RCMC APEDA Registration | Procedure of filing & tracking application | Benefits | Functions

Overview

APEDA, or “Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA),” is a government-recognized non-profit organization. It manages and monitors export promotion for the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India. In India, APEDA is active in promoting and developing the export of its scheduled products. APEDA registration is mandatory for exporters seeking government benefits and schemes. The registration provides access to get help with market expansion and quality assurance. Let’s take a deep view related to its function, history, registration process, and other key aspects. 

1. History of APEDA:  Processed Food Products Export Development Authority 

The APEDA, which serves as a non-profit organization, was established on 13th February 1986. For the last 39 years, it has been promoting and developing the Indian agricultural and processed food products in global markets. It acts as a statutory body, and the headquarters are located in New Delhi.  Apart from this, APEDA certificate registration offers the information, financial assistance, and guidelines for the development of scheduled products. For the new exporters in the agricultural field, it provides the various functions that have been undertaken by this body under the regulation of the central government. Aspects of the rules and laws implementation by the central government of India, the APEDA Act was established for further rules implementation as per the requirements. 

Note: The scheduled products are known as those that fall under the APEDA Act. The exporters classify their products to match the alignment with the APEDA Act, then register with the same authority for RCMC. 

2. What are the scheduled products under the APEDA Act?

The APEDA Act covers a wide range of agricultural and processed food products. The exporters align their export items with these scheduled products before applying for APEDA registration. The major products covered under the APEDA Act are:

• Fruits, vegetables, and their products
• Meat and meat products
• Poultry and poultry products
• Dairy products
• Cereal and cereal products
• Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products
• Honey, jaggery, and sugar products
• Cocoa and its products, including chocolates
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Groundnuts, peanuts, and walnuts
• Pickles, papads, and chutneys
• Guar gum
• Floriculture and floriculture products
• Herbal and medicinal plants
• De-oiled rice bran
• Green pepper in brine
• Cashew nuts and their products

3. How Does APEDA Act as a Certificate-Issuing Authority?

The APEDA export license eligible the exporters to get access to government-supported schemes and incentives. It helps them boost their reach in global markets. However, this organization also serves as an important export certificate issuing authority. It grants the compulsory certifications for the export of various agricultural and processed food products from India. The key certifications and roles are:

A. Issue RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)

The RCMC certificate is a vital document, as it offers the legal authorization to those exporters who deal with agricultural and processed food products. By registering with the APEDA, the exporters get a valid RCMC for accessing the government export promotion incentives, financial assistance, and other support. 

Process: To get the RCMC certificate, the exporter must register with APEDA through the DGFT portal. Attaching the necessary documents is crucial. Upon document and application verification, an RCMC certificate for export will be issued by the APEDA digitally. 

B. Organic Certification (NPOP)

Under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), the APEDA serves as the secretariat for the National Accreditation Board (NAB). It ensures that the farming products must be organic and free from artificial chemicals and pesticides. It helps to meet the international organic product standards.

C. Product-Specific Quality and Inspection Certificates

Apart from issuing the import/export certificate, APEDA acts as the regulatory authority that sets the quality norms for all scheduled products. It ensures that the products meet the specific standards of importing countries.

It also issues the Phytosanitary Certificate, which confirms that the products are free from pests and disease. 

D. Certificate of Origin (CoO)

Under the multiple government schemes and trade agreements, the APEDA grants the Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin and GSP (Generalized System of Preferences). 

4. The Key Functions of APEDA 

The key fundamental functions of the APEDA organization include:

• Establish norms and standards for the products listed in the schedule. 
• Advocate for productivity and exports related to the products in the schedule. 
• Register exporters of scheduled products upon payment of fees. 
• Improve marketing and packaging activities with respect to scheduled products. 
• Inspect products for quality assurance. 
• Provide training in various facets of industry-related to the scheduled products. 
• Advance the industry for scheduled products by performing feasibility studies, conducting surveys, etc. 
• Collect data from factory owners and publish such data

5. What are the APEDA Registration Benefits?

Through the APEDA membership, the registered exporters utilize the various benefits. The key benefit includes

Financial & Export Assistance

The APEDA RCMC allows exporters to claim subsidies on food product packaging, infrastructure, and other promotional events. By representing itself as a legitimate entity, it offers access to new global markets. The registered members can get the approval for APEDA-sponsored trade fairs. The official guides indicate which product should be exported and to which country.

Quality and Credibility

The APEDA certification ensures that the registered members adhere to safety and quality norms. A positive review of the food quality boosts the international buyer’s confidence. The global buyers mostly preferred to deal with the registered entity. Through it, the exporters gain market credibility. 

Guidance and Compliance 

APEDA conducts the training sessions to improve business and industry knowledge. To its registered members, it provides market insights and details on global trends and demand patterns. Even to export the scheduled agricultural and processed food products, it provides the legal authorization.

6. The Required Documents for APEDA Online Registration

For the APEDA license, the major documents you need to provide are:

• The copy of the Import-Export Code (IEC) from the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)
• Company’s Permanent  Account Number (PAN)
• The bank certificate, signed by the bank authority
• The firm’s bank account’s last two-month-old bank statement
• The company’s bank account cancelled cheque
• Company registration proof (e.g, Certificate of Incorporation (COI), partnership deed, or other relevant document)
• The FSSAI License for processed food products
• Business address proof
• GST registration certificate
• DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for online application submission

7. APEDA Online Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

You are required to follow the steps below to complete your registration:

8. The List of APEDA Offices in India

9. How Does LegalRaasta Help with the APEDA Registration Process?

LegalRaasta helps aspiring entrepreneurs to streamline the APEDA registration process. The experienced experts help during the registration procedure by handling the application and documentation. This is how LegalRaasta assists with the APEDA application: 

• By handling the application and documentation, simplify the registration process

• We fill out the necessary documents directly with APEDA

• Their service includes the online application process

• Once the application is complete, we will send you the direct APEDA license via courier.

10. Frequently Asked Questions Related to APEDA Export License

(a) What are the advantages of APEDA registration?

Ans. For the agricultural and processed food exporters, the membership of APEDA offers various benefits such as legal permission to export, financial assistance, promotional events, and access to government subsidies.

(b) Is an APEDA certificate mandatory?

Ans. To export the scheduled products under the APEDA Act, getting the membership license is crucial. It is also important to avail the government benefits and subsidies.

(c) Are APEDA registration renewal matters?

 Ans. Yes, the renewal of the RCMC, which is issued by the APEDA, is crucial to keep the validity. An RCMC certificate is generally valid for five financial years.

(d) What is the APEDA membership cost?

Ans. The registration cost for APEDA membership is nearly Rs 5,000 plus taxes.

(e) How to get the APEDA license?

Ans. For the APEDA certificate, the exporters must choose the online registration process by visiting to APEDA website.