APEDA Registration Guide: Process & Key Benefits for Exporters

Exporting agriculture and processed food products globally has always been profitable for businesses selling online in India. Registering with APEDA offers numerous benefits, including government assistance, market access, and quality compliance. However, the regulation may present a challenge due to the various complex regimes in the market. We have created an easy-to-follow guide to help you register for the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) certification without any hitches. Learn how to navigate the APEDA registration process successfully. 

Functions of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

APEDA is the government organisation responsible for exporting agricultural and processed food products from India. APEDA was established in 1985 and has played a huge role in increasing India’s agricultural exports and linking Indian exporters to international markets. 

Let us dive deep into the various functions of APEDA and learn how it can benefit your eCommerce business.

Market Research and Analysis:

Market research is essential to identify new export market destinations and global trends. By providing information about the consumers and competition and assessing the trends, APEDA assists the exporters to make the right strategies and market their products in the global markets. 

• Market Intelligence: Collects and disseminates information about demands, regulations, risks, and opportunities in the global market. This enables exporters to learn about the prevailing market environment and potential changes in laws for the export markets.
• Market Access: APEDA provides export opportunities to decrease trade barriers. This includes partnerships with international trade organisations and governments to access their markets and eliminate export challenges.

Infrastructure Development:

APEDA provides special supportive infrastructure for agricultural exports like warehouses, cold storage, etc. These facilities are important to preserve the quality and safety of food products. Thus, APEDA’s investment in infrastructure enables Indian products to be handled and transported appropriately.

• Warehousing and Cold Storage: APEDA helps sustain the competitiveness of Indian agricultural exports in the international market by developing better storage facilities to safeguard perishable products. This helps preserve products for a longer period and avoid being damaged when being transported. 
• Processing Facilities: APEDA assists in developing high-standard processing units. This enables exporters to reach new markets with a diverse portfolio of goods.
• Transportation and Logistics: By establishing sophisticated transport systems, APEDA assists exporters in supply chain management. The flow enables speed in the delivery of products and low cost of foreign operation.

Quality Control and Certification:

The authority encourages more compliance with internationally recognised quality standards and certification programs. This assists in creating global acceptance and assurance. 

• Quality Standards: By promoting international certification, APEDA ensures products meet global expectations. This commitment to quality helps Indian exporters achieve credibility and build strong market reputations. 
• Inspection and Certification: The Authority inspects and certifies all products before being exported. Such procedures are critical to making products conform to international laws and regulations. 
• Traceability: APEDA provides traceability solutions to provide information about the source and genuineness of agricultural commodities. Such systems offer transparency and assist in establishing accountability for the product.

Trade Promotion and Market Development:

Promotion and recognition of the exports is an important part of APEDA’s approach towards marketing Indian agricultural commodities in the international market. These activities have been useful in the creation of new opportunities. 

• Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: APEDA sponsors marketing events to promote Indian agriculture products. These events facilitate exporters to showcase their products and services to the global buyers. 
• Buyer-Seller Meets: APEDA organises buyer-seller meetings – a direct selling opportunity for exporters in the international market. These events help build strong business relations. 
• Marketing and Branding: APEDA offers marketing and branding solutions for Indian agricultural products. These techniques play an important role in giving a competitive edge to Indian products in the global market. APEDA supports exporters to increase brands’ visibility.

Policy Advocacy:

APEDA encourages policies that facilitate the export of agricultural products from India by fostering communication with international and governmental organisations. It assists in defining beneficial trade policies and solving trade issues. 

• Government Representation: The authority interacts with policymakers to develop the agricultural export sector. APEDA acts as the link between exporters and the government.
• International Negotiations: It is involved in the negotiation processes that define the trade relations and market access of Indian products. These negotiations are focused on easing the trade restrictions. 
• Dispute Resolution: APEDA offers counselling services to exporters to overcome various obstacles. This ensures that exporters’ rights are safeguarded. 

Thus, by offering these wide-ranging services, APEDA is well equipped to help Indian exporters in the process and boost the overseas export of Indian agricultural commodities. The organisation, thus, helps increase Indian exports and boosts the economy.

Eligibility Criteria for APEDA Registration

To register with APEDA, you must meet the following criteria:

• Indian Citizenship or Entity: The business must be based in India and the proprietor/manager of the business must be Indian or of an Indian company. 
• Export or Import Activities: Your company must be involved in foreign trading of processed and agricultural commodities. You must be involved in the production, manufacturing, trading, or even dealing with these products.
• IEC Code: A valid export-import code is mandatory. The IEC code is a ten-digit unique identification code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to businesses intending to indulge in foreign trade. 

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

The following documents are typically required for APEDA registration:

• Duly filled application form: The applicant must fill it with updated and accurate business information.
• Copy of IEC code: A valid export-import code (IEC code) is required for registration with the APEDA. Registering without the IEC code won’t be possible, and you will be required to attach a copy.
• Proof of business establishment: These may include registration certificates to prove the legal existence of your business. These documents include a company registration certificate or partnership deed.
• Bank details: You will have to share your account details and pay the sum of INR 5,000, excluding taxes as a registration fee.
• Passport size photographs of authorised signatories: Ensure the photos are taken recently and meet the specifications.

By preparing these documents in advance, you can streamline the APEDA Online Registration Procedure. Carefully review the specific requirements and ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submitting your application.

Goods Covered Under the APEDA Act

The APEDA Act covers numerous commodities under agricultural and processed food products. Indian exporters can avail the maximum number of markets in operation through this Act. These products include:

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A diverse range of fruits and vegetables, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate produce. This includes popular items such as mangoes, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
• Processed Food Products: This encompasses both traditional Indian delicacies and modern food products that cater to global tastes. These include jams, pickles, juices, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals. 
• Spices and Condiments: Including turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and chili powder. These products are renowned for their flavour, aroma, and nutritional value.
• Tea and Coffee: Including loose-leaf tea, coffee beans, and instant tea and coffee. India is a major producer of tea and coffee, and these products are highly sought after in international markets.
• Floriculture Products: Flowers, plants, and other horticultural products for ornamental purposes. This includes cut flowers, potted plants, and nursery stock.
• Livestock Products: Meat, poultry, dairy, and other livestock-derived products. 
• Organic Products: Adhering to strict production and processing standards. Organic products are increasingly popular among consumers who seek natural and sustainable food options.

With such a diverse list of products in its portfolio, APEDA ensures that Indian exporters can easily find a variety of markets to target and boost sales due to the increasing customer demand. 

The APEDA Registration Process

Let us follow a step-by-step guide to navigate the APEDA online registration procedure. The detailed breakdown of steps will help you save time and avoid complications.

• Step 1 – Online Application: The first step of the APEDA online registration procedure is filing an online application on the official website.
• Step 2 – Document Verification and Payment of Fees: After you have uploaded the necessary documents with the application, APEDA officers will assess the uploaded documents. All documentation should be accurately labelled and formatted to meet the requirements. You will be charged a prescribed registration fee online.
• Step 3 – Verification and Approval: Once the payment is processed, the APEDA authorities will receive your application and documents. They will assess whether you are qualified to be given a license.
• Step 4 – Issuance of Registration Certificate: If you meet all the required conditions, your application will be approved by APEDA. You will receive your APEDA registration certificate. This certificate is an official export license that enables you to export agricultural and processed food products from India.

Follow these steps and prepare the necessary documents, and you can complete the APEDA Online registration procedure successfully and enjoy its benefits.

How to Apply Online for Registration, Membership, and Certificate (RCMC)

This registration is compulsory to export agricultural and processed food products from India. The  APEDA Online Registration Procedure is simple and beneficial for capturing relevant information.

• Step 1- Visit the APEDA Portal: To register, you must visit the official APEDA website. Go to the home page and find the link that says ‘Register as a member‘. Ensure you are on the right site to avoid problems with the application. It is simple to register with the help of easy instructions that will be provided at the portal.

• Step 2 – Create an Account: New users will have to register on the portal. Enter your personal information including your name and phone number, business name, and other related information to create an account. 

• Step 3 – Fill Out the Application Form: Fill in the online application form with accurate details. Ensure all the entries are correctly filled in the form before submission to avoid delays in the process. 

• Step 4 – Upload Required Documents: Scan and upload all relevant documents mentioned in the application documents list. A few standard tips are: 
  • Ensure all documents are clear and easy to read to avoid complications.
  • Ensure your documents are original and are signed by the designated authorities.
  • Use a reliable scanning application to maintain clarity.
  • Carefully note the requirements and label your documents accordingly.

• Step 5 – Pay the Registration Fee: The portal offers several options for payment. Its payment gateway facilitates safe transactions. Ensure you keep a photocopy of the payment receipt. 

Validity and Cancellation of APEDA Registration

The APEDA registration certificate is valid for three years after it has been issued. The validity period of this certificate should be checked and renewed before its expiry to keep enjoying the services offered by APEDA. To discontinue exporting agricultural and processed food products, you can cancel your APEDA registration. Ensure your registration status is updated on the portal to streamline your business and administrative operations. 

• Renewal Process: The renewal process can be completed by filing an application form. Renew your certificate in advance to avoid interruptions in your export trade.
• Cancellation of Registration: However, if you want to stop exporting agricultural and processed food products, you can deregister from APEDA. To cancel the registration certificate, you must submit an application form to APEDA along with compliance formalities.

Benefits of APEDA Certification

There has been a notable improvement in the competitive capacity of the Indian exporters. The following are the advantages of obtaining this certification:

• Market Access: Getting APEDA certification grants quick access to the global market and trade fairs that provide innovative business prospects overseas. Such an opportunity tends to improve export quantities and access new foreign markets. It also helps in networking and making crucial contacts for your business.
• Government Support: Exporters with APEDA certification are granted special government incentives like subsidies, grants, or financial aid for financing export operations. 
• Quality Assurance: APEDA certification provides quality and safety checks to attract foreign buyers. This certification brings credibility by showing that your products have met high-quality standards, thus increasing consumer trust. It also assists in differentiating your products from the competition on an international level. The set quality standards can increase the bond between the customer and your business.
• Brand Promotion: You can get several branding and promotion opportunities through APEDA’s functions. APEDA takes the responsibility of organising trade fairs, exhibitions, and other events to market Indian products and provides exporters with the best opportunity to create a brand for their products. Brand management facilitates the expansion of the market share and enhances your business scale.

ShiprocketX: Seamless Customs Clearance and Global Courier Network

ShiprocketX has developed highly efficient logistical services for online sellers involved in the export. Currently, ShiprocketX offers several services aimed at helping the company and its clients ease through the export process and improve the efficiency of the services. By integrating with ShiprocketX, you are guaranteed that your consignments will be handled well and save time to focus on your business development. ShiprocketX can be useful for all businesses operating in the eCommerce industry. The shipping services cover international market, courier tracking in real-time, and integrated shipping services compatible with many popular eCommerce platforms.

Gain access to the best shipping services:

1. Seamless Customs Clearance
2. Global Courier Network
3. End-to-End Tracking
4. Competitive Rates

Shipping solutions are imperative for boosting margins and helping businesses achieve optimal and sustainable profitability.

Conclusion

Thus, registering with APEDA will help improve market coverage and increase the credibility of your business. We have covered all the details of the APEDA Online Registration Procedure. The APEDA certification offers several advantages to export agricultural products. APEDA also has a platform for Grievance Redressal on their official website. This facility solves the registered member’s queries and issues timely. Outsourcing all these services to ShiprocketX saves time and effort. You can concentrate on other aspects of your business growth. The logistics services will take care of the end-to-end shipment process to ensure your consignments get delivered on time.