INTRODUCTION

Approaching the world of agricultural exports is exciting, but it requires accurate, legitimate, and timely paperwork. APEDA Registration, also known as the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), is a required license for exporting agricultural and processed food goods from India. The APEDA registration process not only enables exports, but it also grants access to benefits, market credibility, and government-backed help.

In this article, Lawfinity leads you through the entire procedure, step by step, so that novice exporters may navigate it with confidence.

WHY SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED?

The Government of India set up APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) in 1985. It controls, grows, and encourages the export of "scheduled" agricultural goods, which include fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, cereals, dairy, poultry, and more.

Without the RCMC, exporters dealing in these scheduled products cannot legally export. Moreover, RCMC-linked registration is mandatory to avail of:

Financial assistance and subsidies tailored for exporters,
Access to promotional events (trade fairs, buyer-seller meets),
Branding, packaging support, and regulatory guidelines

WHO GIVES OUT THIS LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE?

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry gives out the RCMC through APEDA. Since July 17, 2023, though, the process for issuing APEDA RCMCs has been fully integrated into the DGFT e-RCMC portal. This means that exporters must now apply through DGFT's unified e-RCMC platform.

ELIGIBILITY FOR APEDA REGISTRATION

According to the rules specified in Subsection (1) of Section 12 of the APEDA Act, any individual or operator of a food business who exports one or more food products included in the First and Second Schedules of the APEDA Act is qualified for APEDA Registration.
It is anticipated that exporters will obtain APEDA registration within a month of their company's incorporation.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR APEDA REGISTRATION

Exports are required to submit the following documents for APEDA Registration:

Import-Export code issued by the DGFT for exports
The signed certificate from the bank
Statement of accounts of the last 2 months
Cancelled cheque is required
GST registration certificate
Duly signed APEDA Registration FORM

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MANUFACTURER EXPORTER

Central FSSAI Registration of Manufacturing Exporter
DIS/SIA issued by the Department of Horticulture in case of food products listed under the APEDA act
Certificate of incorporation of the firm (partnership firm if required)
NOC from the pollution Control Board
MSME Certificate (If required).

HOW TO REGISTER WITH APEDA ONLINE STEP BY STEP

Define your product(s) — Ensure they fall under APEDA scheduled products (see list above).
Obtain your IEC — Must have this from DGFT first.
Gather documents — IEC, bank certificate, bank statement, cancelled cheque, incorporation docs, product certificates (FSSAI, NOC, etc.).
Visit DGFT’s e‑RCMC portal — This has been the route since 17 July 2023.
Fill in the application form online and upload all required documents.
Submit and pay the fee — Typically within a few hundred rupees (varies).
APEDA/EPC reviews — Sometimes they ask for clarifications (prepare to respond quickly).
RCMC issued — Usually within 7–15 days; online issuance using digital signature since 1 August 2015.
Save your certificate — Valid for 5 years.
Renew before expiry — Renewal is online, typically no new documents needed, just fee payment.

PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE

Not following the rules is not only dangerous, it can also get you in trouble:

Legal penalties can include imprisonment of up to six months and fines starting at ₹1,000, plus ₹50 for every day you don't pay.
Company officers at the time of offense may also be held responsible.
Moreover, non‑registration may lead to cancellation of RCMC, especially if there's inactivity for 12 months or false information is provided.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES SUCH LICENCE/CERTIFICATE PROCEDURE?

Navigating the APEDA Registration process can be challenging, especially if you are new to exporting or unfamiliar with the required documentation. We Lawfinity is a trusted platform that can assist you throughout the process. These services include:

Expert Guidance: It provides expert guidance on every step of the APEDA registration process, ensuring that your application is completed correctly.
Document Verification: They help verify that all necessary documents are in order, reducing the risk of application is completed correctly.
End-to-End Assistance: From filling out the application form to submitting documents and obtaining the certificate, Lawfinity offer comprehensive support for APEDA registration.
Timely Processing: Their team ensure that the application is processed quickly, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and get your APEDA certification in a timely manner.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

Exporting Indian agricultural products is both strategic and heartfelt. In addition to exporting goods, you're building brands, promoting agrarian communities, and exchanging cultures.

The jungle of required paperwork, however, lies between the mango orchards and the honey jars. The gatekeepers to global markets, APEDA scheduled products may appear complex, but bureaucracy need not be a hindrance.

I have seen exporters delay their first shipments by weeks because they miscalculated the RCMC process. Even worse, a buyer wouldn't do business with an uncertified company, so they lost business. Relying on a partner like Lawfinity is wise; it's not infidelity. You focus on sourcing, packaging, and connecting while we handle the paperwork.