Documents Required for APEDA Registration

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a government organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for promoting and facilitating the export of agricultural and processed food products from India. To export APEDA-listed products legally, businesses must obtain APEDA registration, which provides them with an RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate). To complete APEDA registration online, businesses must submit the required APEDA registration documents.

What is APEDA Registration?

APEDA registration is a mandatory certification for exporters dealing in specific agricultural and processed food products. It is governed by the APEDA Act, 1985 and ensures that Indian agricultural exports comply with international quality standards.

Once registered, exporters an of financial assistance participate in global trade fairs, and benefit from government schemes designed to boost agricultural exports.

Who Needs APEDA Registration?

Businesses engaged in the export of the following products require APEDA registration:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Meat and Poultry Products

• Dairy products

• Cereals, pulses, and grains

• Honey, jaggery, and sugar products

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Herbal and medicinal plants

• Floriculture and seeds

• Confectionery and bakery products

Whether you own a private limited company registration, an OPC registration, a subsidiary company, or a Section 8 company registration, APEDA registration is essential if you plan to export these products.

Complete List of Documents Required for APEDA Registration

1. Business Identification Documents

• PAN Card of the Business Entity – Mandatory for taxation and compliance.

• Import Export Code (IEC) – Required for all export businesses (issued by DGFT).

• GST Registration Certificate – Mandatory for businesses registered under GST.

• Bank Certificate or Canceled Cheque – To verify business banking details.

2. Company Registration Documents (Based on Business Type)

The type of company registration determines the additional documents required:

For Proprietorship Firms

• PAN & Aadhaar of Proprietor

• Business Address Proof (Utility Bill, Rent Agreement, etc.)

For Partnership Firms

• Partnership Deed

• PAN Card of the Firm

• Address Proof of the Firm

For Private Limited Company Registration & Subsidiary Companies

• Certificate of Company Incorporation

• Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Articles of Association (AoA)

• PAN & Aadhaar of Directors

• Board Resolution for APEDA Registration

For Section 8 Company Registration (Non-Profits)

• NGO Registration Certificate

• Memorandum of Association (MoA)

For OPC Registration (One Person Company)

• Incorporation Certificate

• PAN & Aadhaar of the Sole Director

3. Export-Related Documents

• AD Code Registration Certificate – Required for international trade transactions.

• FSSAI License (if applicable) – Mandatory for businesses dealing in food exports.

• Trade License – If required by local authorities.

Once these documents are prepared, businesses can apply for APEDA registration online through the official APEDA portal.

Process of APEDA Registration Online

Process 1: Visit the APEDA Portal

Go to the official APEDA registration portal: https://apeda.gov.in.

Process 2: Register as an Exporter

Click on "Register as Member" and fill in business details such as PAN, IEC, GST, and contact details.

Process 3: Upload Required Documents

Scan and upload all necessary APEDA registration documents in the required format.

Process 4: Pay APEDA Registration Fees

APEDA registration fees: Rs.5,900 (Rs.5,000 + 18% GST).

Payment can be made online using net banking, credit/debit cards.

Process 5: Verification and Certificate Issuance

Once submitted, APEDA verifies the application and issues the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) within 7-10 working days.

Benefits of APEDA Registration

• Legal Authorization – Required for exporting APEDA-listed products.

• Financial Assistance – Eligible for government export promotion schemes.

• Global Market Access – Helps businesses connect with international buyers.

• Brand Recognition – Enhances credibility and trust in the global market.

• Export Promotion Schemes – Access to subsidies and incentives provided by the government.

Checking APEDA Registration Status Online

Once you have submitted your application, you can check your APEDA registration status using the following steps:

1. Visit https://apeda.gov.in.

2. Click on ‘Track Application Status’.

3. Enter your Application Reference Number.

4. View the real-time APEDA registration status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During APEDA Registration

• Uploading incorrect or blurred documents.

• Providing mismatched information in PAN, GST, and IEC.

• Not having AD Code Registration, which is required for export payments.

• Delays in checking APEDA registration status, leading to missed approvals.

By ensuring accuracy in document submission, businesses can avoid registration delays and start exporting faster.

Conclusion

APEDA registration is essential for businesses involved in the export of agricultural and processed food products. Ensuring that you have the correct documents required for APEDA registration, including business identification, company incorporation, and export-related documents, helps streamline the registration process. Whether you run a private limited company, OPC registration, subsidiary company, or Section 8 company, compliance with APEDA norms ensures smooth export operations. Additionally, keeping track of your APEDA registration status and maintaining updated records can prevent legal issues. By following the right steps, businesses can expand their global reach and benefit from government export promotion schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is APEDA registration mandatory for all exporters?

Ans. Yes, businesses dealing with APEDA-listed products must register to export legally.

Q2. What is the validity of APEDA registration?

Ans. APEDA registration is valid for a lifetime, eliminating the need for renewals.

Q3. What happens if my APEDA registration application is rejected?

Ans. You will need to correct the errors and resubmit the application with accurate details.

Q4. Can I apply for APEDA registration without GST registration?

Ans. No, GST registration is mandatory for businesses applying for APEDA certification.

Q5. How do I cancel my APEDA registration if I stop exporting?

Ans. You must submit a formal request to APEDA authorities, along with your business closure documents.