How to Apply for APEDA Registration Through DGFT

India happens to be one of the major producers and exporters of various types of agricultural and processed food products. Companies that may be engaged in the exportation of goods like fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat products, dairy products, processed foods, honey, floriculture products, and other types of agricultural products may need to register with APEDA.

The process of APEDA registration can be done through the medium of an e-RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate). From July 17, 2023, the APEDA has started utilizing the DGFT portal to issue e-RCMC for APEDA scheduled products. An exporter would have to first apply for Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT.

Table of Contents

What is APEDA?

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

APEDA works towards promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products from India. It also provides various facilities and support to exporters dealing with products covered under its scheduled products.

An exporter dealing with APEDA scheduled products is required to obtain registration with APEDA as applicable.

What is APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration is generally obtained through an e-RCMC, which means Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate.

The RCMC acts as evidence that the exporter is registered with the relevant export promotion organisation or authority for the products covered by that organisation.

Since July 17, 2023, exporters dealing in APEDA scheduled products can apply for APEDA e-RCMC through the DGFT portal after obtaining their IEC.

Therefore, exporters no longer need to follow the old process of making a separate application through the earlier APEDA registration route.

Who Needs APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration is relevant to exporters dealing with products covered under the APEDA scheduled products.

These may include various categories of:

Fruits and vegetables
Processed food products
Meat and meat products
Dairy products
Poultry products
Cereals and cereal products
Honey
Floriculture products
Seeds
Groundnuts
Pulses
Guar gum
Alcoholic beverages
Other agricultural and processed food products

The exact applicability depends upon the product being exported.

Therefore, before applying, an exporter should check whether the proposed export product falls under APEDA’s jurisdiction.

Why is APEDA Registration Important?

APEDA registration can be important for exporters dealing with APEDA scheduled products.

Some of the key benefits include:

Recognition as an Exporter

The RCMC provides formal registration with the relevant export promotion authority.

Access to APEDA Services

Registered exporters can access various APEDA-related online facilities and services.

Export-Related Benefits

Depending on the applicable scheme and eligibility, registered exporters may be able to access certain APEDA schemes and assistance.

Product-Specific Facilities

APEDA provides various services relating to agricultural and processed food exports.

For example, APEDA’s systems provide facilities relating to certain export products, certifications, returns and other export-related activities.

Prerequisites for APEDA Registration

Before applying for APEDA e-RCMC through DGFT, the exporter should generally have an IEC issued by DGFT.

The IEC is an important identification number for import and export activities in India. APEDA specifically states that exporters should obtain the IEC before applying for APEDA e-RCMC.

The exporter should also have:

An active DGFT account
Valid IEC
Correct business and contact details
Bank details
Required product details
Relevant manufacturing proof, where applicable

The documents may differ depending on whether the applicant is a merchant exporter or a manufacturer/manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

The documents required can depend upon the nature of the exporter and the products being registered.

For a merchant exporter, APEDA’s current procedure specifies documents such as:

Signed and sealed copy of IEC issued by DGFT

For a manufacturer or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter, manufacturing proof may also be required.

Depending on the product, manufacturing proof may include documents or registrations issued by authorities such as:

FSSAI
Department of Horticulture
Department of Agriculture
MSME/Udyam-related proof
Excise authorities for alcoholic beverages
Other relevant certification agencies

APEDA’s current registration procedure specifically provides product-wise requirements for manufacturing proof.

It is therefore advisable to keep the relevant documents ready before starting the application.

How to Apply for APEDA Registration Through DGFT

The application process can be broadly understood in the following steps.

Step 1: Obtain IEC

The first step is to obtain an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT.

An exporter should ensure that the IEC details are correct and updated.

Step 2: Login to the DGFT Portal

Visit the official DGFT website and log in using your DGFT credentials.

Go to the Services section and select the option relating to e-RCMC.

APEDA confirms that exporters can apply for APEDA e-RCMC through the DGFT portal after obtaining their IEC.

Step 3: Select APEDA

In the e-RCMC application, select APEDA as the relevant registering authority where the products fall under APEDA’s jurisdiction.

Step 4: Enter Business Details

Enter the required information carefully.

This may include details relating to:

Exporter name
IEC
Address
Contact details
Business activity
Product details
Bank details
Other information required in the application

The information should match the documents and records of the business.

Step 5: Select Products

The exporter needs to select the relevant products for which APEDA registration is required.

This step should be completed carefully because the RCMC is connected with the exporter’s product/business activity.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.

Manufacturer exporters may need to provide manufacturing-related proof depending upon their products.

Step 7: Pay the Applicable Fee

After completing the application and uploading the required documents, the applicable registration fee needs to be paid.

APEDA’s current published procedure specifies a registration fee of ₹5,000 plus 18% GST, making the total ₹5,900.

Step 8: Submit the Application

Review all the information carefully before submitting the application.

After submission, an application/reference number may be generated for tracking purposes.

Step 9: Application Verification

The application and supporting documents are examined by the concerned authority.

If there is any deficiency or shortcoming, the applicant may be required to provide additional information or resubmit documents.

Step 10: Download the RCMC

Once the application is approved, the e-RCMC is issued.

The exporter can access the certificate through the relevant online system.

APEDA Registration Fee

As per APEDA’s currently published registration procedure, the fee for registration is:

Particulars	Amount
Registration Fee	₹5,000
GST @ 18%	₹900
Total	₹5,900

The same published procedure also states that the renewal fee is ₹5,900.

Applicants should always verify the applicable fee on the official portal before making payment, as government fees and procedures can change.

Validity of APEDA RCMC

As per APEDA’s current registration procedure, the RCMC is valid for 5 years.

After expiry, the exporter should complete the renewal process within the applicable requirements.

It is advisable to keep track of the validity of the certificate so that there is no disruption in export-related activities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While applying for APEDA registration, exporters should avoid the following mistakes:

Incorrect IEC Details

Make sure the IEC number and business details are correct.

Wrong Product Selection

Select products carefully according to the actual business and proposed exports.

Incomplete Documents

Ensure that all required documents are uploaded in the prescribed format.

Incorrect Manufacturer Status

If applying as a manufacturer or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter, keep appropriate manufacturing proof ready.

Ignoring Deficiency Notices

Regularly check the application status and respond to any deficiency within the required time.

Waiting Until Export

It is better to complete the required registrations before beginning export transactions rather than arranging compliance at the last moment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is IEC required for APEDA registration?

Yes. APEDA states that an exporter should obtain an IEC from DGFT before applying for APEDA e-RCMC.

Q2. Can APEDA registration be applied for through DGFT?

Yes. Since July 17, 2023, APEDA has been using the DGFT portal for issuance of e-RCMC for APEDA scheduled products.

Q3. What is the APEDA registration fee?

APEDA’s current published procedure specifies ₹5,000 plus 18% GST, making the total ₹5,900.

Q4. How long is APEDA RCMC valid?

The current APEDA procedure states that the RCMC is valid for 5 years.

Q5. Is APEDA registration required for every exporter?

No. APEDA registration is relevant to exporters dealing with products covered under APEDA’s scheduled products. Exporters should check whether their particular product falls under APEDA.

Q6. Is APEDA registration the same as IEC?

No. IEC and APEDA RCMC are different registrations. IEC is issued by DGFT and is required for import/export activities, while APEDA e-RCMC is the registration associated with APEDA for applicable scheduled products.

Q7. Can a merchant exporter apply for APEDA RCMC?

Yes. APEDA’s registration procedure provides requirements for merchant exporters as well as manufacturer/manufacturer-cum-merchant exporters.

Q8. Do manufacturer exporters need additional documents?

Yes, depending on the product. Manufacturer or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporters may have to provide manufacturing proof issued by the relevant authority.

Q9. Can APEDA RCMC be renewed?

Yes. APEDA provides for renewal of the RCMC. Its current published procedure specifies a renewal fee of ₹5,900.

Q10. Is APEDA registration enough to start exporting food products?

Not necessarily. APEDA registration is only one part of export compliance. Depending on the product and destination country, the exporter may need additional registrations, licences, certificates, testing or other approvals.

Conclusion

APEDA registration is another vital requirement for exporters dealing with products that fall within the purview of APEDA scheduled products. The procedure has become easier since the APEDA e-RCMC application is now done via the DGFT portal.

The procedure in general terms is easy: get an IEC, go to the e-RCMC section at DGFT, choose APEDA, give your business information along with product details, submit the relevant documents along with payment of the required fee.

But exporters must bear in mind that registration is just the first step in ensuring export compliance. In addition, there could be other specific requirements for each product. Therefore, before embarking on exporting, it would be wise to confirm the requirements in respect of each product and destination country.