APEDA Registration (RCAC) – Online Process, Documents, Fees & Validity

Updated on August 25, 2025 02:43:56 PM

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) requires exporters dealing in scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India to obtain the APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC). Established under the APEDA Act of 1985, this certification ensures that exporters meet the quality, safety, and documentation standards required for global trade.

Businesses intending to export items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, cereals, and processed foods must first secure APEDA registration. Without a valid RCAC, exporters are prohibited from shipping these goods to foreign markets.

The APEDA registration process is simple and can be completed online. Through the official APEDA portal, applicants fill out the registration form, upload necessary documents, and pay the applicable fee. Once approved, exporters receive their RCAC, which serves as proof of authorization and facilitates smooth trade operations.

Registered exporters enjoy several benefits, including access to government schemes, export subsidies, market development assistance, and participation in trade fairs. Additionally, the RCAC enhances the exporter’s credibility by assuring international buyers that the products comply with India’s stringent export quality standards.

Apeda Certificate Sample

Apeda Registration

What is APEDA Registration (RCAC) Certificate?

The farming industry and the Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) formally issue the APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC) to exporters who deal in scheduled agricultural and processed food products. It acts as evidence that the exporter is approved to export particular goods from India and is registered with APEDA.

Businesses that export products like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, cereals, and processed foods that are on APEDA's schedule are required to have the RCAC. Exporters are not allowed to send these goods to foreign markets without this certificate.

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.

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Key Objectives of APEDA Registration Certificate (RCAC)

APEDA aims to promote Scheduled food product export in the global food market.

  • 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
Objective of Apeda
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List of Products Covered Under APEDA Registration

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is responsible for the promotion and development of exports of agricultural and processed food products from India

Businesses and exporters dealing in the following categories are required to obtain APEDA Registration as per the APEDA Act:

Products Covered Under APEDA Registration

  • 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, rice (including Basmati), 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.
List of Products Covered for apeda
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List of Documents Required for APEDA Registration (RCAC)

To apply for APEDA registration, exporters must submit the following essential documents:

document required for apeda
  • Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
  • Bank certificate with authorized signatory
  • Bank statement for the last 2 months
  • Cancelled cheque of the business account
  • GST Registration Certificate
  • Duly filled and signed APEDA Registration Form

Additional Documents Required for Manufacturer Exporters:

  • Central FSSAI License for food manufacturers
  • DIS/SIA certificate from the Department of Horticulture (for scheduled food products under APEDA)
  • Certificate of Incorporation of the firm (Partnership Firm if applicable)
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pollution Control Board
  • MSME Certificate (if applicable)
  • Halal Certificate (if applicable)
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Procedure for APEDA Registration (RCAC) Online

The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued to exporters subject to following the procedures. Issuance of RCMC has been made online, and exporters are required to fill out the application form and submit their documents online.

Getting an APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC) is quick and fully online through the APEDA registration portal. Follow these easy steps:

Step-1 Online Application:

To apply for an RCMC certificate, sign in through the APEDA portal and click on the register as member tab. Fill in all the mandatory details like the ICE code, Email address, and mobile number. An OTP (One-Time-Password) will be provided to you on your mobile number and email for verification.

Step-2 Documentation:

After OTP verification, exporters must fill out a mandatory application form with all requested details and upload all required documents for APEDA Registration. applicants can save and edit their form as often as they want before submitting APEDA registration fees.

Step-3 Submission of Fee:

Submit your registration fee after completing the application form. then an application number will be provided. You can use this application number to track the status of your RCMC application until its issued.

Step-4 Issuance of certification:

The RCMC certificate will be issued within 10-15 days after successfully to the APEDA portal. Applicants can download their certificate using the login ID and password provided by APEDA on your registered mobile number and email.

Procedure for Apeda Registration
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APEDA RCAC Certificate Registration Fees

The total fee for obtaining an APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC) is ₹9,400. This amount includes both the prescribed government registration fee and applicable service charges.

APEDA Registration Registration Fees
Government Fee ₹5,900
Professional Fee ₹3,500
Total Cost ₹9,400

Note: The Government Fee is inclusive of 18% GST charges and the aforementioned Fees is exclusive of GST.

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Validity and Renewal of APEDA Registration Certificate (RCAC)

The APEDA Registration cum Allocation Certificate (RCAC) comes with a fixed validity period and must be renewed.

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APEDA Registration Cancellation (RCAC/RCMC) – Rules & Conditions

APEDA registration can be cancelled under certain conditions if the exporter fails to meet the required guidelines, as outlined below:

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Benefits of APEDA Registration Certificate (RCAC)

APEDA registration is mandatory for the export of scheduled food products as per the guidelines of the APEDA act.

Here are some advantages of having a registration

  1. Registered (RCMC) members can take benefit from various Schemes run by APEDA for the promotion of food products. Such as-
    • Agriculture and processed food export promotion scheme
    • Food processing funds of NABARD
    • Kisan Sampada Yojna
  2. Helps in Infrastructure development.
  3. Can become a permanent member of the APEDA exporter directory.
  4. APEDA helps build brand value and promotes the brand.
  5. Members can participate in various training programs organized by APEDA for scheduled products.
  6. Provide guidelines to exporters about multiple food products and export markets, respectively.
Advantage of Apeda Registration
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Penalties for Non-Compliance under APEDA Act

There are penalties for not following the rules under the APEDA Act, as follows:

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Online APEDA Registration with Professional Utilities

It has often been suggested that an essential element of “Make in India” has to be “Bake in India,” i.e., a renewed focus on value addition and processed agricultural products. The APEDA registration process is a multi-step process and needs proper and legal knowledge. Help from the experts is advised to ease the process of the APEDA application. You can apply for RCMC with just three simple steps with us.

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Step 1: Fill our simple form Receive a call back from our team of experts.

Step 2: Provide necessary documents with only 50% advance payment

Step 3: Your Registration will be done successfully, and then you can proceed with the rest of the payment.

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Conclusion

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is APEDA Registration?

Schedule products are products that are listed under the APEDA Act, and exporters of such scheduled products are required to register under APEDA. This is called APEDA Registration.

How to apply for an APEDA certificate online?

Get your APEDA Registration (e-RCMC) hassle-free with Professional Utilities. We help you apply through the DGFT portal, submit your IEC and required documents, and pay the fee online. After verification, APEDA issues your digital e-RCMC to legally export agricultural and processed food products.

How much fees for APEDA registration?

The government fee for APEDA registration is ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST) for a 5-year validity.

Additional costs may apply if you take assistance from service providers like Professional Utilities for document preparation and filing support.

Why is APEDA Registration required?

APEDA Registration is required because

  • It is a one-time registration
  • Mandatory for exporters of scheduled products
  • Application for financial assistance scheme of APEDA can be availed only after registration
  • It enables registered members to participate in training programs organized in various aspects of the industries for scheduled products
What is the time taken to acquire an APEDA License?

After submitting all the requisite documents it will be allotted by APEDA in 10–15 days.

What is the reason for cancellation of the APEDA certificate?

The following are the reasons for cancellation of APEDA certificate:

  • In case the officer finds any discrepancies in the documents submitted at any given time.
  • If the exporter fails to deliver the products within 12 months from the date of certification.

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