Complete Guide to APEDA Registration in India

Overview APEDA Registration

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority was established in 1985 under the APEDA Act to promote the export of scheduled products. This article provides detailed information on APEDA registration, its process, fees, and the documents required for registration, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding.

Objective of APEDA

Main Objective of APEDA is to promote the export of agricultural products. A number of functions are carried out by this organization as per the rules and regulations under powers given by the Central government for efficient management and implementation of rules.

Functions of APEDA

The following are some of the tasks performed by APEDA in order to facilitate and boost exports of scheduled products:

1. Registration of Exporters: Any person wants to export Agricultural and Processed Food Products needs to apply for registration with APEDA by paying a prescribed fee.

2. Industry Development: The development program is implemented through the provision of funds, carrying out surveys and feasibility studies, and participating in joint ventures and subsidy schemes.

3. Standards and Specifications: It sets standards as well as specifications on products meant for export.

4. Inspection: To ensure that they comply with required standards, APEDA inspects slaughterhouses, processing plants, storage premises and conveyances where meat and meat products are kept.

5. Marketing: Promotes scheduled product marketing globally.

6. Packaging Improvement: Enhancing packaging in scheduled products is what APEDA does.

7. Production Promotion: It promotes the production and growth of scheduled products that are meant for exports.

8. Training: Training on various aspects of scheduled composites is provided by APEDA.

9. Data Collection: Statistical information regarding production, processing, packaging, marketing & export performance is collected by this authority from various agencies/sources regarding Scheduled Products

Products Monitored by APEDA

APEDA is responsible for promoting and developing the export of the following scheduled products:

• Meat and meat products
• Fruits, vegetables, and their products
• Poultry and poultry products
• Dairy products
• Honey, jaggery, and sugar products
• Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products
• Cocoa and its products, including chocolates
• Groundnuts, peanuts, and walnuts
• Cereal and cereal products
• Pickles, papads, and chutneys
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Guar gum
• Herbal and medicinal plants
• Floriculture and floriculture products

Additionally, APEDA monitors the import of sugar.

Advantages of APEDA Registration

There are several advantages associated with registering with APEDA:

• Financial Support: Various financial schemes offered by APEDA can be availed by exporters.
• Guidelines and Regulations: Guidelines as well as regulations have been put in place by the agency to facilitate exporting different goods into particular countries across the world;
• Brand Growth: APEDA offers various schemes for brand growth.
• Training Programs: APEDA also offers training program for business growth.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

The documents required are as follows for registering with APEDA:

1 . Application Form: A duly signed and completed application form for registration with APEDA.

2. Import-Export Code (IEC): A copy of Import,  the Export Code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

3. Bank Certificate: This certification must be correctly signed by the bank authorities concerned.

4. Account Statement: The last two months' account statement from the firm's bank account.

5. Cancelled Cheque: An unused cheque from the company's bank account.

APEDA Online Registration Process

Within one month from the date of undertaking any business with reference to scheduled products, an application has to be filed in duplicate in order to register with APEDA. Provided that those who fail to apply before the expiry of this grace period can still be considered if they provide good cause for delay;

On completion of all formalities and payment of the requisite fees, a Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued by the concerned authority. The Act under which APEDA is registered lays down procedures and rules governing this one-time registration process.

Online APEDA Registration Process

Here are steps on how to register online at APEDA:

1. Log on to the APEDA Website: Go to the page where one should register in the APEDA website.

2. Register as a Member: Fill out all required information when the Register as Member tab is clicked upon.

3. Enter Details: Indicate your import-export code, email address and mobile number then click the submit icon below it.

4. OTP Verification: OTP will be sent to your registered e-mail and mobile number. In the verification field enter OTP and click the submit button below it.

5. Complete the Application: Complete all relevant sections in an online application along with scanned documents. Documents should be either JPEG/PDF format or PNG format only.

6. Save the Form: You can complete the online application in several settings. Preserve the form and modify it as required before making a payment.

7. Payment of Registration Fee: The registration fee is INR 5000 plus taxes. Credit Cards (MasterCard and Visa), Debit Cards (MasterCard and Visa) or Demand Drafts in favour of APEDA payable at the respective city are acceptable for payment.

8. Application Number: After successful payment, an application number will be generated. This number must be noted down for future reference.

9. Login Credentials: When the RCMC is issued, you will receive your login details at your registered email. Use these credentials to log in to your APEDA account.

10. Track Application: You can check the status of your RCMC application by clicking the "Track Application" tab and submitting your unique Import-Export Code and application number.

11. Resubmission (if needed): If there are any shortcomings in the submitted application, the exporter must resubmit the application and documents online.

12. RCMC Approval: The final step is the approval of the RCMC by APEDA officials. Once approved, the certificate can be obtained from the APEDA portal under the "View RCMC Certificate" tab.

Required Documents for APEDA License Online Application

The following documents must be submitted along with the online application form. Note that hard copies are not required:

• Self-Certified Copy of Import-Export Code: provided by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
• Bank Certificate: Duly signed by the concerned authorities.
• Additional Documents for Manufacturer Exporters: If registering as a manufacturer exporter, provide a self-attested copy of company registration and certifications from relevant certification agencies for specific products.

Certification Agencies for Different Products:

DGFT Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)

Earlier, exporters seeking an RCMC had to file an application through APEDA online portal. However, DGFT has issued Trade Notice No.35/2021-2022, making online filing of RCMC mandatory through the DGFT portal from April 1, 2022.

This platform is designed to offer a simple steps for the RCMC applications for fresh, amendment, or renewal.

Conclusion

APEDA registration is mandatory for the exporters of agricultural and processed foods to for smooth export process. It is simple and can be done online through the DGFT portal. Exporters may follow this process to receive their Registration-cum-Membership Certificate and avail various benefits from APEDA.

FAQs

Q1. What is the process of re-registration?

A validity period exists for APEDA registration (RCMC). Renewal is easy- you can submit an application online via the APEDA website with any changes to your business information.

Q2. What is the benefit of farmer registration?

Even though APEDA registration targets exporters, farmers can indirectly benefit from this scheme. Registered farmers are often suppliers to registered exporters, thus ensuring quality and traceability.

Q3. Why is APEDA Registration Required?

APEDA registration is compulsory when exporting legally agricultural produce along with processed foods of India that fall under scheduled products. This is a means of compliance as well as a tool for promoting quality control.

Q4. How to get the APEDA certificate?

The electronic issuance of the APEDA certificate also known as RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) occurs after successful online application, document submission and payment of fee.

Q5. Why is the registration process so important?

It's not just about regulation when it comes to APEDA registration; there are other privileges that come when one registers. Among others are financial aid access, positive name recognition, training session availability and global trade operations.