APEDA Registration for RCMC Certificate: A Complete Guide for Exporters

India is the largest country for the management of farming and processed food items. Well, to improve this sector more wisely in international markets, the Government of India established a statutory body. APEDA stands for ‘Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.’ By serving as the Indian statutory body, it promotes the export of agricultural and processed food products in international markets. Getting the membership with APEDA is beneficial to obtain financial support, stay updated with new trends, and export product developments. This guide will explore how APEDA links to the RCMC certificate, its registration process, and its significance. Discover more in the next sections.

1. What is APEDA: Registration for RCMC Certificate

In 1985, the Indian government established the APEDA, a broad Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Since then, it has served as the Indian statutory body. The major motive of APEDA is to boost the promotion and development of Indian agricultural exports. This authority functions under the review of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 

On the other hand, to utilize the various benefits, such as financial assistance, market development support, and access to government benefits, one must register for an RCMC certificate under APEDA. 

1.1 What are the key functions of APEDA?

APEDA, the Indian statutory body, holds multiple responsibilities. It is further committed to promoting the Indian agricultural & processed food products. The major functions of the APEDA authority are:

1. Promote Indian Export: APEDA is a type of export promotion council. It has been categorized to manage the export growth of a specific product category. It is responsible for boosting the listed agricultural & processed food products from India in global markets.
2. Financial Support: To its registered exporters, the authority offered financial assistance in the form of subsidies. It helps them to enhance their infrastructure as well as manage market research. It offers the ticket to international trade fairs.
3. Development for Market: Offers the most recent update on the market trends, helping businesses expand their reach in international markets. Facilitates the collaboration meeting with buyers and sellers. 
4. Ensure Quality Control: For the listed products, the APEDA authority sets required standards and specifications. It helps to meet the specific export requirements before shipments.
5. APEDA Registration: The exporters register with APEDA for their scheduled products.

2. Completed List of Scheduled Products Under APEDA Registration

Here is the completed list of all those products that are managed by APEDA to promote in global markets. According to the APEDA Act, these are the Scheduled Products Categories: 

• Fruits, Vegetables, and their Products
• Meat and Meat Products
• Poultry and Poultry Products
• Dairy Products
• Confectionery, Biscuits, and Bakery Products
• Honey, Jaggery, and Sugar Products
• Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds
• Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Cereal and Cereal Products
• Groundnuts, Peanuts, and Walnuts
• Pickles, Papads, and Chutneys
• Guar Gum
• Floriculture and Floriculture Products
• Herbal and Medicinal Plants
• Cashew Nuts and Their Products (including Cashew kernel, Cashew nut shell liquid, and Kardanol) 

Here’s something useful for you: Grow Indian Export Business With RCMC

3. Eligibility for APEDA Registration for Exporters

To obtain the APEDA RCMC certificate online, exporters are required to fulfill the specific export trade compliance requirements. To be eligible for APEDA registration, exporters must meet these requirements:

1. The business or individual must be active in exporting scheduled category products from India.
2. The registered export business must be a legal entity. It can be either a proprietorship, a partnership firm, LLP, PLT, or a Farmer-Producer Organization (FPOs).
3. The exporter’s business product line must be listed in the first and second schedules of the APEDA Act. 
4. The exporters further adhere to the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) set rules and regulations. 

4. Who can apply for the RCMC Certificate under APEDA?

For the registration for APEDA to obtain a license of RCMC, the businesses are required to meet specific requirements. The organization or individuals who can apply for the APEDA registration process for RCMC are:

5. What are the APEDA Registration and RCMC Benefits?

Under the APEDA registration, the exporters get the RCMC approval for scheduled agricultural and processed food products. By accessing the export registration certificate, businesses can claim various government benefits. 

I) Provides Legal authority

Through the RCMC certificate issued by APEDA, the scheduled products get the legal authorization to trade these products. 

II) Compulsory Registration

To access the government benefits and other incentives, the APEDA exporter registration online is a legal requirement.

III) Government Benefits

The registration is the gateway to government schemes and benefits. The APEDA authority provides financial assistance to enhance product quality. Exporters can easily obtain a loan for export activities through APEDA membership.

IV) Market & Brand Development

An APEDA certificate for exporters in India helps to expand their business line into international markets. Furthermore, enhances the brand credibility by boosting foreign clients and partners’ trust.

V) Support for Infrastructure

Exporters utilize the subsidy benefits by enhancing the export infrastructure. The registration further improves storage, processing, and transportation requirements.

6. Supported Documents for the APEDA registration process for RCMC

To be eligible for APEDA membership, the exporters must prepare these documents:

• The duly signed APEDA Registration form by the applicant
• The copy of the IEC number issued by DGFT
• The bank certificate or a canceled cheque
• Last two months’ old bank account statement
• Applicant’s GST certificate and PAN
• Applicant’s identity and address proof
• Company-specific documents, such as the MOA/  Partnership deed

7. The Online APEDA Registration for RCMC Certificate

For the registration of APEDA, navigate these steps: 

Step 1:  Access the APEDA portal & Provide Information 

For the RCMC certificate for exporters in India, navigate the APEDA online portal. To navigate the portal, mention the specified details, such as the Import-Export Code (IEC), registered email address, and mobile number.

Step 2: Details Verification & Application form

To confirm the details as true, the applicant will receive the One-Time Password (OTP).  Upon successful verification procedure, complete the application form by mentioning the specified details. 

Step 3: Upload Specified Documents

Upload the required documents after the completion of the application filing process. Upload the supporting documents either in PDF format or JPEG format.

Step 4: Payment and Reference Number

To get the APEDA membership, pay the required fee through any payment mode. Use the credit or debit card method to pay the membership registration fees. A reference number will be generated upon successful payment. It is important to retain the application reference number for future correspondence.

Step 5: Track Application Process

You will be able to track the RCMC application process via the ‘Track Application’ tab. To navigate the registration process, please mention the mandatory requirements, such as the IEC number and reference number. 

Step 6: RCMC Certificate Download

Log in to your account and access the portal; then visit the download section to download the RCMC certificate.

8. Final Discussion | Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)

APEDA, the ‘Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’, is the main regulatory authority for agricultural and Processed food products. It supports the exporters for main line products development and production, playing a crucial role. It boosts the Indian export ecosystem in global markets. By meeting all the requirements, the exporters can get the APEDA certificate online. RCMC approval is the foundation for international market access, participation in international trade fairs, etc. Navigate the APEDA registration process with LegalRaasta professionals. Our experts will offer you valuable assistance with the APEDA certificate for exporters in India. 

9. Frequently Asked Questions Related to RCMC Registration with APEDA

(a) What is the cost of APEDA registration for exporters?

Ans. The RCMC certificate under the APEDA registration includes Rs 5,900 as government fees. The additional charges include professional fees. In sum, the cost can range from Rs 9,400 and more, plus 18% GST.

(b) Is registration with APEDA mandatory?

Ans. The exporters who manage the scheduled and processed food products from India must register with APEDA.

(c) How long is an APEDA license valid?

Ans. The certificate, which is granted by the APEDA, is typically active for five financial years. After the license expiry, the exporters are required to apply for its renewal. 

(d) Is a physical presentation mandatory during APEDA registration?

Ans. No, since the registration process turned online, the exporters can submit documents and other details in digitized format. 

(e) Is an FSSAI license required during the APEDA RCMC certificate online?

Ans. For successful registration with APEDA for RCMC, the exporters must first obtain the FSSAI license. It is required to ensure that your food product meets the specific safety and quality standards.