How to Apply for APEDA Registration in India: Step-by-Step Guide

Updated on: Mar 12th, 2025| 3 min read

Introduction

Agricultural exports are a crucial part of India’s economy, and businesses involved in the export of agricultural and processed food products must comply with regulatory requirements. One such important compliance is obtaining APEDA registration.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is responsible for promoting and developing the export of scheduled agricultural products from India.

If you are a business dealing with the export of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, processed food, or other agricultural products, APEDA registration is mandatory. This article provides a detailed guide on how to apply for APEDA registration, the documents required, eligibility criteria, and the benefits of APEDA registration.

What is APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration, also known as Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC), is a mandatory registration for businesses engaged in the export of scheduled agricultural products as per the APEDA Act, 1985.

Once registered, an exporter becomes a member of APEDA, gaining access to export promotion schemes, financial assistance, and global market opportunities.

Who Needs APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration is mandatory for:

Exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products listed under APEDA.
Companies, proprietorship firms, and partnership firms engaged in agricultural exports.
Manufacturers of processed food products who intend to export.
Traders and merchants involved in the agricultural export business.

List of Scheduled Products under APEDA

Some of the major scheduled products that require APEDA registration include:

Fruits & Vegetables
Meat & Meat Products
Poultry & Dairy Products
Processed Foods & Beverages
Cereals & Cereal Products (Rice, Wheat, etc.)
Honey & Jaggery
Floriculture & Herbal Products

For the complete list, visit the APEDA website (https://apeda.gov.in/).

Who is Exempt from APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration is not required in the following cases:

Businesses that do not export scheduled agricultural products.
Companies that only sell domestically and have no export operations.
If an exporter is registered with another Export Promotion Council (EPC) relevant to their products.
If the product being exported is not listed under APEDA’s scheduled products.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

To register with APEDA, businesses must submit the following documents:

For Proprietorship Firms and Individuals:

PAN Card of the proprietor
Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Passport for identity proof
Address proof of business premises (Electricity bill, Rent agreement, Lease Deed)
Cancelled cheque or Bank certificate for bank details
GST Registration Certificate
Import Export Code (IEC)

For Partnership Firms & LLPs:

PAN Card of the firm
Partnership Deed
Identity and address proof of partners
Business address proof
GST Registration Certificate
Cancelled cheque or Bank certificate
IEC Code

For Private Limited Companies:

Company’s PAN Card
Certificate of Incorporation
MOA & AOA (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
Director’s identity proof
Business address proof
GST Registration Certificate
Cancelled cheque or Bank certificate
IEC Code

All documents must be scanned and uploaded in PDF or JPEG format during the online application.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for APEDA Registration Online

The entire APEDA registration process is online and can be completed through the official APEDA portal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the APEDA Website

Go to the official APEDA website (https://apeda.gov.in/).

Step 2: Click on ‘Register as Member’

On the homepage, click on ‘Register as Member’.
A new page will open, asking for details about your business.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Enter basic business details such as:
- Name of the company
- Business address
- Type of business (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Private Limited)
- IEC Code
- Contact details (Email, Phone Number, etc.)

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of all the required documents.
Ensure documents are clear and within the prescribed file size limits.

Step 5: Make Online Payment

Pay the APEDA registration fee of ₹5,900 (including GST) via:
- Net Banking
- Credit/Debit Card
- UPI

Step 6: Submit the Application

After successful payment, submit the application.
You will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) for tracking purposes.

Step 7: Verification & Issuance of RCMC

The APEDA officials will verify your application.
If everything is correct, the RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) will be issued within 7-10 working days.
You can download the certificate from the APEDA portal.

Benefits of APEDA Registration

1. Market Expansion for Agricultural Exports

APEDA helps exporters find global markets for their products, increasing business opportunities.

2. Financial Assistance & Subsidies

Registered exporters can avail benefits under various government schemes, including:

Export Promotion Schemes
Market Development Assistance (MDA)
Infrastructure Development Support

3. Branding and Quality Control Support

APEDA assists businesses in certification, branding, and packaging of products for export.

4. Access to Export Trade Fairs and Buyer-Seller Meets

Members get opportunities to participate in international trade fairs organized by APEDA.

5. Simplified Compliance & Assistance

APEDA provides guidance on export procedures and helps in obtaining necessary certifications such as HACCP and ISO.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get APEDA registration?

The APEDA registration process usually takes 7-10 working days after successful application submission.

Is APEDA registration mandatory for rice exporters?

Yes, rice exports require APEDA registration, as rice is a scheduled product under APEDA.

Can APEDA registration be renewed?

No, APEDA registration is valid for a lifetime and does not require renewal.

What is the cost of APEDA registration?

The registration fee is ₹5,900 (including GST).

Conclusion

APEDA registration is essential for businesses involved in agricultural and processed food exports. The process is completely online, simple, and quick. By following the steps mentioned above, exporters can obtain their RCMC certificate and start trading internationally.

For seamless registration, ensure all documents are correctly uploaded, and the application form is accurately filled to avoid delays.