APEDA RCMC Registration (Fees & Process)

What is APEDA RCMC Registration (Fees & Process)?

Get your APEDA Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate for exporting fruits, processed foods, cereals, and dairy — required for export incentives and schemes.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, established under the APEDA Act, 1985, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for promoting the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India. The Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate issued by APEDA, commonly referred to as APEDA RCMC, is a mandatory registration for any entity that exports products listed in the First Schedule of the APEDA Act. The scheduled products covered under APEDA's mandate span a wide range of categories including fresh fruits and vegetables, processed fruits and vegetables, animal products such as meat and poultry, dairy products, cereals and cereal products, groundnuts, walnuts, floriculture products, and a range of processed and packaged food items. Any Indian exporter dealing in these categories must register with APEDA and obtain the RCMC before exporting or before claiming any financial assistance or subsidy available under export promotion schemes. The legal obligation for APEDA registration arises from Section 12 of the APEDA Act, which mandates that no person shall export any scheduled product except under and in accordance with a certificate of registration granted by the APEDA Authority. Exporting scheduled products without a valid RCMC is therefore a violation of the Act and can result in penal consequences including fines and seizure of export consignments. The RCMC from APEDA serves multiple functions simultaneously. It is both a regulatory clearance and a membership credential that gives exporters access to a range of services and financial assistance programs administered by APEDA. Registered exporters can apply for financial assistance under APEDA's schemes for infrastructure development, quality development, market development, and transport assistance. The RCMC is also required for the issuance of phytosanitary certificates, Halal certificates, and various other export-related certifications that APEDA facilitates on behalf of exporters. APEDA manages registration through its online portal known as AEDA (APEDA Exporter Data and Analytics) platform, which replaced the older VAHAN system. Exporters must create an account, submit the application form along with prescribed documents, and pay the one-time registration fee. The authority reviews the application and, if all documents are in order, issues the RCMC electronically. The processing time is typically seven to fifteen working days from the date of successful application submission. A critical prerequisite for APEDA RCMC registration is a valid Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT. Without the IEC, APEDA cannot process the registration application. Additionally, the entity must have a bank account in its name and must provide the IEC registration details in the application. The RCMC issued by APEDA is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue. Exporters must renew the certificate before expiry to continue exporting scheduled products and to remain eligible for financial assistance. During the validity period, any changes in business details such as change of address, directors, or bank account must be updated with APEDA to keep the registration current. One common challenge for exporters is understanding which products fall under APEDA's schedule versus those regulated by other agencies such as the Spice Board, Coffee Board, Tea Board, or the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Where a product falls under the jurisdiction of another commodity board, that board's RCMC takes precedence. APEDA's schedule covers the residual categories of agricultural and processed food products not specifically covered by these other bodies. Exporters dealing in multiple product categories sometimes need RCMC registrations from more than one authority. Professional assistance in obtaining APEDA RCMC ensures that the application is correctly categorised, all product descriptions align with the APEDA schedule, and supporting documents meet the Authority's verification standards. Errors in product classification or document mismatches are the most common reasons for delays or rejection in APEDA registration.

How It Works

1. 1

   Obtain IEC from DGFT

   Ensure a valid Import Export Code is in place from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. APEDA registration cannot proceed without the IEC. If the IEC is not yet obtained, that must be the first step.

2. 2

   Register on APEDA Portal

   Create an account on the APEDA registration portal using the entity's PAN and IEC. Link the GST number and mobile number to the account. Verify the account using the OTP sent to the registered mobile.

3. 3

   Fill Online Application Form

   Complete the APEDA RCMC application form online. Enter details of the entity, the authorised signatory, bank account information, and the list of scheduled products proposed to be exported along with their Harmonised System (HS) codes.

4. 4

   Upload Supporting Documents

   Upload scanned copies of the IEC certificate, PAN card, incorporation or constitution document, GST certificate, cancelled cheque, and address proof. Ensure documents are legible and match the information entered in the form.

5. 5

   Pay Registration Fee

   Pay the one-time APEDA registration fee online through the portal. The fee is based on the nature of the applicant entity. Keep the payment receipt for records as it is required for tracking the application.

6. 6

   Application Review and RCMC Issuance

   APEDA reviews the application and documents within seven to fifteen working days. If any clarification is required, APEDA communicates through the portal or registered email. On successful verification, the RCMC is issued digitally and can be downloaded from the portal.

Government Fees

Professional Fees