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APEDA registration (RCMC) for agri and food exporters
Register with APEDA through DGFT's e-RCMC portal to export rice, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bakery, beverages and more. Official fee ₹5,900, documents, validity and steps.
Official sources checked: 2 Oct 2026
The short answer
Register with APEDA through DGFT's e-RCMC portal to export rice, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bakery, beverages and more. Official fee ₹5,900, documents, validity and steps. Key facts: Issued by: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority; Validity: 5 years; Time: Online through the DGFT e-RCMC portal.
Source: apeda.gov.in, checked 2 Oct 2026.
What it is
APEDA looks after the export of many agricultural and processed food products. If you export these products you take your RCMC from APEDA. Since 17 July 2023, APEDA issues the RCMC through the DGFT e-RCMC portal, after you have an IEC.
Who needs it
Exporters of APEDA scheduled products. DGFT's list of registering authorities gives APEDA these product groups: fruits, vegetables and their products; meat; poultry; dairy; confectionery, biscuits and bakery; honey, jaggery and sugar products; cocoa and chocolates; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; cereals and cereal products; groundnuts, peanuts and walnut; pickles, chutneys and papads; guar gum; floriculture; herbal and medicinal plants.
Official fees
| Fee | Official amount |
|---|---|
| RCMC registration (online) | ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST)Checked on 2 Oct 2026 SourceValid for 5 years. |
| RCMC renewal (online) | ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST)Checked on 2 Oct 2026 Source |
| Amendment or modification after issue | No feeChecked on 2 Oct 2026 Source |
Fees and rules change and can differ between offices. Confirm the fee on the official portal before you pay. Amounts marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.
Documents to keep ready
- Signed and sealed copy of your IEC (merchant exporter)
- For a manufacturer or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter: the IEC plus signed and sealed proof of manufacturing
- Manufacturing proof depends on the product. APEDA's circular names FSSAI or Udyam registration for most food products, the Department of Horticulture for floriculture and seeds, and the Excise Commissioner for alcoholic beverages
Steps to apply
- Get your IEC from DGFT. IEC code guide Fee: ₹500
- Open the e-RCMC link on the DGFT portal and choose APEDA scheduled products. DGFT e-RCMC
- Upload the documents and pay the fee online. Fee: ₹5,900
- Download the e-RCMC. Renew before the five years end. Fee: ₹5,900
Where to apply
- DGFT e-RCMC portal: Apply for APEDA RCMC
- APEDA: Product rules and schemes
- APEDA circular on e-RCMC: Fee and documents
Govt License is not a government website. We never take government fees or apply for you.
Other checks for food exports
Many agri products also need a phytosanitary certificate from the plant quarantine authority and may need inspection or packing house approvals. The importing country's rules decide the rest. See the phytosanitary certificate guide.
After you apply
What to do once the form is submitted: where to track it, how long it takes, why it gets rejected and what the law says if you do not have it.
Track your application
Typical time
Online through the DGFT e-RCMC portal
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
If you operate without it
APEDA registration is needed to export scheduled products. Exporting against the rules can bring a penalty under the Foreign Trade Act of at least ₹10,000 and up to five times the value of the goods, whichever is more.
Law: Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act 1992 section 11
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Common reasons for rejection and how to fix them
| Reason | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| IEC copy missing or not signed and sealed | Upload a signed and sealed copy of your IEC. |
| No manufacturing proof for a manufacturer exporter | Upload FSSAI, Udyam or the department certificate listed for your product. |
| Product is not an APEDA scheduled product | Check the product list and apply to the right council or board. |
Checked on 5 Oct 2026 Source
Govt License is an independent guide. Fines and rules change, so confirm on the official portal. Items marked Not officially verified could not be checked on an official page.