What Is APEDA?
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It was established under the APEDA Act 1985 to promote and develop the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products.
APEDA RCMC vs IEC — The Key Distinction
| Document | Full Name | Issuer | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC | Import Export Code | DGFT | Basic licence to import/export anything |
| APEDA RCMC | Registration-cum-Membership Certificate | APEDA | Authorisation to export APEDA-scheduled products (rice, spices, processed foods, etc.) |
| BREAC | Basmati Rice Export Authenticity Certificate | APEDA | Per-shipment certificate confirming genuine basmati variety |
An exporter can have an IEC but not RCMC — in which case they cannot legally export basmati rice, spices, or processed foods. Always verify both documents.
APEDA Scheduled Products
Products that require APEDA RCMC for export include: all varieties of rice (including basmati), fruits and vegetables, meat products, poultry, dairy, processed foods, alcoholic beverages, cereals and cereal products, groundnuts, sesame seeds, guar gum, and more. The full schedule is listed in the Second Schedule of the APEDA Act.
How to Verify an Exporter's APEDA Registration
Verification Steps
- Visit: apeda.gov.in/apedawebsite/APEDA_Member/Member_List.htm
- Search by company name, IEC code, or APEDA registration number
- Verify: registration status (Active/Expired), registered address, product categories
- Cross-check IEC: verify at dgft.gov.in that the IEC matches the same legal entity
BREAC for Basmati — Per Shipment Certificate
For every shipment of basmati rice, the exporter must obtain a BREAC (Basmati Rice Export Authenticity Certificate) from APEDA. This requires DNA testing of the rice variety at APEDA-approved labs to confirm it is a genuine basmati variety. The BREAC number must appear on the commercial invoice and is verified by importing countries' customs authorities.
Why APEDA Registration Matters to You as a Buyer
A supplier without valid APEDA RCMC is operating illegally for scheduled products. This means: (1) they may not be able to provide authentic export documents, (2) their shipments risk being held at Indian ports by customs, (3) you have no recourse under Indian law if goods are sub-standard, (4) the product may not be genuine (especially important for basmati).