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.




Registration Form
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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

Visit APEDA Portal
Go to the official APEDA website and click 'Register as Member'.
Enter IEC & Details
Provide your Import-Export Code (IEC), business and contact information.
Upload Documents
Upload IEC copy, bank certificate, account statements, cancelled cheque, and application form.
Pay Fee
Submit ₹5,000 (plus applicable taxes) via credit/debit card or demand draft.
Receive Application No.
Get your application number and track status online.
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

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.
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. | APEDA | IEC Only |
---|---|---|
1 | Mandatory for scheduled food exports | Mandatory for all exports |
2 | Enables subsidy schemes | Does not cover subsidies |
3 | Provides RCMC certification | Provides only IEC number |
4 | Access to APEDA training & data | No training support |
5 | Lifetime validity of RCMC | IEC validity as per DGFT |
Streamlined Filing Process
- Application submission: same day.1
- Processing time: 7–10 working days.2
- Fee: ₹5,000 + applicable taxes.3
- No renewal required unless details change.4

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