APEDA Registration – A Complete Overview

Are you a farmer, grower, food manufacturer, processor, exporter, trader, or packer involved in the production or export of agricultural or processed food items from India? If yes, then obtaining APEDA registration is a critical step for you.

The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1985 to promote the export of scheduled products. To export them, businesses must register with APEDA and acquire a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC).

APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provides financial aid, strategic export guidance, and industry insights—essential for tapping global markets and leveraging government export schemes.

Overview Illustration

Registration Form

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What You Get:

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Features That Empower You

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Legal Export License

RCMC issued by APEDA is mandatory for exporting scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

Global Market Access

Enables exporters to participate in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets.

Financial Assistance

Access to export subsidies, infrastructure grants, and low-interest loans.

Who Needs to Register?

Regulatory Compliance

Ensures adherence to international quality and safety standards.

Subsidies & Grants

Eligible for export promotion capital goods scheme and transport subsidies.

Technical Guidance

Receive training and technical support on processing, packaging, and marketing.

Market Intelligence

Industry data and reports to help you adapt to changing export trends.

How To File It Online?

Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your response is submitted correctly

Form Fill
1

Visit APEDA Portal

Go to the official APEDA website and click 'Register as Member'.

2

Enter IEC & Details

Provide your Import-Export Code (IEC), business and contact information.

3

Upload Documents

Upload IEC copy, bank certificate, account statements, cancelled cheque, and application form.

4

Pay Fee

Submit ₹5,000 (plus applicable taxes) via credit/debit card or demand draft.

5

Receive Application No.

Get your application number and track status online.

6

Download RCMC

Upon approval, download your Registration Cum Membership Certificate.

Deadlines & Penalties

Avoid late fees by submitting on time

Penalty for Late Filing

  • Non-submission of correct IEC details leads to application rejection.
  • Delayed fee payment invalidates the application session.
  • Incomplete document uploads result in processing delays.
  • False information may attract penalties under APEDA Act.
  • Failure to renew lifetime updates may revoke certification.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Denial of export license for scheduled products.
  • Ineligibility for APEDA subsidies and incentives.
  • Penalties or legal action for misrepresentation.
  • Blacklisting from APEDA schemes for repeated violations.

1Who Must Register with APEDA?

  • Any exporter of scheduled agricultural products under APEDA Act.
  • Entities dealing in dairy, meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, and processed foods.
  • Businesses with a valid IEC issued by DGFT.
  • Firms, companies, cooperatives, and producer organizations exporting listed products.

2Documents Required

  • Duly signed APEDA application form
  • Copy of Import-Export Code (IEC)
  • Bank certificate on letterhead
  • Last two months’ bank statements
  • Cancelled cheque leaf
  • Digital signature for online filing
FSSAI benefits
Why It Matters

Key Benefits

  • Grants legal status for food exports.
  • Qualifies for APEDA export incentives.
  • Improves buyer confidence internationally.
  • Access to training and market data.
  • Facilitates smoother customs clearance.
Avoid These Mistakes

Pitfalls to Avoid During Filing

Common errors that can delay your submission

Invalid IEC

Ensure your IEC is active.

An inactive IEC will block APEDA registration.

Incomplete Uploads

Upload all required files.

Missing documents delay approval.

Fee Payment Issues

Confirm payment success.

Failed transactions invalidate your session.

Wrong Product Schedule

Select correct product code.

Mismatch leads to rejection.

Expired Bank Certificate

Use a current bank certificate.

Old certificates are not accepted.

Signature Verification

Use valid digital signature.

Unsigned forms are invalid.

S. No.APEDAIEC Only
1Mandatory for scheduled food exportsMandatory for all exports
2Enables subsidy schemesDoes not cover subsidies
3Provides RCMC certificationProvides only IEC number
4Access to APEDA training & dataNo training support
5Lifetime validity of RCMCIEC validity as per DGFT
Process Overview

Streamlined Filing Process

  • 1
    Application submission: same day.
  • 2
    Processing time: 7–10 working days.
  • 3
    Fee: ₹5,000 + applicable taxes.
  • 4
    No renewal required unless details change.
Process illustration

Why Trust DoStartup?

Professional services with guaranteed satisfaction

End-to-End Filing

Complete assistance from portal login to RCMC download.

Expert Guidance

Consultation on product schedules and export norms.

Document Preparation

Review and validate all supporting documents.

Fee Handling

Secure payment processing and application tracking.

Renewal & Updates

Assistance with any data changes post-registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions

What is APEDA?

Who needs APEDA registration?

What is the fee for APEDA registration?

Is APEDA registration renewable?

What does RCMC stand for?