APEDA Certification

What is APEDA?

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

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

• APEDA promotes the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products from India.

• It also sets quality standards, provides financial assistance, and supports exporters in capacity building and market access.

What is APEDA Certificate?

• The APEDA Certificate is a mandatory registration required for exporters of scheduled agricultural products.

• It is issued under the APEDA Act, 1985.

• Once registered, an exporter can export listed products globally, access APEDA schemes, and gain support in branding and promotion.

• The certificate is valid for lifetime, subject to the continuation of business operations.

Objective of APEDA Registration

• To promote exports of Indian agricultural and processed food products.

• To enhance the quality and competitiveness of Indian exports through training and certification.

• To assist exporters with financial aid, infrastructure, and market development.

• To provide market intelligence, product standards, and global exposure to Indian exporters.

Products Covered Under APEDA

• Fruits and Vegetables

• Meat and Meat Products

• Poultry and Dairy Products

• Honey, Jaggery, and Sugar Products

• Floriculture and Medicinal Plants

• Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Cereal and Cereal Products

• Groundnuts, Guar Gum, and Pulses

• Pickles, Papads, and Ready-to-Eat Products

• Herbal and Organic Products

• Only these “Scheduled Products” are eligible under APEDA.

Who Should Apply for APEDA Certificate?

• All exporters of scheduled food/agricultural products must register with APEDA.

• Even new exporters intending to enter global markets with eligible products should apply.

• Registration is required before exporting, as it is verified by customs and DGFT.

Benefits of APEDA Registration

• Authorization to export scheduled products legally from India.

• Eligibility for financial assistance schemes like infrastructure support, packaging, and marketing.

• Access to training programs, workshops, and international trade fairs organized by APEDA.

• Support for quality development, including HACCP, ISO, and traceability systems.

• Access to global market intelligence and trade data.

• Enhanced credibility with foreign buyers as a registered government-backed exporter.

• Inclusion in the APEDA exporter database and promotion on international platforms.

Documents Required for APEDA Registration

• Duly filled online application form on the APEDA portal.

• Copy of Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.

• Copy of PAN Card of the business.

• Bank Certificate (on bank letterhead) or a cancelled cheque.

• Copy of GST Registration Certificate.

• Company Incorporation Certificate / Partnership Deed / Proprietor Proof.

• Address Proof of the business (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.).

• Contact details including email ID and mobile number for OTP verification.

APEDA Registration Process

1. Visit the APEDA website and create a login using the IEC number.

2. Fill out the online registration form with required details.

3. Upload scanned copies of necessary documents in PDF or JPEG format.

4. Pay the registration fee (currently ₹5,000 + GST) online via net banking or debit/credit card.

5. Submit the application for processing.

6. Once verified, the APEDA Registration Certificate is issued.

7. You can download the certificate directly from the portal.

8. Registration is valid for life; no renewal required unless business details change.

Validity and Renewal

• The APEDA certificate is valid for a lifetime.

• No need to renew annually.

• Any change in address, product line, or company structure must be updated on the portal.

Financial Assistance by APEDA

• APEDA offers subsidies and grants under its Export Promotion Schemes.

• Financial support is available for:

  • Infrastructure development

  • Packaging and labeling upgrades

  • Branding and promotional campaigns

  • Participation in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets

  • Laboratory setup and quality certifications

• Only registered members are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities of Registered Members

• Comply with export quality standards and traceability requirements.

• Submit export returns and declarations periodically if required.

• Use APEDA’s support to enhance competitiveness and product quality.

• Maintain records of export transactions and customs documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.

• Using an invalid or expired IEC.

• Not updating changes in company information on the APEDA portal.

• Assuming APEDA registration covers all product categories – it is only for scheduled products.

Why Choose YKG Global for APEDA Registration?

• Fast, end-to-end assistance in completing APEDA registration.

• Accurate documentation review and portal submission.

• Guidance on eligible product categories and export readiness.

• Post-registration help in applying for APEDA subsidies and participation in trade fairs.

• Support in related certifications like FSSAI, HACCP, Organic Certification, and IEC registration