What Is APEDA Registration?
APEDA registration is the process of obtaining a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. The RCMC is for exporters dealing in APEDA-scheduled products.
APEDA promotes and develops exports of agricultural and processed food products. Its work includes supporting quality and packaging improvements, market development and exporter assistance.
What Is an APEDA License?
“APEDA license” is a commonly used search term for APEDA RCMC registration. The formal document is called a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, not a general export licence.
An APEDA RCMC:
Registers an exporter with APEDA for scheduled products.
Supports eligibility for relevant APEDA programmes and assistance.
Identifies the exporter’s business and product category.
Is applied for through the DGFT e-RCMC system.
Exporters need an active Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) before applying. APEDA says applications for its scheduled products have been routed through the DGFT portal since 17 July 2023.
Who Needs APEDA Registration?
Exporters dealing in products listed under APEDA’s scheduled categories may need an RCMC.
These include, among others:
Fruits, vegetables and their products.
Meat and meat products.
Poultry and poultry products.
Dairy products.
Cereals and cereal products.
Honey, jaggery and sugar products.
Confectionery, bakery and processed foods.
Cocoa and chocolate products.
Groundnuts and walnuts.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Guar gum.
Floriculture and herbal or medicinal plants.
Check APEDA’s current product schedule to confirm whether your goods fall within its remit.
APEDA Certificate and RCMC
An APEDA certificate generally means the APEDA RCMC issued electronically. An RCMC validates an exporter’s registration with the relevant authorised export-promotion body. DGFT states that e-RCMCs are generally issued for five financial years, unless otherwise specified.
The certificate records the exporter’s details and the product category or categories for which the registration has been granted. Keep the certificate with the business’s export and compliance documents.
An APEDA certificate for export is the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued to exporters of APEDA-scheduled agricultural and processed food products. It records the exporter’s registration with APEDA and may support access to relevant export-promotion services. Applicants need an active IEC and apply for the e-RCMC through DGFT. Check the current product eligibility, document requirements and fee before submitting the application.
APEDA RCMC Registration Process
Step 1: Obtain an IEC
Apply for an active IEC from DGFT. APEDA states that exporters should obtain the IEC before applying for the APEDA RCMC.
Step 2: Update the IEC profile
Check that the IEC profile and business details are current. DGFT lists an active IEC, updated IEC profile and linked DSC or Aadhaar e-signature among the RCMC application prerequisites.
Step 3: Apply through DGFT
Log in to the DGFT portal and select the e-RCMC service. Choose APEDA as the registering authority for eligible scheduled products.
Step 4: Provide Exporter and Product Details for APEDA Registration for Exporters
Enter the requested business information and select the APEDA product category that matches the goods being exported. During APEDA Registration for exporters, accurate business and product details help ensure the RCMC reflects the exporter’s activities and the products covered by the registration.
Step 5: Upload documents and submit
Upload the documents requested in the portal, authenticate the application using the available method and submit it to APEDA for processing.
Step 6: Track and download the certificate
Check the application status through DGFT. After approval, download the e-RCMC and verify that the exporter and product details are correct.
APEDA RCMC Registration Fees
The APEDA RCMC registration fees are listed as ₹5,000 plus 18% GST, totalling ₹5,900.
“APEDA certificate cost,” “APEDA certificate fees” and “APEDA license fees” commonly refer to this registration charge. This is the government fee; optional professional assistance or other business costs are separate. Verify the amount shown in the DGFT portal at the time of application.
Benefits of APEDA Registration
An APEDA RCMC can help eligible exporters:
Access APEDA’s applicable export-promotion programmes.
Participate in relevant training and market-development activities.
Receive guidance on standards, packaging and export markets.
Establish registration credentials with buyers and trade stakeholders.
Apply for other APEDA services where the RCMC is a prerequisite.
Benefits depend on the relevant scheme’s eligibility and terms; registration alone does not guarantee a subsidy or export order.
APEDA Registration in Delhi and Ghaziabad
Exporters based in Delhi or Ghaziabad follow the same DGFT e-RCMC process as other eligible Indian exporters. The application is not a separate city-level registration: the exporter applies through DGFT using its active IEC and selects APEDA for the scheduled products.
Before applying, ensure the IEC, business address, bank details and product information are consistent with the documents submitted.
Common Application Errors
Applying before obtaining an active IEC.
Selecting a product category that does not match the goods.
Leaving the IEC profile outdated.
Uploading unclear or incomplete documents.
Entering business details that differ from DGFT records.
Assuming RCMC approval guarantees incentives or export clearance.
Confusing APEDA RCMC with other product-specific certificates or destination-country registrations.
Conclusion
APEDA Registration is the formal registration for exporters dealing in APEDA-scheduled products. Obtain an active IEC, update the DGFT profile, apply through the e-RCMC service and download the certificate after approval. The listed registration fee is ₹5,000 plus GST, or ₹5,900 including 18% GST; confirm the current portal amount before payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is APEDA registration?
It is the process of registering an exporter of APEDA-scheduled products and obtaining an RCMC.
2. Is APEDA registration the same as an APEDA license?
“APEDA license” is commonly used in searches, but the formal document is the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).
3. What is the APEDA certificate cost?
The listed fee is ₹5,000 plus 18% GST, totalling ₹5,900. Confirm the current amount in the DGFT e-RCMC portal before payment.
4. Do I need an IEC before APEDA RCMC registration?
Yes. APEDA says exporters should obtain an IEC before applying for the RCMC.
5. Where do exporters in Delhi or Ghaziabad apply?
They apply through the DGFT e-RCMC service, selecting APEDA as the registering authority for eligible scheduled products.
