The body that deals with the export rules for agricultural and processed foods coming out of India is the APEDA, or the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. So, if you are planning on exporting fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, cereal, or organic stuff out of India, sorry buddy/artist, but you have to register with the APEDA. There’s no getting around that.

And finally, let’s talk about registration fees. Guess what? It is actually dependent on the size of your business. Here’s how it works: you apply online, upload your documents, and pay your fees. For MSME’s, the fees are ₹5,000 plus 18% GST. And for larger organizations, it is 10,000 plus 18% GST. And hey, after you pay your fees, you get your registration and APEDA certificate for life. It is not like you have to do it every year.

Who Needs to Register under APEDA?

·       Exporters of Scheduled Agricultural and Processed Food Products.

·       Businesses involved in agricultural exports registration ranging from fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, and cereals.

·       Agro-based Startups or FMCG Brands: These startups/businesses deal with packaged agricultural products.

An example of such a case would be a company in Greater Noida dealing in the processing of foodstuffs. The company may be involved in the processing of pickles. For export to the United States of America, they would need to be registered with the APEDA to adhere to international standards. Another company in the state of Rajasthan may be dealing in the export of ghee. It may be involved in the agricultural business and would need to be registered with the APEDA to adhere to the stringent export regulations

Key Advantages of APEDA Registration

1. Legal Authorization to Export

You need APEDA registration (RCMC) to export scheduled agricultural products. It is not just a box to tick it is what keeps your business legit under the APEDA Act, 1985.

2️. Government Subsidies & Financial Support

Once you are registered, you get access to financial help for things like:

✔ Building infrastructure

✔ Improving quality and testing

✔ Better packaging and branding

✔ Finding and growing new markets

3️. Recognition in the Global Market

With APEDA registration, buyers and trade bodies abroad take you more seriously. It boosts your credibility right away.

4️. Join International Trade Fairs

APEDA helps you get into global exhibitions, trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets. That means more chances to connect and grow your market.

5️. Help with Quality Standards

They back you up with certifications HACCP, ISO, organic, traceability systems so you can meet international standards without the headache.

6️. Export Guidance and Promotion

APEDA gives you market intel, export data, training, and advice to help you perform better and stay ahead.

7️. Easy Online Process

You can handle everything registration, updates, applying for schemes straight from APEDA’s online portal. No piles of paperwork.

8. Room to Grow

With official backing and your compliance in place, you can confidently explore new markets and scale up your business.

APEDA registration is of the following types:

1. Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)

This is the main one. When you want to export scheduled agricultural and processed foodstuffs, you need this. This is non-negotiable.

·       Includes all APEDA notified products

·       Lasts five years

·       Gives you access to government export perks and schemes

2. Manufacturer Exporter Registration

If you actually produce and/or process your exports, e.g., food processors, meat/dairy plants, packhouses, this is for you.

·       For businesses with their own production or processing

·       You may require additional qualifications like FSSAI or HACCP

3. Merchant Exporter Registration

If you are someone who is more into the business of buying from farmers or manufacturers and then exporting it, but you have not really created anything yourself, then this category is for you.

·       No requirement for a manufacturing facility

·       You will need an IEC and business registration

4. APEDA Unit/Facility APEDA

sometimes requires specific processing units or pack houses to be registered/approved for products like meat, dairy products, and fresh produce. Mandatory for meat exports - Inspection and compliance checks are part of the territory.

5. Product-Specific Registration or Certification

Some products need extra steps. For example: -

·       Organic products (need NPOP certification)

·       Basmati rice (requires special registration) 

·       Meat processing plants (need APEDA approval)

·       Traceability systems (for certain exports)

So, depending on what you are exporting and how you do it, you will need to pick the right kind of APEDA registration.

Step by Step Process for APEDA Registration

Step 1: Obtain Import Export Code (IEC)

Before applying for APEDA registration, you need to obtain a valid issue of IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

✔ The IEC is compulsory for all exporters in India.

Step 2: Visit DGFT e-RCMC Portal

The APEDA registration is done online through the DGFT RCMC portal.

✔ Log in using your IEC login credentials.

✔ Select APEDA as the Export Promotion Council.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Enter the necessary information, such as:

• Business name and address

• Type of exporter (Manufacturer / Merchant)

• Export product category

• Contact details

Verify the information matches the IEC/GST data.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Uploading scanned copies of mandatory documents:

• IEC Certificate

• PAN

• Cancelled Cheque

• Bank statement

• Business Registration Documents

• FSSAI

Step 5: Payment of Government Fee

Online Payment of the Prescribed Registration Fee:

✔ ₹5,000 + 18% GST (Total ₹5,900

Step 6: Verification by APEDA

APEDA scrutinizes the application and documents.

✔ In the event of discrepancies, clarification may be requested.

✔ If all the documents are valid, then approval is given.

Step 7: Issue of RCMC Certificate

Once approved, the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued online.

✔ Download the certificate from the portal.

✔ Registration is normally valid for 5 years.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

There are some Document for Required for APEDA Registration

1️. Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade 

2️. PAN card for your business 

      3️. GST registration certificate (when it’s needed) 

4️. Cancelled cheque from your business account 

5️. Recent bank statement (last one or two months) 

      6️. Business address proof—like an electricity bill, rent agreement, or sale deed 

      7️. Identity and address proof for the proprietor, partners, or directors 

      8️. Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or LLP Agreement—whichever fits your setup 

Extra documents you might need: 

1.     FSSAI license for exporting food products 

2.     Udyam or MSME certificate if you’re registered as an MSME 

3.     Pollution Control Board NOC for manufacturing units 

4.     List of products you plan to export 

5.     Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) if online filing asks for it

The registration with APEDA is an essential compliance requirement for exporters engaged in trading agricultural and processed food products. The registration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority not only grants legal authorizations to conduct export trade, but also increases the credibility of businesses.

At Tax Esquire CA Firm, we look at APEDA registration as a smart move, not just paperwork. When you get your documents in order and follow the rules, you open the door to government incentives, financial help, and fresh opportunities in global markets. With the right guidance, you’re not just staying compliant you are setting yourself up for real growth.