An organic exporter needs three registrations and one system: an IEC from DGFT, an RCMC from APEDA, NPOP certification, and access to APEDA's Tracenet. They are often confused. This episode sets out what each one is, the order to get them, the documents to keep ready, and how to keep them valid.
The short version
- IEC first, then RCMC; NPOP certification runs in parallel.
- RCMC from APEDA is applied for on the DGFT portal, since 17 July 2023.
- RCMC is issued for five financial years; confirm the current fee on the DGFT portal.
- No organic export without an NPOP transaction certificate (DGFT Public Notice 39/2024-25).
IEC, RCMC, NPOP and Tracenet
Three registrations and one system, each from a different office.
| What | From | Key rule |
|---|---|---|
| Import Export Code (IEC) | DGFT | Update online every year between 1 April and 30 June, or it is deactivated |
| Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) | APEDA, applied for on the DGFT portal | Needs an active IEC; issued for five financial years |
| NPOP certification | A NAB-accredited Certification Body | Scope certificate issued yearly on Tracenet |
| Tracenet | APEDA's certification and traceability system | Mandatory for Certification Bodies and operators; scope and transaction certificates are issued on it |
Tracenet access comes through NPOP certification, not through the RCMC application. The two are separate steps.
Documents to Keep Ready
Identity, legal, bank and address documents for the business; confirm the current list on the DGFT portal.
- IEC and PAN of the business.
- Constitution documents: Memorandum and Articles, partnership deed, trust deed or bye-laws.
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque.
- Address proof of the registered office.
- Identity proof of the proprietor or authorised signatory.
- NPOP registration or certification, where you already hold it.
The portal's list and fee can change. Check the DGFT portal when you apply.
The Order of Steps
Get the IEC, apply for RCMC on the DGFT portal, obtain NPOP certification, and meet at the first shipment.
- IEC.From DGFT, with the business PAN.
- RCMC.Apply on the DGFT portal, choosing APEDA as the council, with your IEC.
- NPOP certification.From a NAB-accredited Certification Body; runs in parallel.
- First shipment.Needs the export transaction certificate on Tracenet, and any destination certificate.
The full sequence is in IEC, RCMC and APEDA registration.
Keeping Registrations Valid
Update the IEC every April to June, renew RCMC before it ends, and keep one legal entity across all three.
- IEC: update every year between 1 April and 30 June, even if nothing changed.
- RCMC: renew before the five financial years end.
- Use the same legal entity on the IEC, RCMC and NPOP scope certificate.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
Where is an APEDA RCMC applied for now?
- APEDA's old portal
- The DGFT portal
- Tracenet
Since 17 July 2023.
Can organic produce be exported without an NPOP transaction certificate?
- Yes
- No
- Only to the Gulf
DGFT Public Notice 39/2024-25 requires it.
Remember these things
- IEC, then RCMC, with NPOP in parallel.
- RCMC via the DGFT portal.
- Tracenet comes with NPOP certification.
- Keep one legal entity throughout.
Registrations taken in the right order are ready well before the first shipment. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.