Indian agri-horticultural exports have grown manyfold with the passage of time, and the scheduled commodities exporters are required to meet obligatory reporting obligations so that they can keep their licenses and avail themselves of benefits. APEDA return filing is one such mandatory compliance process. If you are a registered exporter with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), you must file online monthly returns of your exports, regardless of whether you have exported anything in a month or not. This will guide you through it in simple steps so that you are sure of compliance.
What Is APEDA Return Filing?
APEDA return filing is the process by which exporters of scheduled agricultural and processed food products report their export performance every month to APEDA. These returns include details such as the quantity, value, and destinations of the exports. Filing returns on time helps you:
- Remain compliant with APEDA regulations
- Maintain your APEDA Registration in good standing
- Become eligible for subsidies, financial assistance, and promotional schemes
- Avoid penalties or suspension of registration
- In case you are not generating returns within time, APEDA can suspend your Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) that is required to export under APEDA.
Step 1: Get Your APEDA Registration
You will need to get your APEDA registration, which is also referred to as the RCMC. The registration verifies your firm as a scheduled products exporter legally recognized. You will need:
- Import Export Code (IEC)
- of PAN card
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- Business registration documents (Partnership Deed, Certificate of Incorporation, etc.)
- Proof of address
Once you have filled your application online and remitted the registration fee, APEDA sends the RCMC. Once your certificate is active, you can login to the exporter portal and file your returns.
Step 2: Gather the Information You Require
At the end of every month, you must prepare the following information so you can submit your return:
- Invoice details of every export transaction
- Shipping bill numbers
- Quantity and value of all the exported goods
- Country of export
- Date and month of transaction
You should file a nil return if you exported nothing in a particular month so that you are not held responsible for compliance matters.
Step 3: Log Into the APEDA Portal
- Login to the APEDA official portal and move towards Exporter Login. Select login by your IEC code and password created while registering.
- Once you are on the dashboard, you will get the option of Profile Management, RCMC details, and return filing. Select Return Filing.
Step 4: Select the Month of Filing
On the return filing page, select the right month and year of filing. Make sure you are choosing the right reporting period since returns are planned on a monthly basis and need to be submitted in order.
Step 5: Give Export Details
Now you will enter your export data. For each shipment, give:
- Product name and code (as per APEDA classification)
- Quantity exported (in metric tons, kilograms, or suitable units)
- FOB value (Free on Board) or FOR value
- Destination country
- Shipping bill number and date
- If it is a nil return, simply state that there were no exports exported in the month.
- Check your entries carefully, since mistakes will result in rejection or seeking clarification by APEDA.
See Also: Which exporters need APEDA Registration in India?
Step 6: Upload Support Documents
It is optional but recommended to upload supporting documents to use while keeping records and authenticating them. Supporting documents that may be uploaded are:
- Copies of shipping bills
- Copies of invoices
- Bank realization certificates
- Uploading supporting documents makes everything simple and can be beneficial for auditing purposes or to claim incentives.
Step 7: Validate and File the Return
- After you have finished entering all the details, utilize the Validate option to check for errors or unfilled fields. The portal will show you any errors, which you can then correct.
- After you have validated, go ahead and click on Submit. You will be given an acknowledgment or a confirmation number. Keep this handy for future use.
Step 8: Download Acknowledgment Receipt
After submitting the return, print or download receipt for record. You have shown that you’ve submitted your return within time and can be produced before the authorities in case of need.
Step 9: File Monthly Returns Without Miss
APEDA Return Filing is a routine monthly exercise and not an annual activity. Involuntarily, you export on a monthly basis, you’ll have to file a nil return. Non-compliance can result in:
- Suspension or cancellation of your RCMC
- Loss of eligibility to claim financial incentives
- Legal notices or penalties
- Try to create reminders or auto-reminders so that you do not fail to meet deadlines.
- Hints to Smooth Filing
- Keep your shipping invoices and bills payment always before filing.
- Change your APEDA Registration details, in case of change in company name, address, or bank account.
- Utilize the Excel templates made available on the portal to generate data in an effective way.
- Train export personnel in the filing procedure to break reliance on one person.
- Keep all export invoices and records safely for 5 years or more to be used in the future.
The Advantage of APEDA Return Filing:
- Compliance: Legal compliance as per APEDA rules.
- Incentives: Easy availability of schemes for export promotion and subsidy.
- Credibility: Better image in advance of foreign buyers and trade organizations.
- Continuity: Easy renewal of licenses and permits.
- Transparency: Unambiguous export history to make audits or funding possible.
Conclusion
APEDA Return Filing is a critical month-end compliance that every agriculture and processed food product exporter must be compliant with. Never has it been so easy with the convenience of filing it online. This guide helps you stay compliant with timely reporting, avoiding penalty, and navigating and continuing to enjoy benefits accruing to your APEDA Registration.
If you require more assistance, Contact E startup to assist you in preparing your filings. Being proactive gets you into business and enables your export venture to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the due date for APEDA Return Filing?
The return is required to be filed on the end date of the subsequent month of the reporting month. For instance, returns for January should be filed on the end date of February.
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Do exporters need to APEDA Register?
Yes. If you are shipping scheduled goods like fruits, vegetables, cereals, or processed food, then APEDA Registration is compulsory.
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What will happen if I fail to file a return for a month?
Defaulting to file can attract suspension of your RCMC, denial of benefits, and subject you to probable penalties. You must file outstanding returns in time to regularise your position.
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Can I make changes in a filed return?
If there is any error, you are required to report it to APEDA at once. As a general rule, you could be permitted to make amendments until the due date. From that date on, no changes will be entertained.
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Do I have to file returns if there were no exports?
Yes. Although no exports were exported in a month, you should submit a nil return to avoid being culpable of an offense.
If you need further assistance or have any doubts, our experts are here to help you. Call us: 8881-069-069.
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