APEDA Registration: Your Gateway to Global Agri-Trade Success

By Mundra Legal Consultants

🌟 Important: For every Indian business aiming to export agricultural or processed food products, obtaining APEDA Registration is a mandatory and crucial step. It ensures full legal compliance and opens the door to international markets with confidence and credibility.

Understanding APEDA – The Backbone of India's Agri-Exports

APEDA stands for the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. It was established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the APEDA Act, 1985. The authority’s mission is to promote and develop exports of agricultural and processed food products, ensuring global quality standards and market expansion for Indian exporters.

At Mundra Legal Consultants, we assist you through every step of the APEDA registration process—making your export journey seamless, compliant, and growth-ready.

Core Responsibilities and Goals of APEDA

🌍 Export Expansion

APEDA supports exporters in finding international markets and obtaining the mandatory RCMC certificate.

⭐ Global Standards

Sets international standards for quality, hygiene and packaging to ensure competitiveness.

💰 Financial Support

Provides grants for infrastructure & quality upgrades to boost export readiness.

📊 Market Intelligence

Offers export performance reports and market trend insights for strategic decisions.

🏅 GI Protection

Safeguards Geographical Indications like Basmati rice for brand protection.

🌱 Organic Certification

Facilitates organic export certification and compliance assistance.

Products Covered Under APEDA

First Schedule – Agricultural and Processed Food Items

  • Fruits, Vegetables & Processed Products
  • Meat & Meat Products
  • Poultry & Poultry Products
  • Dairy Products
  • Confectionery, Biscuits & Bakery Goods
  • Honey, Jaggery & Sugar Products
  • Cocoa & Cocoa-Based Products
  • Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • Cereals & Cereal Products
  • Groundnuts, Peanuts & Walnuts
  • Pickles, Papads & Chutneys
  • Guar Gum, Floriculture, Herbal & Medicinal Plants

Second Schedule – Special Category Product
Basmati Rice is classified separately under the Second Schedule due to its strategic export importance.

Why APEDA Registration Matters

  • 🔒 Mandatory Legal Requirement — Without RCMC, you cannot export scheduled products legally.
  • 🌟 Builds Global Credibility — RCMC from APEDA reassures international buyers and partners.
  • 🚀 Easier Market Access — Trade fairs, AgriExchange visibility and export incentives.
  • 💼 Access to Financial Assistance — Grants for packaging, quality, and infrastructure.
  • ✅ Quality & Compliance Support — Assistance for HACCP, ISO 22000, etc.
  • 📈 Valuable Market Intelligence — Curated trade data for better decisions.

Eligibility & Documents

📋 Requirements Checklist

General Requirements

  • Exporter of scheduled products
  • Valid Import-Export Code (IEC)
  • Legally registered entity
  • Business bank account

Key Documents

  • Import-Export Code (IEC)
  • PAN Card & GST Certificate
  • Digital Signature Certificate
  • Business Entity Proof

Online Registration Process (Simplified)

🚀 Quick & Easy Process

  1. Visit Portal: dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=e-rcmc
  2. Enter Details: Fill in contact and business information
  3. Verify OTP: Email & mobile OTP verification
  4. Upload Documents: PDF/JPEG scanned copies
  5. Pay Fees: ₹5,900 + GST via netbanking/card
  6. Verification: Authorities review (7–10 working days)
  7. Certificate Issued: RCMC emailed on approval ✅

Fees & Validity

💰 Government Fee:

₹5,900 + GST

(One-time payment)

🤝 Professional Fee:

₹3,500

(Typical, case-by-case)

⏰ Validity Period:

5 Years

(Five financial years)

Renewal & Compliance

⚠️ Important: RCMC is valid for five financial years. Monthly export returns are mandatory (including nil returns). Non-compliance may lead to penalties or cancellation of your certificate.

How Mundra Legal Helps

🎯 Our Expert Services Include:

  • ✅ Complete documentation preparation & review
  • ✅ Portal filing & application submission
  • ✅ Follow-ups with authorities
  • ✅ Compliance guidance & support
  • ✅ End-to-end assistance until approval

Focus on your exports, we'll handle the compliance!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the full form of APEDA?
    Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
  2. Why is registration mandatory?
    It ensures legal permission to export and access to government benefits.
  3. How long does it take?
    Typically 7–10 working days after submission.
  4. Is monthly return filing mandatory?
    Yes, even for nil export months.
  5. What can lead to cancellation?
    Non-filing of returns, misuse of benefits, or violation of export rules.