APEDA

Tue, Jan 27 2026

Raju Karn

Is APEDA Registration Mandatory for Agricultural Exports? (2026 Guide)

Q: Is APEDA registration mandatory for all agricultural exporters?

No. APEDA registration is mandatory only for exporters of scheduled products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, honey, and confectionery. It is not required for non-scheduled products like tea, coffee, or spices.

Q: What is the validity of APEDA registration?

APEDA registration is generally considered a one-time or lifetime registration. Exporters should still check the APEDA portal for any regulatory updates.

Q: What is the government fee for APEDA registration?

The official government fee for APEDA registration is ₹5,000 plus GST. Additional professional fees may apply if services are taken from a consultant.

Q: What documents are required for APEDA registration?

Required documents include Import Export Code (IEC), PAN, GST registration, bank certificate, recent bank statement, canceled cheque, and the APEDA application form.

Q: How long does APEDA registration take?

APEDA registration is usually completed within 3 to 7 working days after submission of complete and correct documents.

Q: Can multiple products be exported under one APEDA registration?

Yes. A single APEDA registration allows exporters to export multiple scheduled products, provided they are declared during the application process.

Q: What is RCMC in APEDA registration?

RCMC stands for Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate. It is issued by APEDA and authorizes exporters to export scheduled products and avail APEDA-related benefits.

If you are planning to export agricultural or food products from India, one common question comes up again and again:
“Is APEDA registration mandatory?”

Many exporters start shipments without proper registration and later face problems like customs delays, DGFT issues, or bank compliance queries.
This blog explains what APEDA is, when registration is compulsory, when it is not, and why it matters, in very simple words

What is APEDA?

APEDA stands for Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

It is a government body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

APEDA:

Registers exporters of notified agricultural products
Promotes Indian agri exports globally
Issues RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate)

Is APEDA Registration Mandatory?

Yes, APEDA registration is mandatory

If you export products listed under APEDA’s notified category, you must register with APEDA before exporting.

Without APEDA registration:

➤ Customs clearance can be blocked

➤ DGFT benefits may be denied

➤ Banks may raise compliance objections

Products That Require Mandatory APEDA Registration

APEDA registration is compulsory if you export:

Cereals (rice, wheat, maize, barley)

➜ Basmati & non-basmati rice

➜ Groundnuts

➜ Fruits & vegetables

➜ Dairy products

➜ Honey

➜ Meat & meat products

➜ Poultry products

➜ Processed food items (as notified)

👉 If your product falls in this list, APEDA registration is compulsory.

Why APEDA Registration is Important

Key Benefits

▪ Required for legal agricultural exports

▪ Helps in customs clearance

▪ Mandatory for DGFT incentives

▪ Builds exporter credibility

▪ Needed for bank documentation

▪ Enables access to export promotion schemes

Simply put:
👉 No APEDA = Export problems

When APEDA Registration is NOT Mandatory

APEDA registration is not required if:

⁃ Your product is not listed under APEDA’s notified products

⁃ You are exporting non-agricultural goods

⁃ Products fall under other export councils (like spices, tea, coffee)

⚠️ But even in such cases, exporters often register to avoid confusion at customs.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

→ Import Export Code (IEC)

→ PAN card (individual/company)

→ Address proof

→ Bank certificate / cancelled cheque

→ Digital signature

→ Product details

Validity of APEDA Registration

APEDA registration is lifetime valid
No renewal required
One-time registration only

Who Should Apply for APEDA Registration?

➜ Farmers exporting produce

➜ Agri traders

➜ Food manufacturers

➜ Merchant exporters

➜ Export startups

➜ Processing units

Common Mistakes Exporters Make

▪ Applying after shipment is planned

▪ Wrong product classification

▪ Incomplete documents

▪ Assuming APEDA is optional

These mistakes lead to shipment delays and penalties.

Planning to Export Agricultural Products?

Don’t risk shipment delays or compliance issues.
PSR Compliance helps you get APEDA registration done correctly and smoothly.

📞 Call: +91-7065883416
Get expert guidance before you export.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is APEDA registration mandatory for all agricultural exporters?
No. APEDA registration is mandatory only for exporters of scheduled products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, honey, and confectionery. It is not required for non-scheduled products like tea, coffee, or spices.

2. What is the validity of APEDA registration?
APEDA registration is generally considered a one-time (lifetime) registration. However, exporters should always verify the latest guidelines on the official APEDA portal.

3. What is the government fee for APEDA registration?
The official government fee is ₹5,000 + GST. Additional professional fees may apply if you use a consultant.

4. What documents are required for APEDA registration?
IEC, PAN, GST registration, bank certificate, recent bank statement, canceled cheque, and the APEDA application form.

5. How long does APEDA registration take?
APEDA registration is usually completed within 3–7 working days after submission of all required documents.

6. Can multiple products be exported under one APEDA registration?
Yes, a single APEDA registration allows exporters to export multiple scheduled products, provided they are declared during application.

7. What is RCMC in APEDA registration?
RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) is the certificate issued by APEDA that authorizes exporters to export scheduled products and access APEDA benefits.