISO 22000 or GlobalGAP, if applicable
- Product-specific Certificate of Origin
- APEDA product list with relevant HS Codes
- Star Export House Certificate, if applicable
Note: Upload the required documents in PDF format during the Attachments stage of the DGFT e-RCMC application.
Fees for APEDA Registration
APEDA registration fees vary by applicant category, with applicable GST and professional charges detailed below.
| Applicant Category | Government Fee (₹) | GST @ 18% (₹) | Total Payable (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant / Manufacturer / Merchant-cum-Manufacturer Exporter | 5,000 | 900 | 5,900 |
| Service Provider (Women & Start-up Entrepreneurs) | 8,000 | 1,440 | 9,440 |
| Service Provider (Other New Members) | 12,000 | 2,160 | 14,160 |
| One-Time Application Fee (Service Providers only) | 1,000 | 180 | 1,180 |
| Professional Fees | 18% GST on Professional Fees | Total (Exclusive Govt. Fees) |
|---|---|---|
| ₹7,499.00 | ₹1,350 | ₹8,849 |
Note :The fee mentioned above is applicable as per latest 2026 DGFT norms. Professional fees are applicable in addition to government fees.
What is APEDA Registration?
APEDA, also known as Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), was established on 13 February 1986 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and serves as the nodal agency for the development and promotion of agricultural and processed food product exports. As per DGFT Trade Notice No.35/2021-2022, all APEDA RCMC applications must be filed electronically through the DGFT Common Digital Platform from 1 April 2022 onwards.
Registration acts as an official endorsement, verifying that the exporter is acknowledged by APEDA to export regulated products. Additionally, it provides access to various government initiatives, financial benefits, and subsidies, which assist exporters in improving their operations and competitiveness in the international market. APEDA also monitors the import of sugar as part of its regulatory mandate. Obtaining an APEDA certificate ensures adherence to export documentation and customs clearance requirements and facilitates participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions.
APEDA Manufacturer Exporters – Certifying Agencies by Product Category
Manufacturer exporters must submit a self-attested copy of company registration along with a certificate from the relevant certifying agency for the specific product category being exported.
| Product Category | Certifying Authority |
|---|---|
| Floriculture and Seeds | Department of Horticulture / DIC / SIA / FSSAI |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Department of Agriculture / Department of Horticulture / DIC / SIA / FSSAI |
| Groundnut, Pulses, Guar Gum | DIC / SIA / FSSAI / Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (Ministry of MSME) |
| Processed Foods, Meat and Cereal Products | FSSAI |
| Dairy, Poultry and Honey | FSSAI / EIC (Export Inspection Council) / EIA (Export Inspection Agency) |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Department of Excise Commissioner |
| Cereals (including Basmati Rice) | DIC / SIA / FSSAI / Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (Ministry of MSME) |
Hard copies are NOT required. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format through the DGFT portal during the Attachments stage of the e-RCMC application.
Objectives of APEDA Registration
The main objectives of APEDA Registration are to regulate and promote the export of scheduled agricultural products from India.
- Issuing registration to exporters of the scheduled food product.
- Helps in the development of Industries relating to schedule food products for export.
- Regulating the standard and specification of the scheduled products for export purposes
- Helps improve packaging and marketing for better reach in the industry.
- Conducting various training programs for its members to help develop the export industry for the listed food products in the APEDA act.
- Take part in a food fest to promote scheduled food items outside India
Advantage of APEDA Registration
APEDA Registration provides multiple advantages to exporters dealing in scheduled food and agricultural products.
- APEDA provides financial assistance of up to 50% of eligible costs for packaging development, quality improvement, market development, and certification (HACCP, GlobalGAP, ISO 22000). The balance 50% is borne by the exporter.
- APEDA-registered exporters can access AgriExchange APEDA's dedicated trade database with export statistics, country-wise market data, and international buyer directories
- APEDA actively supports One District One Product (ODOP) designated agricultural products from each district, providing additional promotional and infrastructure support for ODOP-mapped exporters
- APEDA-registered agri-exporters are eligible for the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme for agricultural commodities
- Members can participate in various training programs organized by APEDA for scheduled products.
List of Products Covered Under APEDA Registration
Below is the list of products that require APEDA Registration for export under the APEDA Act.
- Fruits, Vegetables & Processed Items: Includes fresh, frozen, and processed fruits and vegetables that meet APEDA export standards.
- Meat, Poultry & Dairy Products: Covers frozen and processed meat, chicken, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products for global trade.
- Honey, Sugar & Bakery Products: Natural sweeteners like honey and jaggery along with cakes, cookies, biscuits, and bakery goods.
- Chocolates, Nuts & Cereals: All chocolate and cocoa products, groundnuts, peanuts, walnuts, wheat, Basmati Rice (including GI-tagged Basmati varieties), and other cereal goods.
- Pickles, Beverages & Processed Foods: Indian pickles, papads, chutneys, beers, wines, juices, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Spices, Herbs & Industrial Products: Green pepper in brine, guar gum, Ayurvedic herbs, and medicinal plant-based items.
- Floriculture & Decorative Plants: Flowers, ornamental plants, and floriculture products cultivated for export markets.
Note: In addition to promoting exports of scheduled products, APEDA also monitors the import of sugar in India.
Products Not Covered Under APEDA Registration
Products regulated by other specific Indian commodity boards or councils are not covered under APEDA registration:
- Coffee (regulated by the Coffee Board)
- Tea (regulated by the Tea Board)
- Tobacco (regulated by the Tobacco Board)
Note: These products have their own dedicated regulatory bodies and require separate RCMC registration.
Validity and Renewal of APEDA Registration Certificate
APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate comes with a fixed validity period and must be renewed
- The registration cum membership certificate ( APEDA Registration ) is valid for 5 years..
- The RCMC license will be auto-renewed every 5 years. Once the fee is submitted, no additional document or submissions is required.
- Early renewal or amendment is required when: registered address changes; new product categories are added; IEC details are updated; or the authorised signatory changes
- Renewed RCMC certificates are available for download from the DGFT dashboard under the e-RCMC module after approval
- Exporters must apply for renewal 30 to 60 days before the March 31 expiry date to avoid disruption to export operations
Penalties for Non-Compliance under APEDA Act
There are penalties for not following the rules under the APEDA Act, as follows:
- Any person who disobeys or attempts to breach provisions made under this act shall be punishable
with imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of
Rs. 1,000 as per the laid guidelines. - Repeated offenders shall be fined additional Rs. 50 per day from the day of the first infringement to the date of conviction.
- If a company commits the offence, every person who at the time of the offence was in charge shall be deemed guilty as well as the company and shall be punished accordingly.
- Non-registration of scheduled product exporters also attracts penalties under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992
Note: As per the APEDA Act, 1985 (as amended). Exporters should verify current penalty provisions at official website of APEDA.
APEDA Registration Cancellation
The APEDA Registration Cancellation may take place if exporters do not follow the specified guidelines, as stated within Section 11 of the APEDA Act:
- Non-activity: When the exporter fails to carry out his business activity related to scheduled food commodities for 12 months consecutively, his APEDA registration can be cancelled.
- Incorrect information: Any certificate obtained through giving any false or misleading information shall be cancelled by the APEDA authority.
- Violations of regulations: Non-compliance with APEDA rules and regulations can lead to the revocation of registration.
Get Expert Assistance for APEDA Registration in India
Exporters can ensure compliance with Indian export regulations, access beneficial government programs, and enhance their credibility with foreign buyers by completing online APEDA registration with expert assistance from Professional Utilities.
A valid APEDA Registration allows businesses to easily export scheduled agricultural and processed food products, take advantage of APEDA's promotional support, and strengthen their global brand presence. In addition to avoiding trade disruptions, timely registration and renewal position exporters for long-term success and growth in the competitive international market.
FAQ’s On APEDA Registration
How to get an APEDA certificate?
Exporters must apply for APEDA RCMC registration online through the official APEDA portal by submitting required details and documents. For fresh application, applicants must apply through the e-RCMC service under the Services menu.
What is the cost of an APEDA certificate?
Total cost of obtaining an APEDA certificate in India is ₹8,849 exclusive of government fees. APEDA registration fees vary by applicant category, with applicable GST.
How long is an APEDA certificate valid for?
APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate comes with a fixed validity period and must be renewed
Is APEDA mandatory for export?
Yes, registration with the APEDA is compulsory for all the exporters who handle the listed agricultural products and processed foods, according to the provisions in the APEDA Act.
What documents are required for APEDA Registration?
Documents required for APEDA registration in India include a valid Import-Export Code (IEC), Bank Certificate, and the completed application form, along with applicable manufacturing proof for manufacturer exporters.
How many days to get an APEDA certificate?
Upon successful verification of business credentials, IEC and GST records, FSSAI License and other supporting documents, DGFT issues digital APEDA RCMC certificate usually within 7 to 10 working days.
Who needs APEDA Registration in India?
Exporters dealing in scheduled food products must obtain APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), also known as APEDA license.
What products require APEDA Registration for export?
Products requiring APEDA registration for export are APEDA-scheduled products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, floriculture, basmati rice, processed foods, and non-alcoholic beverages.
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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
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