APEDA Registration: An Overview

Are you a farmer, grower, manufacturer, processor, trader, exporter, or packer involved in producing, processing, or exporting agricultural or processed food products from India? If so, APEDA registration is a crucial requirement for you.

The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is an executive body established in 1985 under an act of Parliament to promote the export of scheduled products. Scheduled products are those listed under the APEDA Act, and exporters of these products must register with APEDA to obtain an APEDA certificate.

Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, APEDA supports the export of agricultural and processed food products through:

1. Financial assistance

2. Export guidelines

3. Market intelligence and support

Agriculture significantly contributes to India’s economy by driving industrial growth and exports, and APEDA registration is vital for growth in this sector, especially under favorable government policies.

Why APEDA Online Registration is Ideal for Your Business?

APEDA Online registration is mandatory for all exporters of food products from India. It is ideal for your business venture as it opens doors to international markets by facilitating the export of processed and agricultural food products. Registered businesses can enjoy the benefits of various government schemes, subsidies, and financial assistance for exports.

APEDA export license empowers the exporters of agricultural and processed food products. It helps you win the trust of global buyers and partners. APEDA online registration ensures that your business complies with export regulations and maintains quality standards.

Advantages of APEDA Certificate Registration

APEDA certificate registration helps exporters expand their businesses while remaining up to date with industry standards by providing them with market awareness, training, financial assistance, access to subsidies, legal support, and market exposure.

There are certain advantages of obtaining the APEDA certificate registration, such as:

1. Grants Legal Authority

APEDA registration gives your export business a legal foundation, ensuring you comply with regulations when exporting scheduled products.

2. Boosts Export Infrastructure Growth

With an APEDA export license, exporters can access subsidies that support the development of export infrastructure, market expansion, and other growth-related activities.

3. Creates Exporter Awareness

APEDA keeps exporters updated on the latest export standards, trade fairs, infrastructure support, and agricultural reports, helping them stay competitive.

4. Improves Eligibility for Training

Registered exporters can attend various APEDA-organized training programs designed to enhance business operations and skills.

5. Offers Strategic Guidelines

APEDA farm registration provides exporters with valuable guidelines and instructions on handling scheduled products and improving their business models.

6. Access to Financial Assistance

Registered exporters can benefit from several financial assistance schemes to support their business needs.

7. Boosts Brand Visibility

APEDA registration helps exporters enhance their brand visibility in the market, giving them a competitive edge.

Eligibility Criteria for APEDA Registration

According to the instructions provided in sub-section (1) of Section 12 of the APEDA Act, any individual or food business operator engaged in the export of one or more food products listed under the First Schedule and Second Schedule of the APEDA Act is eligible for APEDA registration.

Here is the list of products covered under the APEDA Act of 1985, written in a different way:

• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and other related items.
• Confectionery, biscuits, and bakery products, including various sweet and savoury baked goods.
• Honey, along with jaggery and other sugar products.
• Meat and meat products encompassing both fresh and processed meats.
• Poultry and poultry products, which include chicken, turkey, and other birds.
• All types of chocolates and cocoa-based products.
• Alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like fruit juices and soft drinks.
• Various cereal and cereal-based products, including grains, flour, and processed cereals.
• Groundnuts, peanuts, and walnuts, along with other edible nuts.
• Traditional Indian condiments like pickles, papad, and chutneys.
• Guar gum, a natural thickening agent derived from guar beans.
• Floriculture products, including fresh flowers, plants, and ornamental foliage.
• Herbal and medicinal plants, used for health, wellness, and pharmaceutical purposes.
  
  

Documents Required for APEDA Farm Registration

It's essential for exporters of food products from India to understand the documentation part. There are certain documents required for APEDA farm registration in India, such as:

• Duly Signed Application Form
  
  
• Copy of Import-Export Code (IEC) Issued by DGFT
  
  
• Bank Certificate
  
  
• The Firm's Bank Account Statement for the Last Two Months
  
  
• Cancelled Cheque
  
  
  

APEDA Online Registration Procedure

Applicants can conveniently complete their APEDA registration online using digital signatures, ensuring a fast, secure, and streamlined process. This simplified procedure enables exporters to register with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Visit the Website

• Go to the official APEDA website.

• Click on “Register as Member” to begin the registration process.

2. Provide Required Details

• Enter your Import-Export Code (IEC), Email ID, and Mobile Number.

• Click on the Submit button to move forward.

3. OTP for Confirmation

• You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via both email and SMS.

• Enter the OTP and click Submit to verify your contact details.

4. Complete the Online Application

• After verification, fill out the online application form.

• Upload the required documents in the prescribed formats.

5. Process Your Application

• You may complete the application over multiple sessions using the same OTP.

• Remember to save your progress while entering details.

• Edits can be made until the final payment is submitted.

6. Payment of Fees

• Pay a registration fee of Rs. 5000 (excluding applicable taxes).

• Payment methods include:

  • Credit Card

  • Debit Card

  • Demand Draft in favour of APEDA, payable at respective cities

7. Generate Application Number

• Once payment is successful, an Application Number will be generated.

• Keep this number for future reference and tracking.

8. Receive Login Details

• After the Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC) is issued,

• Your login credentials will be sent to your registered email.

• Use these details to access your account via “Exporter Login.”

9. Check Application Status

• Track your application by clicking on “Track Application.”

• Enter your IEC and Application Number to check status updates.

10. e-Submit Documents if Needed

• If any discrepancies arise, resubmit the required documents online through your dashboard.

11. Approval of RCMC

• Once approved, download your RCMC Certificate by logging into your APEDA account under the “RCMC Certificate” section.
  
  
  

Penalties for Not Obtaining an APEDA Export License

APEDA enforces strict regulations to ensure exporter compliance. Failure to register or violating the provisions of APEDA can result in substantial penalties for individuals, exporters, and Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs).

For Individuals and Nodal Agencies

• Obstructing Inspections
  If any individual or nodal agency obstructs APEDA officers or inspectors during official duties, penalties may be imposed as per APEDA regulations.
  
  

For Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs)

1. Deliberate Misrepresentation

   • Violation: Submitting false or misleading information after accreditation.

   • Penalty: Fines up to Rs. 5 Lakhs and suspension of accreditation for one year.

2. False Information in Accreditation Applications

   • Violation: Providing incorrect data or forged documents during application.

   • Penalty: Rejection of application.

3. Non-Compliance with NPOP Standards

   • Violation: Failure to meet prescribed organic standards.

   • Penalty: Suspension for up to one year and fines up to Rs. 5 Lakhs.

4. Wrongful Certification

   • Violation: Issuing certificates erroneously or without proper verification.

   • Penalty: Certificate withdrawal and damages determined by NAB.

5. Failure in Data Management on Trace.net

   • Violation: Not updating or falsifying production and movement data.

   • Penalty:

     • Rs. 3 Lakhs for verification failure.

     • Rs. 5 Lakhs for entering incorrect data intentionally.

6. Misrepresentation of Certification Scope

   • Penalty: Fines up to Rs. 3 Lakhs.

7. Failure to Submit Timely Information

   • Violation: Missing deadlines for providing mandatory data.

   • Penalty: Accreditation application may be rejected.

8. Repeat Offences

   • Penalty: Fines may increase up to Rs. 5 Lakhs for recurring violations.

For Certified Operators

1. Non-Compliance with NPOP Standards

   • Penalty: Fines up to Rs. 5 Lakhs and suspension of certification for one year.

2. Residues of Prohibited Substances

   • First Offense: Fines up to Rs. 2 Lakhs.

   • Repeat Offense: Fines up to Rs. 5 Lakhs and one-year export ban.
     
     

Key Functions of APEDA

APEDA is responsible for promoting, regulating, and developing the export of scheduled agricultural products. Its core functions include:

1. Promotion & Development

   • Supports agricultural production tailored for exports through subsidies, branding, and promotional activities.

2. Setting Standards

   • Establishes and enforces quality norms and certification criteria to ensure global compliance.

3. Exporter Registration

   • Streamlines registration of exporters upon payment of required fees and documentation.

4. Packaging & Marketing Assistance

   • Helps exporters improve packaging and marketing strategies for international competitiveness.

5. Product Inspection

   • Conducts quality checks to ensure compliance with export standards.

6. Training & Capacity Building

   • Organizes training programs to upskill stakeholders across various sectors.

7. Statistical Data Collection

   • Maintains and distributes export-related data to guide industry and policy decisions.
     
     

Why Choose Fastzeal for APEDA Registration?

Fastzeal simplifies the APEDA registration process, offering transparency, expert support, and end-to-end services to exporters across India.

Key Benefits of Choosing Fastzeal

• Expert Consultation

  • Regulatory experts ensure smooth and compliant APEDA registration.

• Streamlined Process

  • Hassle-free steps to obtain the APEDA license efficiently and accurately.

• Time-Saving

  • Over 20,00,000+ exporter hours saved through fast-track processes.

• Government Liaison

  • Direct coordination with APEDA and other regulatory bodies.

• Complete Documentation Assistance

  • Guidance on required documents and accurate submission support.

• Coverage Across Industries

  • Services extend to horticulture, agriculture, processed foods, and more.

• Export Advisory Services

  • Get insights and strategies to expand your business globally.

• Customs & Tariff Guidance

  • Assistance in navigating customs regulations and tariff documentation.

• Post-registration Support

  • Continued support even after successful registration.