In the dynamic arena of agricultural exports in India, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) stands as a cornerstone institution. An APEDA license is essential for businesses to export agricultural and processed food products. In this blog, we will discuss the APEDA license registration process, why one should register with APEDA, the eligibility and documentation required for an APEDA license on the go, the penalty for default and the online APEDA license registration certification process.

What is an APEDA license?

The APEDA license is a certification provided by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The license is mandatory for exporters of diverse agricultural and processed food products such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, and dairy products. Having an APEDA license registration means the products will meet the standards of the quality set by the government for export.

Other products scheduled for release under APEDA include:

• Products of fruits, vegetables, and their products
• Meat and meat products
• Dairy products
• Sweets, cookies, and bakery items
• Cereals and cereal products
• Drinks: alcoholic, non-alcoholic
• Floriculture and floriculture-related products
• Herbal and medicinal plants
• Honey, jaggery, and sugar products

APEDA is pleased to introduce online APEDA license registration, which will be valid for life; however, it is the duty of exporters to check/modify their profile from time to time and adhere to APEDA rules.

Important Benefits Of APEDA License Registration

• Market Access: Getting an APEDA license gives you plenty of access to the world, boosting exports. It helps build credibility and trust with foreign buyers.
• Financial assistance: The government provides various financial assistance schemes, including marketing and subsidy for quality improvement, to registered exporters.
• Quality Assurance:APEDA license registration ensures products meet quality standards for the international market, reducing the chances of rejection at international borders.
  
  
• Training and Support: APEDA conducts training sessions and workshops to help exporters become aware of the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in the agricultural export sector.
  
  
• APEDA forms: participation in international trade fairs/exhibitions: The license helps to promote the business to the international platform to sell the products under one roof.

APEDA License Registration Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria for APEDA License Registration Online:

• Business Type: The candidate is required to get himself registered as an entity, which might be a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, company, or cooperative culture, working to export agricultural and processed food goods.
  
  
• Types of export products: The applicant should be engaged in exporting products listed under the APEDA Act, which include fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, and processed foods.
  
  
• Adherence to Standards: The applicant shall adhere to the quality standards and regulations laid down by APEDA, as well as other relevant authorities.
  
  
• No Pending Dues: The applicant must have no outstanding dues or penalties pending with APEDA or any other government body.

Required Documents For APEDA License Registration

APEDA license registration with Services Plus. It all starts with a simple yet powerful online platform. Key documents that are commonly required include:

• Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT (mandatory)
• Bank Certificate (on a letterhead of the bank)/cancelled check
• Business Entity Proof—Partnership deed, incorporation certificate or GST registration.
• Business or Owner PAN Card
• Address proof of the business
• Contact Email ID and Mobile Number
• Individual or proprietorship — passport-size photo

Ensure that all the papers are scanned and saved in proper file formats before applying for online APEDA registration certification.

Penalties For Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the standards established by APEDA may result in heavy punitivemeasures, which are:

• Fines: Failure to adhere to the standards may incur significant fines, severity determines cost.
  
  
• APEDA can suspend or revoke the online APEDA license registration of the exporter in case of any such failures in following the standards and regulations.
  
  
• Legal Recourse: In the case of extreme violators, legal action can also be taken against them, leading to further complications along with financial loss.
• Loss of Confidence: Failure to comply can lead to loss of credibility and trust of international buyers, and it can result in reduced export opportunities

APEDA Registration Fees In India

If you are a new exporter, one of the most frequent questions that arise in your mind is regarding the APEDA registration fees in India. The simplest, fixed registration fee structure:

• Modalities Program Registration Fee: ₹5000 (plus GST)
• GST 18%: ₹900
• Total: ₹5,900

The payment for these fees is made online during online registration of the APEDA license and the fees are non-refundable.

At Services Plus, we take care of everything for you professionally and efficiently, so you don’t need to worry about all that paperwork or payment process.

Basics of APEDA registration:

We have a simple and effective process of online APEDA license registration at Services Plus:

Step 1: IEC Code Verification.

First, the applicant has to apply and obtain a valid IEC Code from the DGFT. Online APEDA registration cannot be done without IEC.

Step 2: Online Registration in the APEDA Portal.

Our team will apply for your online APEDA license registration in official APEDA portals.

Step 3: Document Upload

We help upload all required documents, including PAN, bank certificate, proof of business, and address proof.

Step 4: Fee Payment

The registration fee of ₹5,900 (inclusive of GST) is paid online after uploading the documents.

Step 5: Approval and RCMC Generation

APEDA will give a certificate of registration-cum-membership (RCMC) after verification. This certificate is normally issued within 7 business days after giving the online APEDA  registration fees in India.

Step 6: Support after having your company registered

Post-registration, Services Plus provides additional help with profile updates, renewal reminders, and more on how to obtain APEDA advantages.