APEDA Registration Process: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Exporters (2025)

Did you know many Indian agri-exporters lose their very first global order just because they don’t have APEDA registration? India has massive potential in agricultural exports, from Basmati rice and mangoes to processed foods and meat. Yet, a huge number of new exporters stumble right at the beginning, not because they lack demand, but because they’re caught in confusing government procedures, rejected paperwork, and missed incentive opportunities. This guide is your crystal-clear, no-nonsense, lawyer-approved roadmap to securing your APEDA registration- first time, every time. Whether you’re a startup, MSME, or an established business, this is where your export success begins.

Legal Overview of APEDA

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the APEDA Act, 1985. Functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, APEDA is the nodal agency responsible for the promotion and regulation of exports of specific agricultural products, known legally as “scheduled products.”

As a legal compliance requirement, APEDA registration is mandatory for any person or entity seeking to export these scheduled products from India.

What is APEDA? Why Does Registration Matter for Exporters?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, established by the APEDA Act, 1985. It is responsible for promoting, developing, and regulating the export of certain agricultural and processed food products from India, known as "scheduled products."

Why is APEDA registration important?

If you're planning to export any of the following, APEDA registration is mandatory:

• Basmati rice
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (like mangoes, bananas, grapes)
• Meat and meat products
• Dairy, poultry, and honey
• Pickles, ready-to-eat food, and other processed items
• Floriculture, medicinal plants, and herbal products

Exporting these products without APEDA registration can result in customs delays or rejection of export claims.

Who Needs to Register?

Any individual or business entity involved in the export of scheduled products must register with APEDA. This includes:

• Sole proprietors
• Partnership firms
• LLPs and companies
• MSMEs and startups
• Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Note: A valid Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT is a mandatory prerequisite.

Key Benefits of APEDA Registration

• List of APEDA Scheduled Products: Scheduled Products List

Eligibility Criteria for APEDA Registration

Before initiating the APEDA registration process, it’s important to verify whether you or your business meets the eligibility conditions laid down by the authority. These criteria are broad and inclusive, making it easy for both new and established businesses to become registered agri-exporters.

Who Can Apply for APEDA Registration?

APEDA allows a wide range of business structures to register, making it accessible to almost anyone involved in agricultural or food exports. Eligible entities include:

• Proprietorships – Individuals operating under a trade name
• Partnership Firms – Registered or unregistered partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) – Recognized under the LLP Act, 2008
• Private Limited and Public Limited Companies – Registered under the Companies Act
• Farmer-Producer Companies (FPCs) – Encouraged to promote collective agricultural exports
• Cooperative Societies and Trusts
• Startups and MSMEs – Even new ventures with no prior export record are fully eligible

In short, any legal entity based in India that intends to export scheduled agricultural or processed food products can and should apply.

Minimum Legal and Operational Requirements

To be eligible, the applicant must meet the following mandatory requirements:

1. Import Export Code (IEC):
   Issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), this is a 10-digit code required for any business engaged in import or export in India. Without it, APEDA registration is not possible.
   Apply here: DGFT IEC Portal
2. Indian Business Registration:
   The applicant must be a legally recognized business structure in India (such as a registered company, firm, LLP, or sole proprietorship).
3. Bank Account in Entity’s Name:
   The exporter must hold an active bank account in the name of the business, with a bank certificate or a cancelled cheque available for verification.
4. Valid Contact Details:
   An email ID and mobile number are essential for receiving communication and updates from APEDA.
5. FSSAI License (if applicable):
   If you are exporting processed food items, you are strongly advised to obtain an FSSAI registration/license, as foreign buyers and customs departments often require compliance with Indian food safety norms.

Note for Startups and MSMEs

If you are a startup or MSME, you can apply for APEDA registration. You don’t need a minimum turnover or export experience. As long as your business is registered in India and you have an Import Export Code (IEC), you're eligible.

For Processed Food Exporters:
If you export items like pickles, snacks, or packaged foods, you should also have an FSSAI license. It’s needed to meet food safety rules and is often required by buyers and customs.

Step-by-Step APEDA Registration Process (2025)

Getting your APEDA registration can seem technical, but if you follow these four clear phases, the process becomes easy and smooth.

Phase 1: Pre-Registration Essentials (Get Your Documents Ready)

Before starting the application, gather these documents. These are required for identity verification, business proof, and legal compliance.

Phase 2: Online Registration on DGFT e-RCMC Portal

Once your documents are ready, register online through APEDA’s official website.

1. Go to the DGFT e-RCMC portal.
2. Select “APEDA” as the export promotion council.
3. Complete the online application form and upload required documents.
4. Pay the fee: ₹5,000 + 18% GST (total ₹5,900) as shown during DGFT checkout (fee can be revised by authorities).
5. Download and save your application receipt.

Phase 3: Application Scrutiny & RCMC Issuance

• APEDA reviews your application via the DGFT system.
• If any documents are unclear or do not match, you will be contacted for correction or clarification.
• If everything is in order, your digitally signed RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) will be issued within 7-15 working days.
• RCMC validity: 5 financial years from the 1st April of the year of issuance to 31st March of Year 5.

Phase 4: APEDA Scrutiny & Certificate Issuance

After submission, APEDA will review your application.

• If any documents are unclear or mismatched, APEDA may email you within 2–5 working days asking for clarification or corrections.
• You need to respond quickly with the updated documents or explanations.
• If everything is in order, APEDA will issue your RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) within 7 working days- often even faster.
• The certificate is sent by email and is digitally signed. It’s valid for five years and can be used for:
• • Claiming export incentives (like RoDTEP)
  • Participating in trade fairs
  • Export-related paperwork at customs and with buyers

What to Do If Your APEDA Application Is Rejected?

Sometimes, APEDA may reject your application or ask for more information. This usually happens due to small mistakes or missing details. Don’t worry- it can be fixed.

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Your documents don’t match (e.g., business name in PAN vs IEC)
• The bank certificate or cheque is unclear or not in the business name
• Incorrect or outdated IEC details
• Uploaded files are blurry or incomplete

How to Fix It:

1. Check your email: APEDA will send a message explaining what went wrong.
2. Follow the instructions: Promptly upload corrected or missing documents via the DGFT portal.
3. Reply quickly: The sooner you respond, the faster your application moves forward.

After Registration – Mandatory Compliance and Benefits

Once you have registered with APEDA, there are some important rules to follow, and the benefits you get.

Validity:

Your APEDA registration lasts for a 5 financial years (from the 1st April of the year of issuance to 31st March of Year 5)renewal is required after expiry.

Using Your RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate):

• You need your RCMC to apply for export-related incentive programs like RoDTEP and RoDTEP and RoSCTL
• It is also necessary when participating in export tenders, trade shows, and when applying for government export schemes.
• If any of your business details change, such as your address or key personnel, you must update this information on the APEDA online portal.

Key Rights for Exporters:

• You gain access to APEDA training sessions and skill development programs.
• You can use market information and research provided by APEDA to make better business decisions.

Most Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

When applying for APEDA registration or managing your account, many exporters make avoidable errors. Here are the most common ones and tips to prevent them:

• Name/IEC Mismatch: This is the leading cause of application rejection. Make sure the name on your Import Export Code (IEC) exactly matches the name you use in your APEDA application.
• Using Old or Unclear Bank Documents: Submit clear, up-to-date bank statements and certificates. Blurry or outdated documents can cause delays or rejections.
• Skipping Mandatory Fields: Fill out every required section on the APEDA portal carefully. Leaving important fields blank can stop your application from processing.
• Ignoring APEDA Follow-up Emails: APEDA/DGFT may send emails requesting additional information or clarifications. Respond promptly to avoid delays in approval.
• Not Downloading/Saving Your Digital RCMC: Once your certificate is issued, download and keep it safe. You might need to show it anytime for export processes or government schemes.

Rest The Case understands that navigating the complexities of legal and business compliance can be daunting. Their team of verified legal professionals, specializing in various fields, provides a full spectrum of assistance to ensure your business is not just compliant but also positioned for growth.  

Case Example: How a Small Exporter Grew with APEDA Registration

• Corporate Law: Guidance on company formation, legal structure, and corporate governance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assisting with mandatory registrations, including crucial certifications like APEDA, and ensuring adherence to all government regulations.
• Documentation and Agreements: Expert drafting of legal documents, contracts, and agreements to safeguard your business interests.  
• Business Advisory: Providing strategic legal advice on a range of business matters, from intellectual property rights to dispute resolution.

By connecting with a Rest The Case expert, you gain access to a tailored approach that simplifies the certification process and provides the necessary legal support to build a strong, credible business.

Conclusion

APEDA registration is more than just a compliance requirement; it is the foundation for Indian agri-exporters to expand into global markets with government recognition and support. It ensures credibility with international buyers, smoother customs clearance, and eligibility for export incentives, making it a valuable step for startups, MSMEs, and established businesses alike. While the process is straightforward, accuracy in documentation is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. Seeking professional assistance can help streamline the registration and give exporters the confidence to focus on growth. By securing APEDA registration, you set your business on the right track to becoming export-ready and tapping into global opportunities.