Get your APEDA registration-cum-membership certificate (RCMC) with Legal Startup. A dedicated export expert checks that your product is scheduled, reviews your IEC and documents, files the application on the APEDA portal and helps with renewal and changes later.
Free call & custom quote · Professional fee + APEDA fee
APEDA registration is the registration-cum-membership certificate (RCMC) issued by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, working under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products generally need it to export those products and to claim export promotion benefits.
Last updated: October 2026. Product schedules, fees and procedures can change, so we confirm the current position before filing.
APEDA was set up under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985 to promote the export of agricultural and processed food products. It maintains a schedule of products and issues the RCMC to exporters, which works as both a registration and a membership of the authority.
The RCMC is different from an IEC. The IEC gives you the right to export, while the APEDA RCMC shows that you are a registered exporter of scheduled products and helps you claim benefits under export promotion schemes. A food exporter typically also holds an FSSAI licence, depending on the product, and registers the bank AD code at the port.
APEDA also deals with related approvals such as registration of packhouses and processing units for certain products, and the organic certification framework. These depend on the product, so we check them during the first call. For official notices and the portal, visit apeda.gov.in, and DGFT for the IEC. If you export under your own brand, see our trademark registration online service.
What every agri and food exporter should know before applying.
The right route depends on your product and your export stage.
You are exporting a scheduled product for the first time.
Your certificate is nearing the end of its validity.
New products, address or constitution changes.
You are starting from scratch and want to export soon.
You make or process the product before export.
You source from farmers or suppliers and export.
Not sure whether your product is scheduled? Send us the product name and our experts will check it free of charge.
Why agri and food exporters register with APEDA.
Export agri and processed food products with the required registration in place.
The RCMC is needed to claim benefits where the scheme requires it.
Overseas buyers can see that you are a registered exporter.
APEDA provides market access information, events and trade promotion support.
Your IEC, product and bank records stay aligned with export rules.
Filing and follow-up are handled online from anywhere in India.
From product check to RCMC, here is how APEDA registration works.
Timelines depend on APEDA's review and the completeness of your documents. Not to scale.
We confirm that your product is on APEDA's schedule and note the correct HS code for the application.
We check that your IEC, PAN, GST and bank details match across documents.
Authorisation, product list and supporting papers are prepared and scanned for upload.
The application is filed online and the APEDA fee is paid.
We respond to any clarification raised by APEDA within the time allowed.
Once approved, we explain the validity, renewal date and how to use the certificate for exports.
Keep these ready to avoid delays. The exact list can vary by product, and our expert will confirm it for your case.
The total cost depends on the number of products, your constitution and whether you also need an IEC or other approvals. It generally has three parts:
The membership fee is set by APEDA and can change. We confirm the current fee before filing.
Our fee depends on the number of products and the situation. Call free for a custom quote before you pay anything.
IEC registration, FSSAI, packhouse approvals and renewals are charged separately.
We share a clear, itemised quote before you begin – no hidden charges. Get your free quote →
Choose the situation that matches your needs, or call free for a custom quote.
You hold an IEC and want to export a scheduled product.
Your certificate is due for renewal or details have changed.
Starting an export business or adding several products.
Our professional fee is quoted after a free call. APEDA fee is separate. Approval is decided by APEDA and cannot be guaranteed. Not sure which option fits? Ask for a free product check.
If you export agricultural or processed food products, check whether yours is scheduled.
Fresh produce and processed fruit and vegetable products.
Basmati and other rice, and cereal-based products.
Packaged foods, pickles, sauces, snacks and confectionery.
Products in the animal-origin categories covered by APEDA.
Flowers, plants, honey and related natural products.
Traders and new brands exporting scheduled products.
A quick view of how APEDA registration differs from the other approvals a food exporter hears about.
| Item | Issued by | Purpose | Applies to | Needed for exports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEDA RCMC | APEDA | Registered exporter of scheduled products | Agri and processed food exporters | Yes, for scheduled products |
| IEC | DGFT | Right to import or export | All importers and exporters | Yes |
| FSSAI licence | FSSAI | Food safety compliance | Food businesses | Depends on the product |
| AD code | Authorised dealer bank | Links shipments to your bank account | Exporters at customs ports | Yes, for port clearance |
Most delays come from product mismatches and incomplete records.
The RCMC is the start. Here is how to keep your export records clean.
Keep the RCMC number, validity and listed products on file for every shipment.
Make sure your IEC, bank AD code at the port and FSSAI licence are in place.
Inform APEDA about new products, address or constitution changes.
Set a reminder well ahead of the validity date so exports are not interrupted.
Quick answers on APEDA registration in India.
APEDA registration is the registration-cum-membership certificate (RCMC) issued by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority to exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products. APEDA works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Exporters of APEDA scheduled products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, dairy, poultry and meat products, floriculture and basmati rice, generally need an APEDA RCMC. Manufacturers, merchant exporters and traders can apply.
For products that fall under APEDA's schedule, exporters are generally required to hold the RCMC to export and to claim benefits under export promotion schemes. Check whether your product is a scheduled product before you ship.
APEDA's schedule includes fruits, vegetables and their products, meat and poultry products, dairy products, confectionery, cereal-based foods, honey, pickles, floriculture, basmati and other rice, and similar items. The schedule is notified by the government, so confirm your product against the current list.
Confirm that your product is scheduled, make sure you have an IEC, create an account on the APEDA online portal, fill in the application with product and business details, upload the documents and pay the fee. APEDA reviews the application and issues the RCMC.
Typically the IEC, PAN, GST registration, business registration papers, bank details or a cancelled cheque, identity and address proof of the proprietor or directors, a list of products to be exported and, for food products, FSSAI details. The list can vary, so we confirm it before filing.
Yes. The IEC issued by the DGFT is generally needed for the application, since APEDA registers exporters who hold an Importer-Exporter Code. If you do not have one, obtain it first.
APEDA charges a membership fee that is set by the authority and can change. Our professional fee is quoted after a free call, and we share an itemised quote before you pay.
An APEDA RCMC is valid for a fixed term under the prevailing policy, and it must be renewed before it lapses to continue exporting scheduled products. We note your validity date and send reminders.
IEC from the DGFT allows you to import or export. APEDA registration is the export promotion membership for scheduled agri and processed food products. FSSAI is the licence for food safety. A food exporter commonly needs all three, depending on the product.
Planning to export agri or food products? Speak to our expert today – the product check and the quote are free.
Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you with the right guidance.
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