A world leader in agricultural produce export and production is India. Basmati rice and fruits being exceptions, meat, dairy products and processed food items are also included in the export basket of the nation. In order to promote and facilitate such exports on an easy basis, the government has established the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
APEDA registration is a must for all the exporters of scheduled food and agri-commodities. Not only does the registration keep an exporter legally justified, but it also brings credibility, subsidy facility and elbow room to expand overseas. Let us learn in detail about APEDA registration, its procedure, advantages and prerequisites.
What is APEDA Registration?
APEDA is short for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, an autonomous body under Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. APEDA was established in 1985 to develop and regulate export of agricultural and processed food products.
Exporters handling products scheduled in APEDA’s Schedule Products List are required to get APEDA registration. After they get registered, they receive an RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate), which is documentation of authorization for export of scheduled products.
APEDA registration, unlike other licenses, which must be renewed from time to time, is a one-time registration. It is a lifetime registration, which is a huge relief to exporters as it decreases administrative hassle.
Objectives of APEDA
The primary goals of APEDA are more expansive than simply giving registrations. They are aimed to improve India’s agri-export infrastructure.
- Enhancing agricultural and processed foods exports through the establishment of market linkages with the globe.
- Enhancing product standards and quality in a bid to compete at global levels. For instance, providing pesticide-free fruits or hygienically processed meat.
- Facilitating infrastructure development such as cold chains, packhouses, testing laboratories and processing plants.
- Creating new exportable foods through the advancement of research and development (R&D).
- Providing training to exporters regarding international trade practices, packaging and standards of conformity.
APEDA therefore not only enables trade but also enables Indian exporters to compete with foreign players.
APEDA Functions
APEDA performs various functions to fulfill its goals:
- Registration of Exporters: Providing the RCMC certificate to registered exporters.
- Financial Support: Offering subsidies for preinstallation of infrastructure, market promotion or packaging quality. For example, financial support can be offered for preinstallation of pre-cooling or vapor heat treatment systems.
- Certificate of Quality: Maintaining quality standards in packaging, labeling and hygiene that would be a pre-requisite for export to destinations such as EU or US.
- Market Promotion: Conducting international exhibitions, trade delegations and buyer-seller meets to act as a liaison between exporters and overseas buyers.
- Market Intelligence: Bringing out reports, forecasts and statistics to assist exporters while taking decisions.
Products Covered Under APEDA
APEDA controls the export of a vast list of scheduled goods. These include:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh mangoes, grapes, onions, processed fruit pulps, juices.
- Meat and Meat Products: Buffalo meat, sheep/goat meat, poultry.
- Dairy Products: Milk powder, butter, cheese, paneer, ghee.
- Poultry and Egg Products: Fresh eggs, egg powder.
- Confectionery, Bakery and Biscuits.
- Honey, Jaggery and Sugar Products.
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Beer and wine.
- Cereal Foods: Wheat foods, rice foods.
Exporters must very cautiously maneuver the Scheduled Products List on the APEDA website to ascertain whether their product is included.
Eligibility for APEDA Registration
APEDA registration is obligatory for:
- Exporters of scheduled food and agriculture products.
- All types of businesses: proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs and companies.
- Any company considering expanding globally in this business.
For instance, if a company is exporting basmati rice or mango pulp, it will not be able to exist without APEDA registration.
Benefits of APEDA Registration
APEDA registration has several advantages:
- International Creditability: Buyers prefer to deal with registered exporters as it assures authenticity.
- Government Schemes: Exporters are provided with subsidies on packaging, testing and infrastructure.
- Financial Assistance: Assistance for the establishment of specialized storage, transportation or laboratory facilities.
- Export Promotion: Participation in APEDA-sponsored trade exhibitions, international exhibitions and brand promotion events.
- Market Insights: International demand patterns and research reports.
- Ease of Compliance: Reduces paperwork and increases the likelihood of hassle-free customs clearance.
In short, APEDA registration is not just an obligation to comply; it’s a business growth enabler.
Sectors Eligible Under RoDTEP Scheme
For applying for APEDA registration, exporters are required to provide:
- PAN Card of the company.
- Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque as proof of account.
- Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
- Memorandum & Articles of Association / Partnership Deed according to the business entity.
- Proof of Identity and Address of applicant or directors/partners.
Precision in these documents avoids the delay in approval.
Documents Required for APEDA Registration
Online Registration Steps
- Visit the DGFT Portal: Go to the DGFT website https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/index.jsp? opt=e-RCMC (under the “Services” menu) to apply for your RCMC for APEDA scheduled products.
- Fill IEC details along with business address and company name.
- Fill application form with obligatory details.
- Upload scanned documents in the formats prescribed.
- Online payment of registration fee INR 5,000 (excluding taxes) by debit/credit card, net banking or NEFT.
- Get DGFT login-Id and download RCMC certificate after verification of application.
RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) under DGFT
RCMC is a compulsory document for exporters. It is:
- Proof of authorization under APEDA.
- A condition of DGFT for exporters of scheduled commodities.
Validity and Renewal of APEDA Registration
- Registration Fee: ₹5,900 (including GST).
- Mode of Payment: Fully online (NEFT, credit/debit card, net banking).
Single payment with lifetime validity, hence, cost-effective as opposed to licenses having periodic renewal.
Cancellation of APEDA Registration
- The Validity of APEDA Certificate is for 5 years.
- The exporter must apply for renewal to continue exporting their products.
- In case business details are changed (ownership, partners, address, etc.), exporters need to notify them to APEDA.
Cancellation of APEDA Registration
APEDA can cancel registration in the following cases:
- Non-adherence to export quality or safety standards.
- Misbehavior such as mispresentation of goods.
- Abuse of APEDA Act or rules.
Compliance is thus necessary for exporters.