- Renewal fee: ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST), as per APEDA’s own circular. The renewed certificate is valid for 5 years.
- Online renewal: Everything happens on the DGFT e-RCMC portal: Services → e-RCMC → Renewal of RCMC.
- New in 2026: Since 15 September 2026, export consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB do not need an RCMC. Larger shipments still do.
- Documents to keep ready: Your IEC, product details and manufacturing proof (for manufacturer exporters) before logging in.
Introduction
APEDA registration renewal means renewing your APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) through the DGFT e-RCMC portal when required. Log in using your IEC, go to Services > e-RCMC > Renewal of RCMC, check your details, upload the required documents, sign digitally and pay the applicable renewal fee. The stated fee is ₹5,900 (₹5,000 plus 18% GST), as per APEDA’s circular.
Since 15 September 2026, consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB are reported to be exempt from the RCMC requirement, while regular exporters of scheduled products should check the applicable rules to confirm whether a valid certificate is required. Silvereye Certifications can assist with your APEDA RCMC renewal, from document verification and application support to downloading the renewed certificate. The details in this section were checked against APEDA and DGFT sources on 7 October 2026.
What Is APEDA Registration Renewal, and How Does It Work?
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) is the statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that promotes exports of its scheduled products. Exporters dealing in these products register with APEDA and receive a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), commonly called the APEDA RCMC. APEDA registration renewal is the process of renewing that certificate when its validity period ends.
One important change still causes confusion among exporters. APEDA has issued RCMCs through the DGFT portal since 17 July 2023, following DGFT Trade Notice No. 35/2021-22. If you previously renewed your certificate through APEDA's own website, note that the current renewal process is handled through your DGFT login, linked to your Importer Exporter Code (IEC).
APEDA registration renewal is different from applying for a new registration or changing details on an existing certificate. These processes have different requirements, which are explained later in this guide.
What Are the Key Details of APEDA RCMC Renewal?
| Point | What to know |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) for APEDA scheduled products |
| Issuing platform | DGFT e-RCMC portal at dgft.gov.in; APEDA RCMC services have been available through this system since 17 July 2023 |
| Validity | The stated validity is five years, subject to the applicable APEDA and DGFT rules. Check the certificate and current official guidance for the exact validity calculation. |
| Renewal fee | ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + ₹900 GST at 18%), as stated in the referenced APEDA circular; confirm the current fee before payment. |
| Amendment fee | The referenced circular states that amendment or modification after issue is free of charge; confirm the current instructions for your case. |
| Required before applying | A valid IEC issued by DGFT |
| Application mode | Online application, digital signature and payment through the portal's payment gateway |
Who Needs APEDA Registration Renewal?
If you export products covered by APEDA and need an RCMC for your export activities or applicable benefits, you should check the validity of your certificate and renew it when required. This can include merchant exporters, manufacturer exporters and manufacturer-cum-merchant exporters.
APEDA's scheduled product categories include:
| Scheduled product categories — Part 1 | Scheduled product categories — Part 2 | Scheduled product categories — Part 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits, vegetables and their products | Cocoa and its products, including chocolates | Floriculture and floriculture products |
| Meat and meat products | Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages | Herbal and medicinal plants |
| Poultry and poultry products | Cereal and cereal products | De-oiled rice bran |
| Dairy products | Groundnuts, peanuts and walnuts | Green pepper in brine |
| Confectionery, biscuits and bakery products | Pickles, papads and chutneys | Cashew nuts and their products |
| Honey, jaggery and sugar products | Guar gum | Basmati rice, as covered by the Second Schedule of the APEDA Act |
Not sure whether your product falls under APEDA or another organisation, such as the Spices Board or a commodity-specific export promotion council? DGFT guidance directs exporters to obtain an RCMC from the relevant council or authority for their main line of business. An APEDA RCMC does not automatically cover products regulated by a different authority.
What Are the Latest Updates on APEDA Registration Renewal in 2026?
Two 2026 developments matter for anyone planning an APEDA registration renewal. One is a reported relaxation. The other is a scheme reset that highlights the importance of keeping your paperwork current.
What Does DGFT Notification 36/2026-27 Say About the ₹3 Lakh RCMC Exemption?
On 15 September 2026, DGFT amended paragraph 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 by adding a new sub-paragraph. Export consignments with an FOB value of up to ₹3,00,000 no longer need an RCMC or Certificate of Registration, according to the stated notification. The aim is to help small-value exports, especially those moving through postal, courier and other emerging channels. The change took effect immediately and affects how you plan your APEDA registration renewal.
Read it carefully, because the exemption is narrower than the headlines suggest. It is based on the value of each consignment, not your annual turnover, and applies only where the Foreign Trade Policy would otherwise require an RCMC.
| Situation | What the 2026 notification says | What it means for your renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Consignment up to ₹3 lakh FOB | RCMC or Certificate of Registration not required, according to the stated notification | Occasional and first-time exporters may be able to ship small parcels without an RCMC where the exemption applies. |
| Consignment above ₹3 lakh FOB | Existing requirements continue where applicable | Regular exporters of scheduled products should check whether they need to maintain a valid RCMC. |
| Product-specific registrations | Not the subject of this notification | Requirements for traceability, packhouses and similar matters need separate checking. |
| APEDA programmes with their own conditions | Not covered by the notification | Check each programme's eligibility. For example, APEDA's BHARATI programme page asks selected applicants for a valid APEDA RCMC before the acceleration phase. |
In simple terms, the exemption may lower the entry barrier for small consignments. It does not automatically make renewal unnecessary for businesses that ship regularly, handle larger orders or want to use APEDA support programmes.
What Is the Bharat Krishi Niryat Yojana Update for 2026–2031?
On 20 July 2026, APEDA published a request for proposals to hire a Project Management Unit (PMU) for its Bharat Krishi Niryat Yojana, covering the 16th Finance Commission cycle from 2026–27 to 2030–31. Final eligibility conditions for the new cycle have not been established in this section, so they should not be assumed.
APEDA support has historically been linked to registered-exporter status in relevant programmes. Therefore, a lapsed certificate or delayed APEDA registration renewal may create avoidable complications when new scheme guidelines are issued. Check APEDA's official notices for the applicable rules.
Can You Renew APEDA RCMC Only After It Expires?
DGFT's e-RCMC user help file (version 2.0, May 2022) states that the renewal option is available only for certificates that have already expired, while amendments apply to active certificates. Because this guidance is several years old, treat it as an explanation of the portal's earlier design and confirm the options available in your current login.
How Can You Check Your APEDA RCMC Validity and Expiry Date?
Many exporters count five years from the date the certificate was received. However, DGFT's help file explains that an RCMC is issued for five financial years and is deemed valid from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued until 31 March, unless otherwise specified.
This means a certificate issued in January may expire sooner than expected if you calculate validity using five calendar years from the issue date.
The safest approach is to check the validity date printed on your APEDA RCMC and confirm it against the current official guidance. Add the expiry date to a shared calendar and set a reminder at least two months in advance. Your APEDA registration renewal plan should be based on the applicable expiry date, not simply the day you downloaded the certificate.
What Is the APEDA Registration Renewal Fee in 2026?
APEDA's e-RCMC circular lists the online APEDA RCMC renewal fee at the same level as the registration fee. The stated fee breakdown is as follows.
| Fee component | Amount | Source stated in your draft |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal fee before GST | ₹5,000 | APEDA circular |
| GST at 18% | ₹900 | APEDA circular |
| Total government payment | ₹5,900 | APEDA circular |
| Amendment or modification after issue | No fee | APEDA circular |
| Professional fee, if using a consultant | Quoted after reviewing your case | Service provider |
Important: APEDA renewal fees and portal requirements may change through official notifications. Some third-party websites quote different amounts. Check the fee displayed on the DGFT payment page before confirming payment. Treat the figures above as indicative until verified against the current official instructions.
Which Documents Are Required for APEDA Registration Renewal?
APEDA's e-RCMC circular lists documents by exporter type. It does not provide a separate renewal-only checklist in the information described here, and the DGFT portal may pre-fill details from the latest issuance or amendment record. For APEDA RCMC renewal, keep the relevant documents current and follow the checklist shown in your application.
| Exporter type | Documents listed in the described APEDA guidance |
|---|---|
| Merchant exporter | Signed and sealed copy of the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) issued by DGFT |
| Manufacturer or manufacturer-cum-merchant exporter | Signed and sealed copy of the IEC, plus signed and sealed manufacturing proof for the relevant product |
What Manufacturing Proof Is Required for Different APEDA Product Groups?
| Product group | Certifying agency or document listed in your draft |
|---|---|
| Floriculture and seeds | Department of Horticulture |
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | FSSAI, Udyam registration, Department of Horticulture or MSME certificate |
| Groundnut, pulses and guar gum | FSSAI or Udyam registration certificate |
| Processed fruits and vegetables, processed food, meat products, cereal preparations and miscellaneous preparations | FSSAI or Udyam registration certificate |
| Meat, dairy, poultry and honey | FSSAI or Udyam registration certificate |
| Cereals and cereal products | FSSAI or Udyam registration certificate |
| Alcoholic beverages | Department of Excise Commissioner |
What Should You Check Before Starting APEDA RCMC Renewal?
As a good-practice measure, keep a copy of your expiring RCMC, confirm your authorised signatory's details and ensure your digital signature or Aadhaar e-Sign is working before you begin.
Also check that any license submitted as manufacturing proof, such as an FSSAI license, remains valid at the time of application.
How to Complete APEDA Registration Renewal Online: Step-by-Step Process
These APEDA RCMC renewal online steps are based on DGFT's e-RCMC user help file and APEDA's circular. Portal screens may change over time, so use the menu labels as a guide rather than a fixed script.
- Check your RCMC expiry date. Confirm that your IEC details on the DGFT profile are current. The portal asks you to declare that your profile is updated.
- Log in to DGFT. Visit dgft.gov.in and sign in using your IEC credentials.
- Open the renewal service. Navigate to Services > e-RCMC > Renewal of RCMC.
- Start or continue your application. Choose Start Fresh Application or continue a saved draft, then select the RCMC you want to renew from the list.
- Confirm your profile details. Review the declaration and check the details pre-filled from your previous RCMC issuance or amendment.
- Review your RCMC information. Under the RCMC details section, check the registering authority (APEDA), fee details, office of submission, export products, authorized representatives and export destinations. Correct any information that has changed.
- Upload the required documents. Attach your IEC copy and, for manufacturer exporters, the applicable manufacturing proof.
- Review and digitally sign. Accept the declaration, check the application summary and sign digitally using the permitted method.
- Pay the applicable fee. Proceed to payment, complete the transaction through the gateway and save the e-payment receipt.
- Track your application. Open My Dashboard > Submitted Applications to monitor the status. Respond promptly to any APEDA query and download your renewed RCMC once it is issued.
Many APEDA RCMC renewal delays arise from incorrect details in Step 6 or incomplete documents in Step 7, rather than from the portal itself. A careful review before submission can help reduce avoidable queries.
How Early Should You Start APEDA Registration Renewal?
Neither APEDA's circular nor DGFT's help file guarantees a fixed processing time. Some consultancy guides report processing within approximately 7–15 working days for complete applications, but this is an indicative estimate rather than an official service guarantee.
The following schedule is a practical planning suggestion, not an official deadline.
| Stage | Suggested timing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Record the expiry date and gather documents | About 60 days before expiry | Allows time to update required records or resolve discrepancies. |
| Check your profile and digital signature | About 30 days before expiry | An outdated IEC profile or non-working digital signature can delay submission. |
| Submit the renewal application | As soon as the portal permits it for your certificate | DGFT's older help file describes renewal as an option for expired certificates; confirm the current portal procedure. |
| Respond to queries | As promptly as possible | Timely responses can help avoid unnecessary delays. |
| Download and share the renewed RCMC | After issuance | Share the updated certificate with your customs house agent (CHA), buyers or bank where needed. |
What Should You Do If Your APEDA RCMC Has Expired?
If your APEDA RCMC has expired, first confirm the expiry date and the renewal option available in your DGFT account. Then follow these steps:
- Check the exact expiry date printed on your certificate and shown on your DGFT dashboard.
- Check whether your shipment requires a valid RCMC. The reported exemption for consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB should be assessed against the applicable Foreign Trade Policy provisions. Larger consignments or programmes with separate RCMC conditions may require additional checks.
- Open the renewal service at Services > e-RCMC > Renewal of RCMC and see whether your previous certificate appears.
- Contact DGFT support or APEDA if the certificate is not listed. Confirm the correct application route before making another payment.
- Review your documents and product details before submitting the application to reduce the risk of further queries.
Some older guides state that an RCMC can be renewed only within the financial year in which it expires. If you cannot confirm this requirement in the current APEDA circular or DGFT instructions, do not rely on it without checking with the portal or the relevant authority.
What Is the Difference Between APEDA RCMC Renewal, Amendment and New Registration?
Choosing the correct application type helps prevent avoidable errors and payment issues.
| Point | Renewal | Amendment | New RCMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| When to use it | When your previous RCMC is eligible for renewal under the applicable procedure. | When details need to be changed on an existing certificate. | When you have never held an APEDA RCMC. |
| Portal path | Services > e-RCMC > Renewal of RCMC | Services > e-RCMC > Amendment for RCMC | Services > e-RCMC > Apply for e-RCMC |
| Fee stated in the APEDA circular | ₹5,900, including GST | No fee, according to the referenced circular | ₹5,900, including GST |
| Previous details pre-filled | Yes, where supported by the portal | Yes, where supported by the portal | Generally requires fresh application details |
Confirm the current fee and application options on the official portal before proceeding.
What Common Mistakes Can Delay APEDA Registration Renewal?
- Mismatched IEC details: The portal uses your IEC profile information. An outdated address or business constitution can conflict with supporting documents.
- Choosing the wrong registering authority: An APEDA RCMC covers APEDA's scheduled products. Exporters dealing in products governed by other authorities may need separate registrations.
- Incomplete document authentication: Check whether the applicable instructions require documents to be signed and sealed before uploading them.
- Expired manufacturing proof: Ensure your FSSAI license or other relevant manufacturing document is valid where required.
- Outdated product details: Review the export-products section and make any necessary changes through the prescribed process.
- Confusing amendment with renewal: An amendment concerns changes to an existing certificate; renewal follows the applicable procedure for extending or renewing registration.
Should You Renew Your APEDA RCMC Yourself or Hire a Consultant?
An exporter with a straightforward application and complete documents may be able to manage APEDA registration renewal independently. Professional assistance may be useful in more complex cases, such as when:
- You export across several APEDA product groups and need help confirming product coverage.
- Your RCMC has expired and you need to establish the correct application route.
- Your IEC profile, GST details or business constitution has changed and records need to be aligned.
- You are a manufacturer and need to confirm the applicable manufacturing proof for your product group.
- You want help tracking queries and application status while focusing on your business.
Whichever option you choose, retain control of your DGFT login and digital signature and share only the information needed for the filing. A reliable APEDA renewal consultant should explain the information being submitted and provide a written breakdown of professional fees before work begins.
How Can Silvereye Certifications Help With APEDA Registration Renewal?
Silvereye Certifications supports businesses with regulatory registration and documentation in India. For APEDA registration renewal, our support can include reviewing your IEC profile and product coverage, checking documents before submission, assisting with the renewal application through the DGFT e-RCMC portal, and tracking application queries until the renewed RCMC is available for download.
Our professional fee is quoted separately after reviewing your case. The government fee should be confirmed on the official DGFT payment page before you pay.
Conclusion
APEDA registration renewal is a short, fully online process when your IEC profile, product list and documents are in order. The process can become frustrating when details are missing or incorrect. The route is the DGFT e-RCMC portal, and the stated renewal fee is ₹5,900. The claimed 2026 ₹3 lakh exemption may help eligible small shipments, but it should be verified against the latest official notification and does not automatically replace RCMC requirements for regular exporters.
If you prefer professional assistance, Silvereye Certifications can review your RCMC status, prepare your renewal application and guide you through the process until the renewed certificate is issued. Share your RCMC expiry date, IEC and product list with Silvereye Certifications to request a written quote for your APEDA registration renewal.
Get Your APEDA Registration Renewal Done with Silvereye Certifications
Silvereye Certifications helps manufacturers, importers, exporters and brand owners with Indian regulatory registrations, including APEDA RCMC renewal through the DGFT e-RCMC portal. Share your RCMC expiry date, IEC and product list to receive a written quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APEDA registration renewal?
It is the process of renewing your APEDA Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) on the DGFT e-RCMC portal after its validity ends, so you remain a registered exporter of APEDA scheduled products.
How long is an APEDA RCMC valid?
APEDA’s circular states a validity of 5 years. DGFT’s e-RCMC help file describes it as five financial years from 1 April of the licensing year of issue to 31 March, unless otherwise specified. Always read the date printed on your certificate.
What is the APEDA RCMC renewal fee in 2026?
APEDA’s circular lists ₹5,900, made up of ₹5,000 plus 18% GST (₹900). Confirm the figure on the DGFT payment page before paying, because fees can change by notification.
Can I renew my APEDA RCMC online?
Yes. Log in at dgft.gov.in with your IEC credentials and go to Services > e-RCMC > Renewal of RCMC. APEDA has issued RCMCs through this portal since 17 July 2023.
Which documents do I need for APEDA RCMC renewal?
APEDA lists a signed and sealed IEC copy for merchant exporters. Manufacturers and manufacturer-cum-merchant exporters also need signed and sealed manufacturing proof, such as FSSAI or Udyam registration, depending on the product group.
How long does APEDA RCMC renewal take?
There is no official turnaround time in APEDA’s circular or DGFT’s help file. Consultancies commonly report about 7 to 15 working days for a clean application, so build in a buffer.
What happens if my APEDA RCMC expires?
You should not rely on the expired certificate where a valid RCMC is required, including for schemes that ask for one. Renew as soon as possible and check with the portal or the authorities if your old certificate does not appear for renewal.
Do I still need to renew after the ₹3 lakh RCMC exemption?
It depends on how you export. Consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB are exempt under Notification 36/2026-27, but larger consignments still need an RCMC where the Foreign Trade Policy requires one, and APEDA programmes may set their own conditions. Regular exporters generally keep the certificate valid.
Can I renew my APEDA RCMC before it expires?
DGFT’s e-RCMC help file (May 2022) says renewal is available only for expired certificates, while active certificates use the amendment route. Check what your own DGFT login offers today.
Is renewal the same as amendment?
No. Amendment changes details on an active RCMC and carries no fee per APEDA’s circular. Renewal is for an expired RCMC and carries the ₹5,900 fee.
Do I need an IEC to renew?
Yes. The e-RCMC application is tied to your IEC, and the portal pulls your details from the IEC profile, so keep that profile current.
Does an APEDA RCMC cover Spices Board or tea products?
No. An APEDA RCMC covers APEDA scheduled products. Products handled by other boards need the RCMC from the relevant authority.
Can a consultant file my APEDA renewal?
Many exporters use a consultant for document checks, filing and follow-up. Keep control of your DGFT credentials and digital signature, and ask for the fee in writing first.
