APEDA Registration: Procedure, Documents, Fees & Product List

What is APEDA Registration?

APEDA Registration is a compulsory certification for exporting agricultural and processed food products globally. This certification is issued by the APEDA which stands for “Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority”. This registration is regulated under the APEDA Act, 1985. The key function of this authority is registration of exporters, fixing standards and specification for scheduled products, carrying out inspections, training, advisory service and specification to the exporters. It assures the responsibility of export and promotion of 14 agriculture and processed food products groups.

Advantages of APEDA Registration

The Advantages of APEDA Registration is as given below:

1. By getting APEDA registration, the exporters may get several financial aids and subsidies for expanding their business in the market, developing infrastructure and quality enhancement.

2. APEDA Certification helps to assist exporters in locating untapped markets and provide extra support for connecting with many global trade exhibits and shows.

3. This Registration assures to maintain global quality standards which helps to enhance the acceptability and credibility of the Indian products globally.

4. APEDA Registration also helps to enhance the brand trustworthiness and recognition of exporter’s goods in the global markets.

5. APEDA Certification offers continuous assistance and government support to its registered members, enabling them to stay informed about the most recent regulations, policies and market trends.

Product List covered in APEDA

Here is the complete list of products covered under APEDA:

1. Fresh & Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Processed Fruits & Vegetables

Organic Fruits & Vegetables

2. Animal & Dairy Products

Meat and meat products (buffalo, sheep/goat, pork, poultry, and other processed meats)

Poultry and poultry products (eggs, processed poultry products)

Dairy products (milk and milk products, cheese, butter, ghee)

Animal by-products (animal casings, gelatin, ossein)

3. Cereals & Cereal Goods

Rice

Wheat

Maize and other grains

Organic cereals

4. Processed Products & Beverages

Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products (chocolates, candies, biscuits, cakes)

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (wines, beers, juices, soft drinks)

Processed foods (ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, pickles, sauces, chutneys, snacks, namkeen)

Honey and honey products

5. Miscellaneous Products

Groundnuts, peanuts & tree nuts

Floriculture and floriculture products (cut flowers, seeds, bulbs, tubers)

Herbal and medicinal plants

Eligibility Criteria for APEDA Registration

Eligibility criteria for APEDA Registration is as follows:

• 1. Entity exporting scheduled processed & agricultural goods internationally.
• 2. Farmers or agricultural producers engaging in global exports.
• 3. Entity engaged in production & processing of food items covered under APEDA.
• 4. Companies & entities processing agricultural products for exporting.

List of Documents Required for APEDA Registration

The complete list of required documents for APEDA Registration given below:

Import Export Code (IEC) certificate from DGFT

Bank certificate

Partnership deed (if applicable)

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Address proof

MSME certificate (if applicable)

Halal certificate (if applicable)

Procedure for APEDA Registration

Stepwise process for APEDA Registration as follow:

Step 1: Due to the APEDA Registration complex process, the applicant must seek professional guidance from experienced consultants like - RegisterAdda. We provide you with exact requirements and ensure that all your compliances will comply with APEDA standards.

Step 2: After thorough assistance from our experts, our team will create an APEDA Account on its portal. Our experts will complete your online application form on your behalf.

Step 3: Once our experts created your account on APEDA, will file your application with appropriate details about your company (which will be provided by you!).

Step 4: After the application filing, our expert will review the uploaded information and documents to assure the completeness and accuracy. Once it's done, I will proceed with the payment.

Step 5: This application will go for the review and verification from the APEDA department where they will check the documents and legal obligations. If they are satisfied with the given details they will issue certification. But if they found any discrepancies, they will notify accordingly and the applicant needs to fulfill that requirement.

Note: As of July 17, 2023, APEDA has been providing Registration Cum-Membership Certificates (RCMCs) on the DGFT portal. Businesses are unable to proceed with APEDA registration or legally export goods from India without a valid IEC from the DGFT.

Fees for APEDA Registration

Registration under APEDA costs ₹5000/- excluding taxes. After successful payment and verification, the authority issues the RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) that allows exporters to utilize various APEDA schemes and support services. Government fees are different from professional fees. The professional fees charged by RegisterAdda are affordable and transparent.

How does RegisterAdda Help you?

RegisterAdda is a team of dedicated experts who will simplify the APEDA Registration process for your business. Here’s how we assist you:

• 1. We offer you with expert assistance and consultation for all your requirements that are required for your APEDA Registration.
• 2. RegisterAdda also helps you to obtain the IEC (Import Export Code) if needed.
• 3. Our team reviews each and every requirement accurately and fills out the APEDA Application from submission.
• 4. We provide affordable and transparent professional charges.
• 5. We liaise with APEDA officials to address queries and ensure smooth approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is APEDA?

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It assures the responsibility of export and promotion of 14 agriculture and processed food products groups.

2. What is AD Code Registration?

AD Code registration is the process of obtaining 7 digit trade for enabling banks for international shipments for foreign currency transactions.

3. What are the benefits of APEDA Registration?

The exporter gets several benefits of APEDA Registration such as government support, financial aids, market development support and quality control in the marketplace. It aids to connect with market reach for the agricultural and processed food goods exporters.

4. Which certificate is required for export?

Exporters that engage in selling agricultural goods must have both the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA and the Import Export Code (IEC) certificate issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

5. Is it compulsory to APEDA Registration for export?

Yes, obtaining APEDA Registration for exports is compulsory for exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food goods from India. It helps to offer important certification, guidelines and global trade support.

6. Who needs an export licence in India?

The export of goods, especially restricted or regulated items, requires a licence in India. Exporters of agricultural products, processed foods, and other goods requiring government approval or regulation fall into this category.

7. What is the validity for APEDA Registration?

The APEDA Registration is valid for five years that is required to be renewed to continue availing advantages and support from the authority.

8. Can I export goods without GST?

Yes, Under the "zero-rated supply" provision, goods can be exported without GST.