India is now one of the leading exporters of agricultural and processed food products in the world. Demand is continuously increasing for fruits, grains, vegetables, meat products, organic produce, and processed food items every year across the globe. APEDA with its support and assistance enables exporters to export such products to countries other than India. It grants recognition to exporters and assists them by providing various schemes for export promotion. For any exporter dealing in scheduled food products, it is necessary to obtain the APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate. It is also popularly known as an APEDA License.
The given article elaborates on the APEDA registration process, required documents, and benefits provided by an APEDA license. It also provides clarification with regard to the APEDA registration fee.
Why APEDA was launched by the Government of India
The Government of India has launched the APEDA under the APEDA Act, 1985 which was enforced w.e.f. February 1986. India was emerging as a big producer of agriculture and food products, but exports were low due to the lack of an organized support system, quality control mechanism, and global marketing.
APEDA is a body set up by the Government to regulate, promote, and develop the export of agricultural and processed food products, with a view to enhancing the Indian position in the global Agri-export market.
Objectives of APEDA
- Promotion and increase of agricultural exports from India
- The maintenance and improvement of quality standards for export products
- Diversify the range of export agricultural products and processed items
- Provide exporters with financial and technical support
- Strengthening international branding and marketing of Indian food products
- Development of export infrastructure comprising cold storage, pack houses, and supply chains
Overview of APEDA
- To enhance the share of India in the global Agri-export market
- To make Indian food products meet the quality requirements of the world market
- To assist farmers and exporters in improving their earnings through exports
- Increasing value addition and enhancing processed food exports
- Supporting rural development and employment through growth in Agri-exports
What is APEDA?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority is known by its acronym, APEDA. The APEDA Act of 1985 allowed the Indian government to create it. Promoting, developing, and regulating the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products is the primary responsibility of APEDA.
To be eligible for a license, exporters of any of the APEDA-scheduled products must register with APEDA. The certificate in turn will act as proof that the exporter is approved and recognized for exportation of agricultural products.
Why is APEDA Registration necessary?
All business entities engaged in the export of products falling under APEDA schedule must get themselves registered with APEDA. This APEDA license is further required for availing government incentives, subsidies, and export development programmes, which otherwise exporters cannot claim in the absence of this license.
APEDA registration ensures:
- Legal status of a certified exporter
- Eligibility to receive financial support and schemes
- Participation in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets
- Export promotion tools, training, and market intelligence reports by APEDA
Any non-compliance by APEDA in respect of prescribed fees, documentation, and application procedures may lead to the rejection or delay of one's export business.
Key Products Covered under APEDA
While exporting the Below products valid APEDA License is required:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Basmati and non-basmati rice
- Meat and poultry products
- Dairy products
- Honey and jaggery
- Pickles, Papads, Masala products
- Bakery/confectionery products
- Groundnuts and peanuts
- Floriculture products
- Organic products, among many others
Therefore, any exporter dealing in such products has to go through APEDA registration along with paying the prescribed APEDA registration fees.
Benefits of APEDA Registration
Getting the APEDA license offers a number of advantages to exporters:
1. Export Recognition: Your firm is granted official status as a registered exporter.
2. Financial Assistance: Exporters can avail of the subsidies and promotional schemes under APEDA.
3. Market Development Support: APEDA organizes trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and global exhibitions, which are available only to entities with valid APEDA registration.
4. Training & Guidance: APEDA undertakes capacity-building and skill development programs.
5. Brand Promotion: Assisting in packing, labeling, branding, and enhancing logistics.
It helps exporters to avail all these benefits with ease by knowing the APEDA registration fees and procedures.
Procedure for APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate
The procedure for Registration with APEDA is completely online it can be done through a few easy steps:
Step 1: Log on to APEDA Portal
Click on the registration section of APEDA through its website.
Step 2: Enter IEC Code
Every exporter must possess an Import Export Code. Your IEC shall serve as your user ID when applying for an APEDA license.
Step 3: Give Business Information
Business name, address, contact number, and email ID.
Step 4: Upload the required documents on portal
The following documents need to be uploaded in scanned form
Step 5: Pay the APEDA Registration Fees
You can pay online through net banking, UPI, card, or NEFT. Knowledge of the exact amount towards APEDA registration fees will save you from a delay or rejection of an application.
Step 6: Verification of Application
APEDA verifies your documents and ensures that the payment is made.
Step 7: Issue of APEDA License
The RCMC (APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) will be issued upon approval and can be downloaded from the portal.
The Validity of APEDA License is 5 years, To continue exporting after the license expires, an exporter must apply for renewal before the expiration date.
Documents Required for APEDA Registration
The exporters have to prepare the following documents for obtaining the APEDA license:
- Copy of IEC Certificate issued by DGFT
- Bank Certificate or Cancelled Cheque
- PAN Card of the business
- Copy of Company Registration Documents (GST, Partnership Deed, MOA, AOA, etc.)
- Business Address Proof
- (DSC) Digital Signature Certificate (optional but helpful)
The complete documents make the registration process of APEDA smooth and faster.
APEDA Registration Fees
First, understand the fee for APEDA registration. It is usually payable once at the time of application.
Presently, the registration fee for APEDA inclusive of GST is INR 5,900. APEDA registration fee includes the cost of registration as well as the issuance charge of the APEDA RCMC certificate.
Since this APEDA registration is in the form of a certificate and this certificate does not expire, this APEDA registration fees is one time, hence its highly cost-effective for exporters. Many exporters are confused about the renewal charges; however, once the APEDA license is granted, there is no annual renewal fee unless changes are made in the IEC details
In brief, the APEDA registration fees:
- Are paid during online application
- Non-refundable
- Include GST
- cover complete certificate issuance
- Are one-time, not recurring
How SKMC Global Can Help
You Get APEDA License Many businesses find going through government portals and understanding the requirements of documents quite cumbersome, and that is where SKMC Global plays an important role.
At SKMC Global, we offer end-to-end support for your APEDA registration:
- Eligibility and product classification
- Documents preparation and verification for avoidance of rejection
- The online submission of an application for APEDA license
- Payment of APEDA registration fees
- Follow-up till APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate is issued.
- Modification in APEDA details, if required later on.
Our experienced consultants ensure that you get your APEDA license in the most seamless manner.
Conclusion
APEDA Registration Cum Membership Certificate is required for those exporters who deal with agriculture and processed food items. It gives you legal status, access to all government schemes, training programs, and exposure to international trade. The APEDA registration process is easy, but it needs accuracy in documentation and the payment of the right fee for APEDA registration. Once issued, the APEDA license provides lifetime validity linked with your IEC, hence making this credential truly valued by an exporter.
If you are planning to start or expand your exporting business, obtaining the APEDA license should be your initial step. And with professional support from SKMC Global, this whole process will be efficient, hassle-free, and on time.