APEDA Registration

What is APEDA?

(Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

APEDA is a government organization established under the APEDA Act, 1985. It is responsible for the promotion and regulation of exports of agricultural and processed food products from India.

Exporters dealing with scheduled products are required to obtain APEDA Registration, also known as RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate). This registration is mandatory and provides exporters access to benefits such as financial support, training programs, and quality improvement assistance.

What is APEDA Registration?

APEDA Registration is a compulsory certification issued by the APEDA authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is required for businesses or individuals involved in exporting scheduled products listed under the APEDA Act.

Without an APEDA RCMC, exporters are not allowed to legally export such products. Registration is completed online and should be done within one month of starting the export business.

Eligibility for APEDA Registration

Any person or business engaged in the export of one or more products listed in the First Schedule or Second Schedule of the APEDA Act is required to register. The registration must be obtained within one month from the date of business incorporation.

Scheduled Products Under the APEDA Act

First Schedule Products:

• Fruits and vegetables and their products
• Meat and meat products
• Poultry and poultry products
• Dairy products
• Chocolates, cocoa and cocoa products
• Cereals and cereal products
• Groundnuts, peanuts, and walnuts
• Pickles, chutneys, and papads
• De-oiled rice bran
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Green pepper in brine
• Guar gum
• Floriculture and floriculture products
• Herbal and medicinal plants
• Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products
• Honey, jaggery, and sugar products

Second Schedule Product:

• Basmati Rice

Why is APEDA Registration Required?

APEDA Registration is important for several reasons:

• Legal compliance with government export regulations
• Enables legal export of scheduled products
• Access to APEDA financial assistance schemes
• Support for branding, packaging, and infrastructure development
• Training and guidelines for maintaining product quality
• Participation in international trade fairs and marketing events
• Updates on export trends and trade opportunities
• Eligibility for export certifications required in specific markets
• Access to tax benefits and government incentives
• Support in resolving trade disputes

Timeframe for Obtaining APEDA Registration

Exporters must obtain their APEDA registration within 30 days of business incorporation. Timely registration ensures uninterrupted access to APEDA support and benefits.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

For All Exporters:

• Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT
• Bank certificate or a cancelled cheque
• Bank account statement (last two months)
• GST registration certificate
• Duly signed APEDA registration form

Additional for Manufacturer Exporters:

• Central FSSAI registration
• DIS/SIA Certificate from the Department of Horticulture
• Certificate of incorporation and partnership deed (if applicable)
• No Objection Certificate from Pollution Control Board
• MSME certificate (if applicable)
• Halal certificate (if applicable)

Validity and Renewal of APEDA Registration

APEDA registration is valid for five years. After that, it is automatically renewed for another five years upon payment of the renewal fee. No additional documentation is required during the renewal process if all conditions are met.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the APEDA Act may result in:

• Imprisonment up to six months
• Fines starting from Rs. 1,000 with Rs. 50 per day for continued violations
• Penalties for individuals and companies involved
• Cancellation of APEDA registration in cases such as inactivity or false information

Conditions for APEDA Registration Cancellation

APEDA registration may be cancelled due to:

• No export activity for 12 consecutive months
• Providing false information during registration
• Violation of APEDA rules and regulations

Step-by-Step APEDA Registration Process

Step 1: Online Application

Visit the APEDA portal and select "Register as Member."
Enter required details such as IEC, email, and mobile number for verification.

Step 2: Upload Documents

Complete the online application form and upload all mandatory documents.
You can edit your application before final submission.

Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee

Submit the registration fee. Once paid, an application number is generated to track the status.

Step 4: Certificate Issuance

The APEDA certificate is typically issued within 10–15 working days.
You can download the certificate from the APEDA portal using your login credentials.

APEDA Registration Number

Each exporter receives a unique APEDA Registration Number, which:

• Identifies your business within the APEDA system
• Must be quoted in export documents
• Helps track export activity and access benefits
• Is used during renewals and updates to business details

Simplify Your APEDA Registration with Easy My Tax

At Easy My Tax, we simplify the APEDA registration process by offering:

• Expert guidance from professionals familiar with export compliance
• End-to-end assistance with documentation, submission, and follow-up
• Transparent fee structure with no hidden charges
• Timely processing and real-time status updates
• Reliable customer support for all your queries

Need help with APEDA Registration?
Contact Easy My Tax today and get started on your journey to becoming a certified exporter.