🌾 APEDA Registration – Full Details

 

1️⃣ What is APEDA?

APEDA = Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

• Established under the APEDA Act, 1985

• Function: Promote export of agricultural and processed food products from India

• Under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India

APEDA Registration is mandatory for exporters dealing in certain scheduled products.

 

2️⃣ Scheduled Products under APEDA

APEDA regulates the export of the following products:

Category	Examples
Fruits & Vegetables	Fresh / processed fruits, vegetables
Meat & Poultry Products	Buffalo meat, chicken, mutton
Dairy Products	Milk, cheese, butter
Confectionery & Bakery Products	Chocolates, biscuits, sweets
Honey, Jaggery & Sugar Products	Honey, jaggery
Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages	Wine, fruit juices
Other Processed Foods	Pickles, snacks, frozen food

A complete list of scheduled products is available on APEDA’s official site.

 

3️⃣ Who Needs APEDA Registration?

• Any exporter or manufacturer of scheduled products from India

• Both Indian companies and exporters planning to ship goods abroad

• Entities must have a physical office / factory / processing unit

Registration is mandatory for exporting these products; unregistered exporters cannot ship.

 

4️⃣ Benefits of APEDA Registration

1. Legal Authorization to Export: Only registered exporters can export scheduled products.

2. Subsidies & Financial Assistance: Access to APEDA schemes for marketing and infrastructure.

3. Market Development Support: Participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets.

4. Quality & Certification Support: Assistance in getting FSSAI, HACCP, ISO, and organic certifications.

5. Grants for Infrastructure & Packaging: Funding under APEDA schemes for cold storage, warehousing, packaging, branding.

 

5️⃣ Eligibility Criteria

• Registered legal entity: Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Pvt Ltd, Public Ltd, Cooperative, or Society

• Must have a physical manufacturing, processing, or packing unit

• Must produce/export scheduled products

• Valid PAN & GST registration in India

APEDA will not register entities without a business address or operational facility.

 

6️⃣ Documents Required for Registration

Document	Notes
PAN Card	Company / Proprietor / Partnership PAN
GST Registration	Mandatory for export compliance
IEC Code	Import Export Code from DGFT
Certificate of Incorporation / Registration	For companies, LLP, society
Proof of Manufacturing / Processing Unit	Factory license, warehouse details
Product List	Items intended for export
Bank Account Details	For subsidy or fund transfer
Authorization Letter	For authorized signatory (if applicable)

All documents must be scanned and uploaded online during registration.

 

7️⃣ APEDA Registration Process – Step by Step

Step 1 – Obtain IEC Code

• Required for any exporter from India

• Apply via DGFT portal: https://www.dgft.gov.in

Step 2 – Prepare Documents

• PAN, GST, IEC, incorporation certificate, bank details, manufacturing proof, product list

Step 3 – Apply Online

• Portal: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/

• Fill registration form for exporters of scheduled products

Step 4 – Upload Documents

• Scan & attach all required documents in PDF / JPEG format

Step 5 – Verification by APEDA

• APEDA verifies submitted details and may inspect the processing / manufacturing unit

Step 6 – Certificate Issued

• Registration Certificate issued online with unique APEDA registration number

• Validity: 5 years, renewable

Step 7 – Renewal

• Apply before expiry via APEDA portal

• Update details if there is any change in business, product, or unit location

 

8️⃣ Compliance & Guidelines

• Maintain accurate records of exports

• Use APEDA registration number on export documentation

• Comply with quality standards and certifications (FSSAI, HACCP, ISO)

• Renew registration on time

• Cooperate with APEDA inspections or audits

 

9️⃣ APEDA Schemes & Support

• Infrastructure Development Scheme: Cold storage, warehouse, pre-cooling units

• Market Development Assistance Scheme: Subsidy for trade fairs and marketing

• Quality Development Scheme: Training, certification, lab testing

• Brand Promotion Scheme: Export promotion and labeling support

 

10️⃣ Fees

• APEDA registration fee: ₹2,000–₹5,000 (varies with type of entity)

• Renewal fee: Same as registration fee

 

📝 Professional Advisory Draft – APEDA Registration

 

1️⃣ Advisory Letter Draft

Email

SUBJECT : Advisory on APEDA Registration for Export of Agricultural Products

To: [Client Name]
Date: __________

Subject: Advisory on APEDA Registration for Export of Agricultural / Processed Food Products

Dear [Client Name],

This is to advise that APEDA registration is mandatory for any exporter of scheduled agricultural and processed food products under the APEDA Act, 1985.

Recommended Actions:

1. Ensure your entity is eligible: registered legal entity with physical manufacturing or processing unit.

2. Obtain IEC Code from DGFT if not already available.

3. Prepare required documents: PAN, GST, IEC, incorporation certificate, product list, bank account details, manufacturing proof.

4. Apply online via APEDA portal (https://apeda.gov.in).

5. Upon verification, APEDA will issue a registration certificate with a unique number.

6. Ensure timely renewal every 5 years and comply with APEDA guidelines for export documentation and quality standards.

Benefits:

• Legal authorization for exports

• Access to APEDA export promotion schemes

• Support for marketing, certification, and infrastructure

We recommend initiating APEDA registration promptly to ensure compliance and enable smooth export operations.

Warm regards,
[Authorized Consultant Name]
[Designation / Organization]

 

2️⃣ Engagement Letter Draft

Email

SUBJECT: Engagement Letter for APEDA Registration Services

To: [Client Name]
Date: __________

Subject: Engagement for APEDA Registration Services

Dear [Client Name],

This letter confirms our engagement to assist your organization in obtaining APEDA registration for exporting scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

Scope of Services:

1. Verify eligibility and scheduled product list

2. Assist in IEC code acquisition (if not available)

3. Prepare & submit registration application online

4. Liaison with APEDA for verification and issuance of certificate

5. Provide guidance for renewal and compliance with APEDA schemes

Client Responsibilities:

• Provide authentic documents

• Facilitate inspection if required by APEDA

Professional fees and timelines will be mutually agreed.

Accepted By:
Name: __________
Signature: __________
Date: __________

Warm regards,
[Consultant Name]
[Designation / Organization]

 

3️⃣ Compliance Declaration Draft

Email

SUBJECT : APEDA Compliance Declaration

We hereby declare that:

• Our organization is exporting scheduled agricultural and processed food products as defined by APEDA.

• We have submitted authentic documents for registration.

• We will comply with APEDA regulations and maintain records of export operations.

• We will renew registration and update business or product details as required.

Place: __________
Date: __________

Authorized Signatory
Name & Designation

Additional Information on APEDA Registration

 

1️⃣ APEDA Registration vs IEC Code

• IEC Code (Import Export Code): Mandatory for all exporters/importers in India, issued by DGFT.

• APEDA Registration: Mandatory only for scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

• Important: You cannot export scheduled products without APEDA registration, even if you have an IEC code.

 

2️⃣ Validity & Renewal

• APEDA registration is valid for 5 years.

• Renewal must be done before expiry via APEDA portal.

• Failure to renew may result in blocking of exports under APEDA-regulated products.

Renewal process is online and requires confirmation of existing entity and product details.

 

3️⃣ APEDA Exporter Schemes

Registered exporters can avail of subsidies and benefits under APEDA schemes:

Scheme	Benefits
Market Development Assistance (MDA)	Subsidy for participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets
Infrastructure Development Scheme (IDS)	Funding for cold storage, packaging units, pre-cooling facilities
Quality Development Scheme (QDS)	Lab testing, HACCP certification, ISO certification
Brand Promotion Scheme	Assistance in creating export brands, labelling, promotion
Transport Subsidy	Subsidy for refrigerated transport for perishable products

Being APEDA-registered is a prerequisite to claim any of these benefits.

 

4️⃣ Product & Export Documentation

• Use APEDA registration number on all export documentation:

  • Shipping bills

  • Invoices

  • Quality certificates

• Maintain records of export quantity, product specifications, and destination for APEDA audits.

 

5️⃣ Compliance & Quality Certifications

• APEDA often links registration with product quality certifications:

  • FSSAI license (for processed foods, dairy, beverages)

  • ISO, HACCP, GMP certifications

  • Organic certification (for organic product exports)

• Many countries require these certifications for import clearance.

Advisory Tip: Begin the certification process early to avoid export delays.

 

6️⃣ Inspection & Verification

• APEDA may verify the manufacturing/processing unit before or after registration.

• Inspections ensure compliance with:

  • Hygiene and sanitation standards

  • Production and storage facilities

  • Labeling and packaging compliance

• Non-compliance may result in blocking of registration or penalties.

 

7️⃣ Tracking APEDA Registration

• Registration and certificate can be checked on the APEDA portal: https://apeda.gov.in

• Keep all scanned documents backed up for audits and renewal.

• Any change in ownership, product line, or unit location must be updated online.

 

8️⃣ Penalties & Legal Consequences

Offense	Consequence
Exporting scheduled products without APEDA registration	Seizure of goods, fines
Submitting false information	Registration cancellation, legal action
Failure to comply with APEDA schemes or audits	Denial of subsidy or participation in export schemes

Strict compliance is necessary to avoid export disruption.

 

9️⃣ Export Advisory Tips

1. Plan ahead: Registration and certification may take 2–4 weeks.

2. Maintain product lists: Only products listed during registration can be exported.

3. Link IEC & APEDA registration: This avoids customs clearance issues.

4. Use APEDA schemes: Helps reduce operational costs and expand markets.

5. Keep records for 5+ years: For audits and subsidy claims.

 

10️⃣ Key APEDA Links

• APEDA Official Portal: https://apeda.gov.in

• Exporter Registration Form: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/registration/registration_form.htm

• Schemes & Subsidies: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/schemes/schemes.htm

• Scheduled Products List: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/products/products.htm

 

🌾 APEDA Registration Master Kit – Complete Package

Contents of the Kit

1. Overview of APEDA & Scheduled Products

2. Eligibility Criteria

3. Step-by-Step Registration Guide

4. Document Checklist

5. Advisory Letter Draft – Professional Client Communication

6. Engagement Letter Draft – Service Agreement

7. Compliance Declaration Draft

8. Renewal & Record-Keeping Guidelines

9. APEDA Schemes & Benefits Advisory

10. Inspection & Compliance Advisory

11. Penalties & Legal Consequences

12. Sample Filled Forms & Checklists

 

1️⃣ Overview of APEDA

• Full Name: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

• Established: 1985 under the APEDA Act

• Governing Body: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India

• Purpose: Promote export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products, support exporters with schemes, training, and marketing assistance

 

2️⃣ Scheduled Products

Category	Examples
Fruits & Vegetables	Fresh, frozen, dried
Meat & Poultry	Buffalo meat, chicken, mutton
Dairy Products	Milk, butter, cheese
Confectionery & Bakery	Chocolates, sweets, biscuits
Honey, Jaggery, Sugar	Honey, jaggery, sugar products
Beverages	Wine, fruit juices, alcoholic drinks
Other Processed Foods	Pickles, snacks, frozen foods

Full list available at APEDA portal.

 

3️⃣ Eligibility Criteria

• Registered legal entity (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Pvt Ltd, Public Ltd, Cooperative, Society)

• Physical manufacturing/processing/packing unit

• PAN & GST registration

• Exporting scheduled products under APEDA

 

4️⃣ Document Checklist

Document	Notes
PAN Card	Company / Proprietor / Partnership
GST Certificate	Mandatory for export compliance
IEC Code	From DGFT, mandatory for export
Certificate of Incorporation	For companies, LLPs, societies
Proof of Manufacturing Unit	Factory license, warehouse documents
Product List	Products intended for export
Bank Details	For subsidy transfer
Authorization Letter	Authorized signatory

 

5️⃣ Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Step 1 – IEC Code

• Required from DGFT: https://www.dgft.gov.in

Step 2 – Prepare Documents

• PAN, GST, IEC, incorporation certificate, bank details, product list, proof of unit

Step 3 – Apply Online

• Portal: APEDA Registration

Step 4 – Upload Documents

• Scanned PDFs / JPEGs

Step 5 – Verification by APEDA

• May include physical inspection of unit

Step 6 – Certificate Issued

• Unique APEDA Registration Number

• Valid for 5 years

Step 7 – Renewal

• Apply before expiry online, update any business or product changes

 

6️⃣ Advisory Letter Draft

To: [Client Name]
Date: __________

Subject: Advisory on APEDA Registration

Dear [Client Name],

This advisory is to inform you that APEDA registration is mandatory for exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

Action Plan:

1. Ensure eligibility: registered entity with physical manufacturing or processing unit.

2. Obtain IEC Code if not available.

3. Prepare documents: PAN, GST, IEC, incorporation certificate, bank details, product list, unit proof.

4. Apply online via APEDA portal.

5. Upon verification, APEDA will issue a registration certificate valid for 5 years.

6. Renew on time and comply with APEDA guidelines for export documentation and quality standards.

Benefits include legal authorization for exports, access to APEDA schemes, and support for certification, marketing, and infrastructure.

Warm regards,
[Consultant Name]
[Designation / Organization]

 

7️⃣ Engagement Letter Draft

To: [Client Name]
Date: __________

Subject: Engagement for APEDA Registration Services

Dear [Client Name],

This letter confirms our engagement to assist your organization in obtaining APEDA registration.

Scope of Services:

• Verify eligibility and product list

• Assist in IEC code acquisition

• Prepare and submit registration online

• Liaison with APEDA for verification and certificate issuance

• Guide on renewal and compliance with APEDA schemes

Client Responsibilities:

• Provide authentic documents

• Facilitate inspection if required

Professional fees and timelines will be mutually agreed.

Accepted By:
Name: __________
Signature: __________
Date: __________

Warm regards,
[Consultant Name]
[Designation / Organization]

 

8️⃣ Compliance Declaration Draft

We hereby declare that:

• Our organization is exporting scheduled agricultural/processed products as per APEDA.

• We have submitted authentic documents.

• We will comply with APEDA regulations and maintain records of exports.

• We will renew registration and update business/product details as required.

Place: __________
Date: __________

Authorized Signatory
Name & Designation

 

9️⃣ APEDA Schemes & Benefits

Scheme	Benefit
Market Development Assistance	Subsidy for trade fairs, buyer-seller meets
Infrastructure Development	Cold storage, packaging, pre-cooling units
Quality Development	Lab testing, ISO/HACCP certifications
Brand Promotion	Export branding, labeling, marketing
Transport Subsidy	Refrigerated transport for perishable products

Only available to APEDA-registered exporters.

 

10️⃣ Inspection & Compliance

• APEDA may inspect manufacturing/processing unit

• Maintain hygiene, labeling, and quality standards

• Keep accurate records of production, exports, and documentation

 

11️⃣ Penalties & Legal Consequences

Offense	Consequence
Export without APEDA registration	Goods may be seized, fines imposed
Submission of false info	Registration cancellation, legal action
Non-compliance with schemes/audits	Subsidy denial, export restrictions

 

12️⃣ Renewal & Record-Keeping

• Apply before expiry (5 years)

• Update unit, product list, or ownership changes

• Maintain export records for minimum 5 years

 

13️⃣ Key APEDA Links

• Portal: https://apeda.gov.in

• Registration Form: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/registration/registration_form.htm

• Schemes: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/schemes/schemes.htm

• Scheduled Products: https://apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/products/products.htm