India is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, exporting a wide range of food and processed agricultural products to global markets. To regulate and promote agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established under the APEDA Act, 1985.
APEDA plays a critical role in confirming agri-export compliance by setting standards, providing certifications, facilitating market access, and offering financial assistance to exporters. Obtaining APEDA registration is mandatory for businesses involved in the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products.
Knowing Agri-Export Compliance
Agri-export compliance refers to the regulatory requirements that agricultural exporters must meet to confirm their products are safe, high-quality, and fit for international trade. Compliance includes:
•Food Safety Standards – Confirming that agricultural products meet domestic and global food safety norms.
•Quality Certification – Adhering to quality benchmarks like ISO, HACCP, FSSAI, and organic certifications.
• Packaging & Labeling Regulations – Meeting the packaging, labeling, and branding requirements of the importing country.
• Trade Documentation – Submitting export permits, phytosanitary certificates, and other legal documents.
• Customs & Tariff Compliance – Following international trade laws, including WTO guidelines.
APEDA confirms that Indian agricultural exporters comply with all these requirements, facilitating smooth and hassle-free export operations.
How APEDA Registration Supports Agri-Export Compliance
APEDA registration helps businesses comply with domestic and international trade regulations in the following ways:
1. Legal Authorization for Agricultural Exports
• APEDA registration provides businesses with a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), which is mandatory for exporting scheduled products like:
Fruits & Vegetables
Dairy & Meat Products
Cereals (Rice, Wheat, Maize, etc.)
Organic & Processed Food
Floriculture & Herbal Products
• Without APEDA registration, exporting these products is not permitted.
2. Confirming Food Safety & Quality Standards
• APEDA implements and enforces global food safety standards such as:
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System
• Global Organic Certification (NOP, NPOP, EU Organic)
• By following APEDA guidelines, exporters confirm that their food products are safe, hygienic, and contamination-free, meeting global trade requirements.
3. Compliance with International Certifications
•Many importing countries require specific certifications, which APEDA helps businesses obtain:
•Phytosanitary Certificate – Required for exporting fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.
•FSSAI Certification – Confirms food safety compliance in India.
•Halal & Kosher Certification – Necessary for exporting meat products to Middle Eastern and Jewish markets.
•Organic Certification (NPOP, USDA, EU Organic) – Required for exporting organic food products.
4. Facilitating Export Documentation & Licensing
APEDA assists exporters in obtaining the following mandatory export documents:
•Certificate of Origin – Confirms the Indian origin of the exported goods.
•Bill of Lading & Shipping Documents – Confirms smooth customs clearance.
•Letter of Credit & Trade Finance Assistance – Helps exporters obtain international trade financing.
•Export Permits & Trade Agreements – Confirms compliance with trade treaties like WTO, ASEAN, and SAFTA.
5. Compliance with Packaging & Labelling Regulations
•Different countries have strict packaging and labelling requirements for imported food products.
•APEDA provides guidelines for:
• Eco-friendly & tamper-proof packaging.
•Labelling in the importing country’s language.
•Nutritional value and ingredient disclosure.
•Barcode and traceability system compliance.
By following APEDA guidelines, exporters avoid rejection of shipments due to labelling issues.
6. Traceability & Export Monitoring
•APEDA has introduced the Trace Net system, an online platform that allows real-time tracking of organic agricultural products exported from India.
•It helps exporters comply with traceability regulations, especially for organic and perishable goods.
•The system confirms that exported goods meet the importing country’s agricultural and organic farming standards.
7. Market Access & Trade Promotion Support
•APEDA provides financial assistance to exporters for:
•Participating in international trade fairs.
•Conducting market research on global demand and pricing trends.
•Setting up cold storage & quality testing facilities.
•These initiatives help businesses expand their global presence while guaranteeing compliance with trade regulations.
8. Assistance in Meeting WTO & Export Tariff Compliance
•APEDA confirms that Indian exporters adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) norms.
•It helps exporters comply with:
•Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures – Guidelines on plant and animal health regulations.
•Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) – Compliance with international technical standards.
• APEDA also helps exporters identify import duties and tariff barriers in different countries, confirming cost-effective trade.
9. Confirming Ethical & Sustainable Agricultural Exports
•APEDA promotes sustainable farming & organic exports through:
• Training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
•Supporting Fair Trade & Ethical Farming Certifications.
•Encouraging environmentally friendly food production methods.
•This confirms that Indian agricultural exports align with the global sustainability goals, making them more competitive in international markets.
Step-by-Step Process for APEDA Registration
To obtain APEDA registration and comply with export regulations, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the APEDA Portal
• Go to the APEDA official website: https://apeda.gov.in/
• Click on "Register as Member" to begin the application process.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
• PAN Card of the business
• Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT
• Bank certificate & cancelled cheque
• GST registration certificate
• Address proof of business premises
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA) (For Companies)
• Self-Declaration Form
Step 3: Pay the Registration Fee
• The APEDA registration fee is ₹5,900 (including GST), payable online.
Step 4: Verification & Approval
• APEDA reviews the application and verifies documents.
• If all requirements are met, the RCMC Certificate is issued online within a few days.
Step 5: Compliance with Export Guidelines
• After obtaining APEDA registration, businesses must follow APEDA’s quality, safety, and export documentation guidelines to confirm smooth international trade.
Final Remark
APEDA registration is essential for agricultural exporters to comply with Indian and international trade regulations. It make sure Legal authorization for agricultural exports.
