APEDA Registration Online | RCMC | Eligibility & Benefits
APEDA Registration Online | RCMC | Eligibility & Benefits
For an Indian business looking to export the rich diversity of agricultural, processed food, and floricultural products, the journey begins not at the port, but with mandatory compliance: securing APEDA Registration. This process results in the issuance of a Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), which is the official authorization granted by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Established by the Government of India under the APEDA Act of 1985, this body is responsible for the development and promotion of scheduled products for export, ensuring that Indian produce meets stringent global quality and safety standards.
The RCMC is a crucial requirement for all exporters dealing with products under APEDA’s schedule, which includes a vast range of commodities such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, honey, cocoa, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cereals, and herbal products. Without valid APEDA Registration, an exporter of these scheduled products cannot legally avail of export incentives, participate in trade promotions, or, in many cases, clear customs for their international shipments. It serves as an essential compliance checkpoint that elevates the credibility of the exporter and the quality of Indian goods in foreign markets.
While the primary motive behind APEDA Registration is regulatory compliance, the certificate unlocks significant commercial and developmental advantages for the exporting firm.
1. Mandatory Legal Compliance
Under the APEDA Act, any person or entity dealing with the scheduled products must register with APEDA within one month of commencing exports. This registration is a prerequisite for obtaining many export benefits and for legally continuing the export business in these specific sectors.
2. Access to Financial Assistance and Subsidies
Registered exporters gain eligibility for various financial assistance schemes offered by APEDA and the government. These incentives are typically aimed at supporting infrastructural upgrades crucial for maintaining product quality in transit:
Infrastructure Development: Subsidies for setting up specialized storage, transportation (cold chains), pre-cooling facilities, and state-of-the-art packhouses.
Quality Enhancement: Financial aid for implementing quality management systems like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO certifications, which are vital for acceptance in developed markets (e.g., the EU or US).
Market Development Assistance (MDA): Support for participating in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets, allowing exporters direct access to overseas buyers.
3. Enhanced Global Credibility and Market Access
The RCMC acts as a mark of authorization and trust. Many foreign importers and international buyers prefer to deal with APEDA Registration holders because it signifies compliance with government-mandated quality control measures and standards. APEDA assists exporters in meeting destination-specific requirements, such as those related to pesticide residues or hygienic processing, giving Indian products a competitive edge.
4. Expert Guidance and Market Intelligence
APEDA actively collects and publishes market intelligence, including statistics on export trends, international demand patterns, and regulatory changes in key foreign markets. Registered members receive this crucial data, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding product development, packaging innovation, and target market selection.
The entire application for APEDA Registration is a streamlined, digital process conducted on the official APEDA portal. The resulting certificate is called the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC).
Step 1: Pre-Requisite - Obtain IEC and FSSAI
Before applying for the RCMC, the applicant must have two fundamental registrations:
Import-Export Code (IEC): Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the IEC is mandatory for all import/export activities.
FSSAI License/Registration: If the business deals in processed food items or any product meant for human consumption, a valid FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license is compulsory.
Step 2: Online Application on APEDA Portal
Visit the APEDA website and click on the "Register as Member" link.
Enter the required basic details, including the IEC number, email ID, and mobile number. An OTP will be sent for verification.
Log in using the verified credentials.
Step 3: Filling the RCMC Application Form
Complete the detailed application form, providing comprehensive information about the business entity, including its name, address, constitution (Company, Proprietorship, etc.), bank details, and the list of scheduled products intended for export.
Crucially, the applicant must declare their status as a Manufacturer Exporter (if they produce the goods) or a Merchant Exporter (if they purchase and trade the goods).
Step 4: Document Upload and Fee Payment
Upload the necessary scanned documents in the prescribed format.
Pay the non-refundable registration fee of ₹5,000 (plus applicable GST) online using the provided payment gateway options.
Upon successful payment, an application number will be generated for tracking.
Step 5: Verification and RCMC Issuance
The APEDA officials will scrutinize the application and the uploaded documents.
If the application is complete and all mandatory documents (especially IEC and FSSAI) are valid, the RCMC will be processed.
The APEDA Registration certificate is issued digitally, typically within 10 to 15 days, and can be downloaded by the exporter from their online account.
The required documentation is comprehensive and designed to ensure the legal existence and financial capacity of the exporting entity.
Document Category
Purpose
Mandatory Requirement
Trade Identification
Legal right to engage in international trade.
Import-Export Code (IEC) Certificate.
Tax Compliance
Proof of tax registration (Mandatory).
GST Registration Certificate.
Food Safety
Certification for products meant for consumption.
FSSAI License (mandatory for scheduled food products).
Bank Verification
Proof of firm's bank details for financial transactions.
Bank Certificate (confirming account details) or Cancelled Cheque.
Business Proof
Legal status of the business entity.
Certificate of Incorporation/Partnership Deed/LLP Agreement (as applicable).
Premises Proof
Proof of business address.
Proof of registered office address (Utility bill, Rent agreement).
Manufacturer Status
Required if registering as a Manufacturer Exporter.
Certificate from the relevant quality assurance body (e.g., DIC/SIA).
The RCMC issued under APEDA Registration is typically valid for a period of five years. Unlike some other registrations, APEDA requires the exporter to adhere to specific post-registration responsibilities to maintain active status:
Timely Renewal: Exporters must apply for the renewal of their RCMC before the expiry of the five-year period to avoid disruption of export activities.
Quarterly Reporting: Registered members are required to submit online quarterly returns of their export performance for the scheduled products. This helps APEDA monitor trade trends and tailor assistance programs.
Compliance with Standards: The exporter must continuously ensure that the quality of their products meets the standards and specifications laid down by APEDA for the respective scheduled product, which often aligns with the requirements of the importing country.
Intimation of Changes: Any changes in the business constitution, address, ownership, or other key details must be promptly updated with APEDA.
In essence, APEDA Registration transforms an ordinary firm into a recognized global player in the agri-export market. It is the government's official seal on the quality and authenticity of Indian agricultural and processed food products, making it an indispensable requirement for anyone aiming to tap into the lucrative potential of global trade.