What Is Apeda​?

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is a government body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was set up by the Government of India to promote and develop the export of agricultural and processed food products like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, cereals, and more. For new exporters, getting the APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) can feel confusing because of the detailed documents, chances of application errors, and post-registration rules.

This guide gives you a clear understanding of the APEDA system, what it does, how to get your RCMC registration, and what benefits it offers. It helps you confidently start your export journey, follow all rules, and make the most of APEDA’s support to grow your business in global markets.

From this guide, you will learn:

• What APEDA is and its key functions in controlling quality and providing financial assistance.
• A step-by-step online registration process to obtain your mandatory RCMC.
• A complete checklist of all necessary documents to avoid rejections.
• Common mistakes to avoid during the application and payment stages.
• The benefits of registration include eligibility for APEDA's financial schemes.
• The post-registration compliance requirements for active exporters.

What Is APEDA?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is the Government of India’s key organization for boosting agricultural exports. Simply put, it acts as the official guardian and promoter of quality Indian farm and food products on the global stage.

Note: APEDA is the mandatory government certification body that gives Indian agricultural products the stamp of approval needed to be sold overseas.

Key Objectives Of APEDA

APEDA helps India become a trusted global supplier of agricultural and processed food products. It promotes exports, ensures top-quality standards, supports infrastructure and finance, and guides exporters to succeed in international markets.

1. Boosting Exports

Farmers and exporters receive support to take fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and processed foods to global markets, helping India increase its trade and diversify products. APEDA plays a key role in facilitating this growth.

2. Ensuring Quality

International standards are set, products are inspected, and certifications are provided to ensure goods are trusted worldwide. Continuous research by APEDA helps improve quality further.

3. Financial Support & Infrastructure

Financial aid, subsidies, and facilities like cold storages and pack houses help exporters meet global demands. APEDA provides these supports to strengthen infrastructure and resources.

4. Marketing & Market Access

Market research, packaging and branding guidance, and help with entering new international markets make exporting easier. APEDA assists exporters in accessing these opportunities.

5. Training & Capacity Building

Exporters are registered and trained, startups are supported, and export data is shared to help businesses make smarter decisions, all through APEDA’s programs.

Who Needs APEDA Registration?

If you want to send certain farm products or processed foods out of India, getting the APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) is required by law. You cannot export these products without it.

The RCMC is your official permission slip to export items listed under the APEDA Act. Without this paper, the government will not let your shipment leave the country. It proves you have agreed to follow APEDA’s rules for quality and standards.

• Exporter Types:
• • Proprietorships
  • Partnerships / LLPs
  • Private and Public Companies
  • Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs)
  • Cooperatives

APEDA vs DGFT vs FSSAI

Many new exporters get confused between APEDA, DGFT, and FSSAI registrations. While all three are important for food export businesses, each serves a different purpose in ensuring smooth trade and compliance.

Major Functions of APEDA

APEDA plays an important role in boosting India’s agricultural exports. It helps promote products abroad, ensures good quality, supports exporters, and builds the infrastructure needed for international trade.

1. Promoting Agricultural Exports- APEDA works to boost India’s exports of agricultural and processed food products through marketing support, trade fairs, and promotional activities worldwide.
2. Setting and Monitoring Quality Standards- It sets product standards, conducts inspections, and provides certifications to ensure Indian goods meet global quality and safety requirements.
3. Financial and Infrastructure Support- APEDA offers financial aid and helps develop infrastructure like cold storage units, pack houses, and quality testing labs to make exports more efficient.
4. Market Research and Data Collection- It conducts studies, collects export statistics, and shares market insights to help exporters make informed decisions and explore new markets.
5. Registration and Exporter Support- APEDA registers exporters of scheduled products, issues the RCMC certificate, and ensures compliance with export regulations.
6. Training and Capacity Building- It organizes workshops, seminars, and training programs to help farmers, exporters, and startups understand global trade requirements and improve their export readiness.

List of APEDA Scheduled Products

APEDA is responsible for promoting and regulating the export of specific agricultural and processed food products. These are called scheduled products. Businesses exporting these items must obtain APEDA registration (RCMC) to trade internationally.

Categories of APEDA Scheduled Products

1. Fruits and Vegetables – Fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, and their products.
2. Meat and Poultry – Fresh, frozen, or processed meat and poultry products.
3. Dairy Products – Milk, cheese, butter, ghee, and other processed dairy items.
4. Honey, Jaggery, and Confectionery – Honey, jaggery, and sugar-based products.
5. Cereals and Cereal Products – Rice, wheat, and processed cereal products.
6. Animal By-products – Skins, hides, wool, and other animal products.
7. Plantation Products – Tea, coffee, spices, cocoa, and aromatic plants.
8. Processed Food Products – Ready-to-eat, packaged, or preserved foods.
9. Floriculture and Seeds – Flowers, plants, and seeds for export.
10. Organic Products – Certified organic fruits, vegetables, and processed food items.

These products are prioritized for export under APEDA schemes, ensuring quality, market support, and global competitiveness.

APEDA Registration – Step by Step Guide

APEDA registration (RCMC) is mandatory for exporters of scheduled products. Here’s a complete guide to help you complete the process smoothly.

Prerequisites

Before applying, make sure you have:

• Business Proof: Proprietorship, partnership, LLP, company, FPO, or cooperative registration documents.
• PAN Card & GSTIN: Required for the business.
• IEC Code: Import Export Code issued by DGFT.
• Bank Details: Current account and cheque/statement.
• Product Details: Information about the products you plan to export.
• FSSAI License: If exporting food products.

How to Apply Online

Follow these simple steps to apply for APEDA registration online:

1. Visit the APEDA website: Go to apeda.gov.in.
2. Register as a New User: Click on the “Register” option and fill in basic business details.
3. Fill RCMC Application Form: Provide details of your business, products, and export plan.
4. Upload Documents: Upload PAN, IEC, GST, business proof, and other required certificates.
5. Make Payment: Pay the prescribed registration fee online.
6. Submit Application: Review all information and submit the application.
7. Verification: APEDA will verify the documents and may contact you for clarification.
8. RCMC Issuance: Once approved, the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) will be issued.

Validity, Renewal & Updates

Once you get your APEDA RCMC, it is valid for 5 years. After that, you need to renew it to continue exporting. If there are any changes in your business details, like address, products, or business type - you must update your RCMC with APEDA to keep it valid.

Note: To know detailed steps of registration, see our step-by-step guide on APEDA Online.

Compliance & Quality - What Happens After Registration

Once you have your APEDA RCMC, the focus shifts to compliance and maintaining quality.

• Follow APEDA rules and safety standards.
• Products may be checked for quality before export.
• Share shipment and compliance details with APEDA.
• Get help and training on good practices and documentation.
• APEDA helps connect with buyers and promote products abroad.

Export Documents - From Order to Shipment

• Commercial Documents: Proforma invoice, purchase order, export invoice, packing list – detail products, pricing, and shipment.
• Regulatory Documents: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Health Certificate – ensure products meet export standards.
• Logistics Documents: Shipping Bill, Bill of Lading/AWB, eSanchit uploads – needed for transport, customs, and tracking.

Note: Keeping these documents organized ensures smooth exports and avoids delays.

Costs, Timelines & ROI

Before exporting, it is important to understand the associated costs and the duration of the process. Knowing this helps plan your budget, time, and expected profits.

Note: Due to the lengthy and detailed application process, APEDA RCMC registration may take longer than usual, so exporters should factor in possible delays when planning their export operations.

Key Schemes and Initiatives by APEDA

APEDA runs several programs to help exporters succeed and grow in international markets. These schemes focus on supporting infrastructure, finances, marketing, quality, and training.

Common Challenges Faced by Exporters (and How APEDA Helps)

Exporting isn’t always easy, and businesses often face hurdles. APEDA provides guidance and support to overcome these challenges.

Key Point: APEDA’s support helps exporters overcome common problems, save time, and grow their business internationally.

Conclusion

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is India’s key organization for promoting and regulating the export of agricultural and processed food products. It ensures that Indian products like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, cereals, spices, and processed foods meet international quality and safety standards. Apart from setting standards, APEDA provides financial support, infrastructure, market research, and training to help exporters succeed globally. It serves as a bridge between Indian producers and international markets, making Indian agricultural products trusted and competitive on a global scale.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. For detailed advice or assistance on APEDA compliance, registration, and exports, please get in touch with expert lawyers at Rest The Case.