APEDA Registration is required for businesses that export certain agricultural and processed food products from India, subject to the applicable export rules. If you want to export basmati rice, fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, dairy products or other products covered by APEDA, you should check whether you need this registration. APEDA issues a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), which shows that your business is registered with the authority. You must first obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT and then apply through the DGFT e-RCMC portal. The certificate is valid for five years.
Compliance Calendar LLP helps new and existing exporters with APEDA Registration Online, document preparation, application filing and certificate renewal.
What Is APEDA Registration?
APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It is a government authority established under the APEDA Act, 1985, to support the export of specified agricultural and processed food products from India.
In simple words, APEDA helps Indian businesses that want to sell certain food and agricultural products in other countries. It supports exporters by providing trade information, promoting Indian products in international markets and helping improve product quality.
For example, suppose you run a business in Haryana and want to export basmati rice to Dubai. You will need an IEC and must check the APEDA registration and other export requirements for rice. APEDA Registration is one of the important steps in this process.
What Is an APEDA Certificate?
An APEDA Certificate is commonly called an APEDA RCMC Certificate.
RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. It confirms that an exporter is registered with the relevant export promotion authority for its declared business activities.
APEDA Registration and IEC Registration are different. IEC identifies your business for import and export activities, while APEDA RCMC relates to the products covered by APEDA.
Who Needs APEDA Registration in India?
Businesses exporting products covered by APEDA generally need to obtain the appropriate RCMC, subject to any applicable exemptions.
Both businesses that manufacture their own products and those that purchase products from other suppliers for export can apply.
Merchant Exporters
A merchant exporter buys products from farmers, manufacturers or suppliers and sells them to buyers in other countries.
For example, suppose you purchase fresh mangoes from farmers in Maharashtra and export them to the UAE. You do not grow the mangoes yourself, but you are responsible for arranging the export.
In this case, you may apply as a merchant exporter.
Manufacturer Exporters
A manufacturer exporter produces or processes goods and exports them directly.
For example, suppose your company manufactures packaged fruit juice in India and wants to export it to another country. Since your business makes the product, you may apply as a manufacturer exporter.
Manufacturer-Cum-Merchant Exporters
Some businesses manufacture certain products and also purchase other products for export.
Such businesses may apply under the manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter category, depending on their activities.
Can a New Business Apply?
Yes. A newly established business can apply for APEDA Registration after obtaining the required IEC and preparing the necessary documents. You do not need to be a large company to apply. Proprietorships, partnerships, LLPs and companies can seek registration if they meet the applicable requirements.
Products Covered Under APEDA Registration
APEDA Registration is linked to specific agricultural and processed food products. Before applying, exporters should check whether their products are included in APEDA's scheduled product categories.
The main categories include:
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Product Category
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Examples
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Fruits and vegetables
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Mangoes, grapes, onions, potatoes and processed fruit products
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Cereals and cereal products
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Rice, wheat products and cereal preparations
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Dairy products
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Milk products, cheese and other dairy items
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Meat and poultry products
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Eligible meat and poultry products
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Honey, jaggery and sugar products
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Natural honey, jaggery and related products
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Processed foods
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Biscuits, bakery products, confectionery and packaged food products
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Groundnuts and nuts
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Groundnuts, peanuts, walnuts and cashew products
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Floriculture
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Flowers and related products
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Beverages
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Covered alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
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Other scheduled products
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Guar gum, pickles, papads, chutneys and specified herbal products
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Basmati rice is specifically covered under the APEDA Act.
Is APEDA Registration Required for Rice Export?
Exporters of basmati and non-basmati rice should check the applicable APEDA RCMC requirements. Rice exports can also involve other documents and approvals.
For example, APEDA lists IEC, e-RCMC, phytosanitary certification and Registration-cum-Allocation Certificate (RCAC) requirements in its rice export guidance.
Is APEDA Registration Required for Spices?
Not all agricultural products fall under APEDA.
Many spices come under the Spices Board, while tea and coffee have their own export promotion bodies.
Therefore, an exporter should first identify the correct authority for the product instead of applying for APEDA Registration only because the product is agricultural.
Benefits of APEDA Registration for Exporters
APEDA Registration helps businesses become part of the official export promotion system for scheduled agricultural and processed food products.
One important benefit is access to information about international markets. APEDA publishes trade-related information, export notices and updates that can help businesses understand opportunities and requirements in different countries.
APEDA also supports the promotion of Indian products through trade fairs, buyer-seller activities and other export development programmes.
Registered exporters may be able to apply for financial assistance under relevant APEDA schemes if they meet the conditions. However, APEDA Registration does not automatically provide a subsidy or financial benefit.
For example, a business exporting processed fruits may want to improve its packaging or participate in an international trade event. It can check whether any current APEDA programme supports that activity.
APEDA Registration also helps exporters maintain their registration details with the relevant authority.
However, the certificate does not replace product testing, food safety licences, customs documents or approvals required by the importing country.
Eligibility and Documents Required for APEDA Registration
Before applying for APEDA Registration Online, the exporter must obtain an Import Export Code from DGFT.
The business must also identify whether it is applying as a merchant exporter, manufacturer exporter or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter.
The required documents depend on this category.
Documents for Merchant Exporters
According to APEDA's published e-RCMC procedure, the main required document for a merchant exporter is:
- Signed and sealed copy of the Import Export Code issued by DGFT.
The applicant must also provide the business and contact information requested through the online application.
Documents for Manufacturer Exporters
Manufacturer exporters generally need:
- Signed and sealed copy of IEC.
- Signed and sealed manufacturing proof relevant to the products being exported.
The type of manufacturing proof depends on the product.
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Product
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Examples of Accepted Manufacturing Proof
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
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FSSAI, Udyam Registration or relevant horticulture department document
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Processed food products
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FSSAI or Udyam Registration
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Honey and dairy products
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FSSAI or Udyam Registration
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Cereals and cereal products
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FSSAI or Udyam Registration
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Floriculture and seeds
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Relevant horticulture department document
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Alcoholic beverages
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Relevant Excise Commissioner document
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Applicants should follow the current document list shown on the DGFT portal.
Is FSSAI Registration Required for APEDA?
FSSAI documentation may be required as manufacturing proof for certain food product categories. However, it is not correct to say that every APEDA applicant must upload an FSSAI licence.
For example, a merchant exporter may have different document requirements from a business that manufactures packaged food.
Businesses must separately follow any FSSAI requirements that apply to their food activities.
APEDA Registration Online Process in India
You can apply for APEDA Registration through the official DGFT e-RCMC portal.
APEDA started issuing RCMC certificates through DGFT on 17 July 2023. Exporters should use this system instead of following older instructions that direct them to apply through the previous APEDA registration portal.
Step 1: Obtain Your IEC
Before applying, get an Import Export Code from DGFT.
IEC is an important business identification number for import and export activities in India.
Step 2: Visit the DGFT Portal
Open the official DGFT website and go to the e-RCMC service.
Official application portal: DGFT e-RCMC Portal
Step 3: Log In to Your Account
Log in using your DGFT account details. New users should complete the required account registration and IEC linking process.
Step 4: Select APEDA
Choose APEDA as the relevant issuing authority for your scheduled products.
Step 5: Enter Business Details
Fill in the required information, including your business details, IEC, exporter category and product information.
Check that the information matches your official business records.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the required documents according to your exporter category.
For example, a merchant exporter may need the signed and sealed IEC copy, while a manufacturer exporter may also need manufacturing proof.
Step 7: Pay the Registration Fee
Pay the applicable APEDA Registration government fee through the available online payment system.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Review the details carefully and submit the application.
Save the application reference number for future use.
Step 9: Receive Your APEDA RCMC Certificate
APEDA reviews the application. If additional information or corrections are required, the applicant must respond through the prescribed process.
After approval, the e-RCMC certificate becomes available through the DGFT system.
How Long Does APEDA Registration Take?
The time required depends on the completeness of the application, document verification and any questions raised during review.
There is no fixed approval time that should be promised to every applicant.
Submitting correct information and complete documents can help avoid unnecessary delays.
APEDA Registration Fees and Cost in India
The published government fee for APEDA Registration is 5,900, including 18% GST.
The fee is made up of a basic registration charge of ?5,000 and GST of ?900.
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Fee Particulars
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Amount
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APEDA Registration Fee
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5,000
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GST at 18%
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900
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Total Government Fee
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5,900
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APEDA RCMC Renewal Fee
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5,900
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APEDA RCMC Amendment
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No fee under the published procedure
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These amounts are based on APEDA's e-RCMC circular dated 27 March 2026.
Are There Any Additional Charges?
The government registration fee is separate from professional service charges.
For example, if you take assistance from an APEDA Registration Consultant for preparing documents and filing the application, the consultant may charge a separate fee.
Other export-related approvals, product testing or certificates may also involve additional costs, depending on the product.
Before paying any service provider, ask for a clear explanation of the government fee and professional charges.
APEDA Certificate Validity, Renewal and Download
An APEDA RCMC Certificate is valid for five years, according to APEDA's published e-RCMC procedure.
Exporters should check the expiry date shown on their certificate and renew it before the validity period ends.
APEDA Registration Renewal
Renewal is completed through the applicable DGFT e-RCMC process.
The published government renewal fee is 5,900, including GST.
For example, if your APEDA Certificate is approaching its expiry date, you should check your IEC details, business information and renewal requirements before submitting the application.
How to Download APEDA Certificate Online
After approval, you can access your e-RCMC through the DGFT system.
The general steps are:
- Visit the DGFT portal.
- Log in to your account.
- Open the e-RCMC service.
- Find your approved certificate.
- Download and save the available certificate.
The exact menu names may change when DGFT updates its portal.
Can You Change Details on an APEDA Certificate?
Yes. Exporters may need to update their RCMC after changes to business details or other registered information.
APEDA's March 2026 circular states that amendments or modifications to an issued RCMC can be requested without an additional fee.
However, the exporter must still provide the required information and supporting documents.
e a smooth and cost-effective registration process.
Important APEDA Registration Updates in 2026
Exporters should follow current APEDA and DGFT notices because registration procedures and export requirements can change.
APEDA e-RCMC Circular – 27 March 2026
APEDA published a circular explaining the documents required for merchant and manufacturer exporters, along with registration fees, renewal charges and certificate validity.
The circular confirms the 5,900 registration fee and five-year validity.
DGFT RCMC Exemption Notification – 15 September 2026
DGFT issued Notification No. 36/2026-27 concerning an exemption from RCMC requirements for certain low-value exports.
This does not mean that every small exporter is free from APEDA Registration.
Businesses must check the exact conditions of the notification and whether the exemption applies to their exports.
APEDA Financial Assistance Guidelines – 6 October 2026
APEDA published guidelines for its Bharat Krishi Niryat Yojana financial assistance programme covering FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
Exporters interested in government support should check the scheme's eligibility conditions and permitted activities.
Receiving an APEDA RCMC does not automatically make a business eligible for financial assistance.
Important Point for New Exporters
APEDA Registration is only one part of exporting agricultural and processed food products.
Depending on the product and destination country, exporters may also need food safety approvals, quality certificates, plant health certificates or other export documents.
For example, exporting fresh grapes may involve different requirements from exporting packaged biscuits.
Always check the requirements for your actual product and destination country.
How Compliance Calendar LLP Can Help With APEDA Registration
Starting an export business can be confusing, especially when you are applying for the first time. You may know which product you want to export but may not know whether you need APEDA Registration, which documents to prepare or how to apply through the DGFT portal.
Compliance Calendar LLP helps businesses understand these requirements and complete the APEDA Registration process.
Our team provides assistance with checking product eligibility, identifying the correct exporter category, preparing documents, completing the e-RCMC application and responding to application-related queries.
We also assist with understanding APEDA Certificate Renewal and changes to existing registration details.
Why Choose Compliance Calendar LLP?
We explain the registration process in simple language so that you know what documents are required, which government fees apply and what happens after submitting the application.
Whether you are planning to export rice, fruits, vegetables, honey or processed food products, our team can help you understand the relevant registration requirements.
Need Help With APEDA Registration Online?
Planning to export agricultural or processed food products from India? Compliance Calendar LLP can help you with APEDA Registration, document preparation, DGFT e-RCMC filing and certificate renewal.
Contact our team for professional assistance.
Phone: +91 9988424211
Email: info@ccoffice.in
Office: 3rd Floor, A-1, Acharya Niketan, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi – 110091.
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