Introduction
India has long been a global hub for agriculture and processed food exports. In order to maintain quality, compliance, and efficient export procedures, the Government of India set up the APEDA. Exporters wishing to take advantage of government schemes and incentives must obtain APEDA Registration before they can legally operate.
In this article, we explain what APEDA Registration is, who needs it, the documents required, the application process, associated fees, and the typical timeline. We also address common queries to help exporters easily navigate the registration process.
What is APEDA Registration?
APEDA stands for “Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority,” which is a statutory body regulated under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Indian Government. The Government of India established this authority under the APEDA Act, 1985. It is responsible for promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products from India. APEDA Registration is a mandatory certification required by exporters dealing with “scheduled products” as listed under the APEDA Act. The registration is a one-time process, and the Registered Exporter is eligible to avail themselves of many benefits and schemes offered by the government.
Eligibility for APEDA Registration
APEDA Registration is compulsory for the following:
- Exporters of scheduled products specified under the APEDA Act.
- Producers, manufacturers, or merchants planning to export the following categories:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Processed foods
- Meat and meat products
- Dairy products
- Cereals and cereal products
- Confectionery and bakery items
- Poultry and poultry products
- Honey, jaggery, and sugar products
Whether you operate as a Proprietorship, LLP, Partnership, Trust, or Company, if you export any of these scheduled products, you must have APEDA Registration.
Documents Required for APEDA Registration
To apply for APEDA Registration, you need to submit the following documents:
- Certificate of Import Export Code (issued by DGFT)
- Bank certificate
- Partnership deed (if needed)
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
- Address Proof
- MSME certificate (if needed)
- Halal certificate (if needed)
Step-by-Step Process for APEDA Registration
Follow these steps to complete your APEDA Registration:
- Step 1: Visit the APEDA official portal
- Step 2: Click on “Register as Exporter” and enter your IEC number, mobile number, and email ID. Then, the system sends an OTP to the submitted number or email for verification purposes.
- Step 3: After verification, please fill in all the required details in the registration form. This detail includes contact information, business details, and the categories of goods you intend to export.
- Step 4: Submit scanned copies of the required documents as specified by APEDA.
- Step 5: Make the payment of the applicable government fees online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- Step 6: After completing the payment, submit your application. It will go through the verification process.
- Step 7: After document verification, APEDA will issue a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). This acts as proof of registration and is mandatory for all scheduled product exports.
APEDA Registration Fees
The government fees for APEDA Registration is Rs. 5000/- excluding taxes. Upon successful payment and verification, the RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) or APEDA certificate is issued by the authority, which enables exporters to avail of various benefits from APEDA schemes and support services. The professional charges may vary from the government fees.
APEDA Registration Timeline
The APEDA Registration Timeline is as follows:
| Activity | Time Taken |
| Online Application & Document Upload | Same Day |
| Payment and Acknowledgment | Immediate |
| Verification by APEDA Authorities | 3 – 5 Working Days |
| Issue of RCMC | 5 – 7 Working Days (after verification) |
In short, the complete APEDA Registration process may take around 7 working days.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining APEDA Registration is essential for any exporter dealing with agricultural and processed food products in India. It not only ensures compliance with government regulations but also opens doors to numerous export facilitation schemes and incentives. By following the straightforward registration process and submitting the required documents, exporters can streamline their operations and expand their global reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is APEDA a government or Private organization?
Answer: APEDA is a government organization governed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This authority was established under the APEDA Act, 1985.
Q2. Is APEDA Registration mandatory for export?
Answer: Yes, APEDA Registration is mandatory if any individual or business exporting schedule products under the APEDA Act.
Q3. How many days will it take to register with APEDA?
Answer: For APEDA Registration, the process typically takes 7 working days to complete.
Q4. How can I start a food export business in India?
Answer: To start a food export business in India, you need to obtain certain mandatory documents and licenses, such as GST, IEC, and APEDA, if you are an export scheduled under the APEDA Act.
Q5. What is the validity of APEDA?
Answer: APEDA grants registration that remains valid for 5 years, after which you must renew it.
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