APEDA Registration

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) registration is a statutory requirement under the APEDA Act 1985 for exporting specific agricultural and processed food products from India. It ensures quality standards, food safety compliance, and supports export promotion. Without APEDA registration, you cannot legally export products falling under APEDA's purview to international markets.

APEDA covers: Fresh fruits & vegetables, Processed fruits & vegetables, Meat & poultry products, Dairy products, Confectionery & bakery items, Cereal preparations, Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, Cocoa preparations, Natural honey, and other miscellaneous processed food items. Each category has specific quality standards and compliance requirements that must be met for successful registration.

The typical timeline is 30-60 days from application submission, including: Document preparation (5-7 days), Application submission (2-3 days), APEDA inspection (15-30 days), Compliance review (10-15 days), Certificate issuance (3-5 days). Factors affecting timeline include facility readiness, documentation completeness, inspection scheduling, and compliance with quality standards.

Key facility requirements include: Adequate manufacturing/processing space with proper layout, Quality control laboratory with testing equipment, Cold storage and refrigeration systems, Packaging and labeling facilities, Water treatment plant, Waste management systems, Pest control measures, Hygienic storage areas, and Proper ventilation and lighting. All facilities must comply with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards.

Post-registration compliance includes: Regular quality testing and certification, Maintenance of export documentation, Periodic facility inspections by APEDA, Compliance with international food safety standards, Regular renewal of supporting certificates (FSSAI, ISO, HACCP), Submission of export data and reports, Staff training updates, and Maintaining traceability systems. Non-compliance can result in registration suspension or cancellation.

APEDA registered exporters can access: Transport and Marketing Development Assistance Scheme (TMA), Quality Development schemes for certification costs, Participation support for international trade fairs, Market Development Assistance for new market entry, Infrastructure development grants, Interest subvention schemes, and Export promotion capital goods benefits. These incentives can significantly reduce export costs and improve profitability.

Complete cost breakdown: Government fee: ₹10,000-₹25,000 (varies by product category), Professional service fee: ₹50,000-₹1,00,000, Facility upgrades: ₹2,00,000-₹10,00,000 (depending on current setup), Quality certifications: ₹50,000-₹2,00,000, Testing and analysis: ₹25,000-₹75,000. We provide detailed cost estimation after initial assessment of your facility and requirements.

If rejected, APEDA provides detailed reasons which typically include: Inadequate facility infrastructure, Non-compliance with quality standards, Incomplete documentation, or Failed inspection parameters. You can: Address the deficiencies mentioned, Upgrade facilities as per requirements, Re-apply after making necessary improvements, or Appeal to APEDA appellate authority if you believe rejection was unfair. We provide complete support for resubmission and facility upgrades.