Let's discuss your APEDA Registration requirement.

APEDA Registration refers to obtaining the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a body established under the APEDA Act, 1985 and functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. APEDA is responsible for promoting and developing the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India.

The RCMC is mandatory for any exporter dealing in APEDA's scheduled products – such as fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, honey, cereals, confectionery and other processed foods. To apply, the business must first hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Exporters of all constitutions – proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, companies and other entities – engaged in exporting scheduled products are required to register. With effect from 17 July 2023, APEDA RCMC is applied for and issued through the DGFT e-RCMC portal. Registration is needed to export scheduled products legally and to access APEDA's export promotion schemes, financial assistance and market support.

APEDA registration covers the export of products listed as scheduled products under the First Schedule of the APEDA Act. These broadly include:

• 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

Basmati and non-basmati rice are notified under the Second Schedule of the APEDA Act. Exporters of these scheduled products are required to obtain APEDA RCMC.

APEDA registration is important for exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products for several reasons:

• Legal requirement: The RCMC is mandatory to export APEDA scheduled products from India.
• Access to export benefits: Registered exporters can avail APEDA's financial assistance schemes for infrastructure, quality development and market promotion, as per current Government norms.
• Market development: Members get support in participating in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and export promotion activities organised by APEDA.
• Information and guidance: Access to data on importing countries, export statistics, packaging standards and importer-exporter directories.
• Credibility: An RCMC enhances the exporter's standing with overseas buyers, banks and other authorities.
• Brand recognition: Helps in promoting Indian agricultural products and registered brands in international markets.

An applicant is eligible for APEDA RCMC if the following conditions are met:

• The applicant must be an exporter (or intends to export) of one or more scheduled products notified under the APEDA Act.
• The applicant must hold a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT before applying.
• Any business constitution can apply, including proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, private and public limited companies, HUFs, co-operatives and other entities.
• The application is made through the DGFT e-RCMC portal, with APEDA selected as the issuing authority.

There is no minimum turnover requirement; the key prerequisite is a valid IEC and the intention to export scheduled products.

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Bank statement (latest 2 months)
• Signed application form
• IEC copy
• Bank certificate (signed)
• Cancelled cheque

Earlier, APEDA issued the RCMC as a one-time registration valid for the lifetime of the exporter, subject to filing of annual returns. Under the present DGFT e-RCMC system (effective 17 July 2023), the RCMC is issued and renewed electronically.

• The RCMC is generally valid for five years and can be renewed thereafter through the DGFT e-RCMC portal.
• The validity is typically reckoned in financial years, ending on 31 March of the relevant licensing period.
• Renewal is done online; exporters should keep their IEC and registration details updated and complete any required filings.
• Exact validity, renewal and fee particulars should be confirmed as per the current rules on the DGFT/APEDA portal at the time of application.

Getting your APEDA Registration through TaxoSure is simple and completely online. Just follow these steps:

1. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the details, share the pricing and begin the work.
2. Get your RCMC. Our experts complete the entire process and deliver your APEDA RCMC certificate / documents to you.