APEDA Registration: Procedure, Documents, Fees & Product List

APEDA Registration is an important step for the Indian exporters who want to enter into the global market for agricultural and processed food goods. APEDA is a government body, established by the Indian Government under the APEDA Act, 1985. It aims to enhance the export of Indian agriculture through financial aid, market development, quality standards, and training that ensures competitiveness and international market access. Additionally, by APEDA Registration the exporter can get several benefits such as financial assistance, marketplace access, and the quality certificate, ensuring that the exporter complies with all the necessary regulations.

At BizFoc, we know the complexities that are in the APEDA Registration procedure. Contact BizFoc to get expert support and a smooth journey toward enhancing your business internationally with confidence.

What is APEDA Registration?

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It is an essential process for Indian exporters of regulated agricultural and processed food all over the world under the APEDA Act, 1985. At the end of the 2023 financial year, India's exports of organic products exceeded 312 thousand metric tons. The task of encouraging the export of organic products by supporting the stakeholders was given to the export development authority for agricultural and processed food items (APEDA).

Importance of APEDA Registration

The importance of APEDA Registration is as given below:

  • Financial Aids: By obtaining APEDA Certificate, the exporter can get various financial aids and subsidies for market expansion, infrastructure development, and quality enhancement.
  • Assistance in Market Development: APEDA assists exporters in locating untapped markets and offers support for attending international trade shows and exhibits.
  • Quality Standards: APEDA guarantees the exporters to maintain global quality standards that aid in enhancing the credibility and acceptability of Indian goods internationally.
  • Brand Recognition: APEDA Registration enhances the brand recognition and trustworthiness of the exporter’s goods in the international market.
  • Government Support: APEDA provides continuous assistance and guidance to its registered members, enabling them to stay informed about the most recent policies, regulations, and market trends.

Product List Covered in APEDA are follows:

Category Products/Goods
Fresh & Processed Fruits and Vegetables Fresh fruits and vegetables
Processed fruits and vegetables
Organic fruits and vegetables
Animal & Dairy Products Meat and meat products (buffalo meat, sheep/goat meat, pork, poultry, and other processed meats)
Poultry and poultry products (eggs, processed poultry products)
Dairy products (milk and milk products, cheese, butter, ghee)
Animal by-products (animal casings, gelatin, ossein)
Cereals & Cereal Goods Rice
Wheat
Maize and other grains
Organic cereals
Processed Products & Beverages Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products (chocolates, candies, biscuits, cakes)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (wines, beers, juices, soft drinks)
Processed foods (ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, pickles, sauces, chutneys, snacks, namkeen)
Honey and honey products
Miscellaneous Products Groundnuts, Peanuts & tree nuts
Floriculture and floriculture products (cut flowers, flower seeds, bulbs, tubers)
Herbal and medicinal plants

Eligibility Criteria for APEDA Registration

Eligibility criteria for APEDA Registration are as follows:

  1. Exporters: Any entity involved in exporting scheduled processed and agricultural products globally.
  2. Agricultural Producers: Any farmers or agricultural producers who are involved in international exporting.
  3. Manufacturers: Businesses engaged in the production and processing of food items covered under APEDA.
  4. Processors: Companies and businesses involved in processing agricultural products for exporting purposes.

Required Documents for APEDA Registration

The complete list of required documents for APEDA Registration is given below:

  1. Certificate of Import Export Code (IEC), issued by DGFT.
  2. Bank Certificate
  3. Partnership Deed: If applicable
  4. DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
  5. Address Proof: Valid proof of the business address.
  6. MSME Certificate, if available.
  7. Halal Certificate, if applicable

Procedure for APEDA Registration

The complete stepwise procedure for APEDA Registration is as follows:

  • Step 1: Seek Professional Guidance

    Obtaining an APEDA Registration certificate can be a complex procedure therefore it is more advisable to seek professional guidance. Here, BizFoc understands the complexities and provides comprehensive guidance by knowing your all necessary requirements and ensuring that all the compliance will comply with APEDA standards. Our aim is to make your APEDA Registration procedure smooth and error free, that allows you to focus on your business enhancement.
  • Step 2: Create APEDA Account

    By providing you thorough assistance about the whole requirement, the next step is to create an APEDA Account on its portal. Our team will accurately create your account to complete your online application form.
  • Step 3: Application Filing

    Once the APEDA Account is created, our team will file your online APEDA Application with accurate details about the company, including its contact information, IEC (Import Export Code), features of the products and many more required documents (list mentioned above). This thorough approach guarantees that your application meets all APEDA requirements and is complete.
  • Step 4: Submission

    After the Online APEDA application filing, we will review the uploaded details and documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once all the details are correct, we will proceed with the payment gateway. After confirming all the necessary details, we will submit the application online and finalise your APEDA Registration process.
  • Step 5: Verification of Application

    APEDA officials will review and verify the application and documents. Any discrepancies will be addressed, and upon successful verification, APEDA will issue the RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) or APEDA Certificate.

Note: As of July 17, 2023, APEDA provides Registration Cum-Membership Certificates (RCMCs) on the DGFT portal. Businesses must have a valid IEC from DGFT to proceed with APEDA registration and legally export goods from India.

Fees for APEDA Registration

Upon successful payment and verification, the RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) or APEDA certificate is issued by the authority, which helps exporters avail themselves of various APEDA schemes and support services. Please note that professional charges for consultancy services are separate from the government fees. BizFoc offers affordable and transparent professional charges.

APEDA Registration Registration Fees
Government fee ₹5,900
Professional fees (excl. GST) ₹3,499
Total Charges ₹9,399

Time Taken for APEDA Registration

Completing the APEDA Registration will take 3 to 4 working days.

How BizFoc Can Help You

BizFoc is a team of dedicated experts who will simplify the APEDA Registration procedure for your business. Here’s how we can assist you:

  • We provide you with expert assistance and consultation for all your requirements that are required for your APEDA Registration.
  • BizFoc also helps you to obtain the IEC (Import Export Code) if needed.
  • Our team reviews each and every requirement accurately and fills out the APEDA Application from submission.
  • We provide affordable and transparent professional charges.
  • We liaise with APEDA officials to address queries and ensure smooth approval.

Conclusion

APEDA Registration is an essential for the exporter who are engaged in exporting agricultural and processed food internationally. This registration procedure involves various steps, including creating an APEDA account, application filing, and verification. However, it is a complex procedure therefore professional guidance is must. Whether you are an experienced or new exporter, obtaining APEDA registration is a crucial measure toward the growth and achievement in the global market.

Frequently Asked Questions

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It is a government agency that encourages and develops the export of processed and agricultural goods from India.

AD Code (Authorised Dealer Code) is a unique 14-digit code issued by an authorised bank under the purview of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It is required for the international trade of goods and services.

The exporter gets several benefits from APEDA Registration, including financial aids, market development support, compliance guidance, and quality control in the marketplace. It helps enhance the market reach for agricultural and processed food goods exporters.

Exporters that want to sell agricultural products must have both the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA and the Import Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Yes, obtaining APEDA Registration for exports is mandatory for exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food goods from India. It provides necessary certification, guidelines, and international trade support.

The export of goods, especially restricted or regulated items, requires a licence in India. Exporters of agricultural products, processed foods, and other goods requiring government approval or regulation fall into this category.

APEDA Registration is valid for five years and needs to be renewed to continue availing of advantages and support from the authority.

Yes, under the "zero-rated supply" provision, goods can be exported without GST.

The APEDA Certificate, also known as RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate), is issued by APEDA to exporters of processed and agricultural goods. It provides export benefits and support services.

Exporting food items requires both the Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT and the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA. Additionally, FSSAI food safety certificates may also be required.

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