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Online APEDA Registration for Indian Exporters

Online APEDA Registration for Indian Exporters

To export agricultural and processed food products, businesses need online APEDA registration for indian exporters, along with scanned, self-certified copies of their business and financial documents. In fact, the process is completely online and requires an application fee of ₹5,000 (excluding 18% GST).
 

Online Registration Procedure:

  1. Obtaining an IEC: An active and valid IEC issued by DGFT is mandatory. Moreover, it is an Importer-Exporter code with a 10-digit identification number for the import or export of goods/services. Furthermore, the DGFT, Ministry of Commerce, India, issues this code.
  2. Go to the DGFT homepage: First, click the Register button in the top-right-hand corner of the page. Then, input your firm’s PAN and basic business details. After this, validate your registration using the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email and mobile number. Moreover, use the temporary password received to log in and create a permanent one.
    You need to file online through the DGFT Common Digital Platform to apply for an e-RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate). Furthermore, this requires a valid active IEC (Importer-Exporter Code), digital signature (DSC) or Aadhaar-based e-Signatures, and updating your IEC profile.

How to apply for APEDA Export Registration

In imports and exports, a very common question before setting up an import/export business is: “How to apply for APEDA export registration?” Most importantly, ensure you have your Import-Export Code (IEC), PAN card, bank details, and business incorporation documents ready. For this purpose, you need to complete the application through the official portal by filling out the form. Overall, you need to  upload the necessary documents and pay the ₹5,900 fee.
 

Prerequisites for Registration:

Before you start your application, make sure you have the following documents ready to upload in PDF or JPEG format:
  • Import-Export Code (IEC) Certificate issued by DGFT.
  • PAN Card (of the company or proprietor).
  • Bank Certificate or a cancelled cheque for account verification.
  • Business Proof: Incorporation Certificate, Partnership Deed, or MOA/AOA (depending on the business structure).
  • Registration details (if applying as a Manufacturer Exporter).
For APEDA registration, you must provide the PAN card of the business entity rather than your personal PAN. Above all, to ensure a smooth application process, your APEDA PAN, IEC (Import Export Code), and Bank Account details should all be registered under the exact same entity name.
 
  1. You can upload either a Bank Certificate or a cancelled cheque to verify your business bank account for APEDA registration.
  2. Requirements for a Bank Certificate:
  3. The certificate must be issued on your bank’s official letterhead. Moreover, the authorised bank branch manager should duly sign and stamp it. In addition, the business name, address, account number, and IFSC code provided in the certificate must exactly match your Import Export Code (IEC) and GST.
  4. If the name or account details on your cancelled cheque or bank certificate do not match your IEC records, the APEDA authority will raise a clarification, delaying your approval.

APEDA Registration for Food Exports

Under the APEDA Act 1985, it is mandatory to apply for APEDA registration for food exports. In other words, this grants you the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC). It is a core prerequisite for customs clearance and for claiming government export financial subsidies.
Likewise, fruits, vegetables, Processed Foods, honey, and dairy products, Basmati and non-basmati rice, wheat, cereal preparations, pulses, and guar gum require APEDA registration.
Similarly, a valid FSSAI License or Registration is mandatory for all food exporters seeking APEDA registration. After this, you must obtain either a State or Central FSSAI License (as an exporter, a Central License is typically required) before applying for APEDA on the APEDA Official Portal.
 
  • Businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹12 Lakhs need a Basic FSSAI Registration. On the other hand, businesses exceeding this threshold require a State or Central License. In addition, exporters generally require an FSSAI Central License.
  • You would need an Import Export Code (IEC), a PAN card, proof of business premises, and a detailed list of the food products you intend to export. Once approved, you will receive a 14-digit FSSAI license number.
  • Furthermore, an FSSAI License is a food safety registration that ensures compliance with export quality standards. Most importantly, FSSAI is an independent statutory body to regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products in India.
  • Above all, GST Registration is necessary for tax compliance and invoicing. GST Registration is the formal process of enrolling a business under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India to obtain a unique 15-digit Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN).
  • Overall, to export agricultural and processed food products, you must prepare scanned, self-certified copies of your business and financial documents. In imports and exports, a very common question before setting up an import/export business is: “How to apply for APEDA export registration?”

APEDA registration documentation

APEDA registration documentation
There are certain important documents required to complete APEDA registration documentation. Here is a list of them:
 
  1. Import-Export Code (IEC): A self-certified copy of your IEC certificate issued by the DGFT is mandatory.
  2. Business Identification: A copy of your PAN Card (for the entity) is necessary. Moreover, it is required to open business bank accounts, register for GST, and file corporate income tax returns. Similarly, you can use your individual PAN card along with business proof (such as GST or MSME registration).
  3. Corporate Entities: You must provide the PAN specific to the business entity; individual shareholder or director PAN cards will not be accepted.
  4. Proof of Business Entity: Certificate of Incorporation (for Pvt. Ltd./LLP), Partnership Deed (for firms), or Udyam/GST registration (for proprietorships) is necessary.
  5. Bank Verification: A certified Banker’s Certificate on the bank’s official letterhead, along with a copy of a cancelled cheque or the latest 2 months’ bank statement, will suffice for the requirement.
  6. FSSAI License: A copy of your FSSAI registration/license is mandatory for most food and agricultural product exports.
  7. Director/Partner Details: A list of all directors, partners, or proprietors, along with their identity and address proofs.
  8. Digital Signature: A valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorised person to authenticate and submit the online application.
 
To export agricultural and processed food products, you must prepare scanned, self-certified copies of your business and financial documents. In imports and exports, a very common question before setting up an import/export business is: “How to apply for APEDA export registration?” Under the APEDA Act 1985, it is mandatory to apply for APEDA registration for food exports.
 
Falcon Freight (Falcon India) acts as a specialised customs broker and freight forwarder, providing end-to-end consulting for government licenses, including APEDA.

Conclusion

Online APEDA registration is a mandatory and strategic step for Indian exporters dealing in scheduled agricultural and processed food products. By obtaining the Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) via the Official APEDA Portal, businesses gain global credibility, avoid , and access vital government subsidies and financial assistance.
 
If APEDA raises any objections or requests additional documentation, sea export custom house agents and documentation team helps resolve these issues to prevent application rejection.
 
For more information:
 
Phone No. :- +91 9311595648