Exporters of agricultural and processed food products listed in the APEDA schedule must register with APEDA (the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and hold its Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). You apply online on the APEDA portal with your IEC, PAN, business and bank details. The RCMC is generally valid for five years and is also needed to claim export benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy.
What is APEDA?
APEDA is the statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry that promotes and regulates exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products. It registers exporters, sets quality and traceability requirements for some products, and runs export promotion schemes and trade fairs.
Which products need APEDA registration?
Products listed in the APEDA schedule include, among others:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, and their processed products
- Basmati and non-basmati rice, and other cereals and cereal preparations
- Meat, poultry and dairy products
- Bakery products, confectionery, biscuits, honey, jaggery and sugar products
- Groundnuts, pickles, chutneys, guar gum and herbal or medicinal plants
- Floriculture products and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Documents you need
- Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
- PAN of the business
- Proof of business constitution: partnership deed, LLP agreement or certificate of incorporation
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque for the business account
- Registered office address proof
- GST registration details
How to apply for APEDA RCMC
- Register on the APEDA portalCreate an account using your IEC and business email.
- Fill the RCMC applicationEnter business, product and contact details, and choose merchant or manufacturer exporter.
- Upload documentsUpload the documents listed above as clear scans.
- Pay the fee onlineThe fee is set by APEDA; check the current amount on the portal before paying.
- Download the RCMCOnce approved, the certificate is issued online. Keep the RCMC number for shipping documents and scheme claims.
After registration
- Renew the RCMC before it expires to keep claiming export benefits
- Update APEDA if your address, partners or products change
- For some products and markets, follow APEDA traceability and quality rules, for example for grapes, groundnuts or organic products
Frequently asked questions
Is APEDA registration mandatory?
Yes, for exporters of products listed in the APEDA schedule. It is also needed to claim Foreign Trade Policy benefits for those products.
Do I need IEC before APEDA registration?
Yes. The APEDA application is linked to your Importer Exporter Code, so get the IEC first.
How long is APEDA RCMC valid?
An RCMC is generally valid for five years and should be renewed before it expires.
Do spice exporters need APEDA registration?
Spices are covered by the Spices Board, which issues its own registration (CRES). See our Spices Board guide.
How BuyGenix Solutions helps
We check your documents, file the application, follow up on queries and track renewal, so the registration is ready before your first shipment. BuyGenix members can also see live buyer requirements for their products from importers in India and abroad.
Need Help Getting This Done?
BuyGenix Solutions handles apeda registration and every related registration your business needs, from documentation to filing.
Get Registration Help →Looking for buyers for your products?
See live requirements from importers and bulk buyers in India and abroad: what they want, how much, and where. Contact them directly with a BuyGenix membership.
