In India’s growing export landscape, agricultural and processed food exporters must align with statutory compliance to participate in international trade. One such critical requirement is the APEDA Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). Mandated by the Foreign Trade Policy of India and regulated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), this certificate is a prerequisite for exporters dealing with scheduled products.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the purpose, process, documentation, and benefits of APEDA RCMC registration for Indian exporters.
What Is APEDA?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, constituted by the APEDA Act, 1985. APEDA is responsible for promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products listed under the Scheduled Products category in the APEDA Act.
Exporters engaged in the trade of these scheduled products are required to register with APEDA and obtain a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). The certificate serves as proof of recognition and enables exporters to avail benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Who Needs APEDA Registration?
Any individual, firm, or company that is engaged in the export of scheduled agricultural products is required to obtain an RCMC from APEDA. These scheduled products include, but are not limited to:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Processed foods and vegetables
- Meat and meat products
- Poultry and poultry products
- Dairy products
- Honey and jaggery
- Cereals and cereal-based products
- Herbal and medicinal plants
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Organic products (under NPOP)
If your export portfolio includes any of these categories, APEDA registration becomes mandatory.
Legal Basis and Compliance
As per the Foreign Trade Policy of India, exporters of scheduled products must be registered with the respective Export Promotion Council. For agricultural products, this council is APEDA.
The certificate must be obtained within one month of the commencement of export operations. Failure to comply may result in delays in customs clearance, ineligibility for government schemes, and other penalties.
Benefits of Obtaining APEDA RCMC
Registering with APEDA offers several tangible benefits to exporters:
- Eligibility for Financial Assistance: Exporters can access APEDA’s financial schemes, including subsidies for export promotion, infrastructure development, and quality improvement.
- Participation in International Exhibitions: APEDA supports and sponsors exporters to participate in global trade fairs and buyer-seller meets.
- Market Intelligence: APEDA provides regular updates, reports, and data on global markets, trends, and export potential.
- Training and Capacity Building: Members receive access to training programs related to packaging, quality standards, food safety, and trade regulations.
- Recognition and Credibility: The certificate serves as official recognition and is often required by importers and customs authorities in destination countries.
Prerequisites for APEDA Registration
Before applying for APEDA RCMC, exporters must have the following:
- Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- A functioning bank account in the name of the business
- Complete KYC documents of the business and its authorized signatory
Detailed Procedure for APEDA Registration
The APEDA registration process is fully digital and can be completed through the official portal:
Step 1: Access the APEDA Portal
Visit the official website: wwwdotapedadotgovdotin and click on “Exporter Registration”.
Step 2: Enter IEC and Basic Details
Provide your valid Import-Export Code (IEC), which will auto-fetch business details from the DGFT database.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in details including company name, address, contact details, authorized person information, and list of products intended for export.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Scanned copies of the following documents must be uploaded:
| Required Document | Details |
|---|---|
| IEC Certificate | Mandatory |
| PAN Card | Of company and signatory |
| Address Proof | Utility bill, lease deed, or registration certificate |
| Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque | Confirming account in company name |
| Company Incorporation Certificate (if applicable) | Optional but recommended |
| Aadhaar or Passport of Signatory | For identity verification |
All documents must be self-attested and in clear resolution.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
The prescribed fee is ₹5,900 (including 18% GST), payable online via debit/credit card or net banking.
Step 6: Application Processing and Approval
Once submitted, APEDA reviews the application. If found in order, the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate is issued and sent via email. The certificate can also be downloaded from the portal.
Validity and Renewal
- The APEDA RCMC is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.
- Exporters are required to renew the certificate before the expiry date to maintain their eligibility for APEDA services and government support schemes.
Amendment and Profile Updates
If there are changes in business address, product category, bank details, or authorized signatory, exporters must submit a request for amendment through the APEDA portal along with relevant supporting documents.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
- Using an expired or invalid IEC
- Omitting mandatory product categories
- Delaying the renewal after expiration
These errors can result in rejection, delay in certificate issuance, or disqualification from government incentives.
Conclusion
In the domain of agricultural exports, compliance with APEDA regulations is not optional—it is foundational. The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate serves as both a regulatory requirement and a strategic business advantage. It enhances credibility, enables access to government incentives, and facilitates smoother export operations.
At CertificationsBay, we assist Indian exporters in obtaining their APEDA registration seamlessly—from document preparation to approval. Our compliance experts ensure your application meets all regulatory standards and is processed without delays.
