In India, quality assurance is critical when it comes to food products, especially those consumed daily like grains, spices, oil, and pulses. To ensure consumers receive quality agricultural products, the government of Indian introduced the AGMARK certification under the Agriculture Produce Act, 1937
This blog explains what AGMARK certification is, why it’s important, how to get AGMARK registration, and the benefits. It brings to producers, marketers, and consumers.
What Is AGMARK
ACMARK is a quality certification mark issued by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It certifies that agricultural products conform to a set of standards approved by the government in terms of quality and purity.
AGMARK stands for Agriculture Marketing and ensures that products bearing this mark meet stringent quality checks
Why is AGMARK Registration Important?
- Consumer Confidence: It assures customers that the products meet government-approved standards.
- Market Access: Many bulk buyers and exporters prefer AGMARK-certified goods.
- Legal Compliance: In several states, AGMARK is mandatory for selling certain commodities like ghee, mustard oil, etc.
- Reduced Disputes: Clearly defined quality perimeters help avoid trade disputes between buyers and sellers.
- Export Facilitation: Many international markets demand AGMARK-labelled goods for import.
Products Covered Under AGMARK
AGMARK certification is available for over 200 commodities, including:
- Grains (Wheat, Rice, Berly)
- Pulse (Chana, Moong, Arhar)
- Edible oils (Mustard oil, Groundnut oil)
- Spices (Turmeric, Black pepper, Cardamom)
- Honey, Ghee, Butter
- Fruits and vegetables (Mango, Orange, Banana)
- Jaggery, Copra, and more
Eligibility for AGMARK Certification
Any individual, company, firm, or cooperative society engaged in processing, packaging, or marketing agricultural produce can apply for AGMARK registration.
You must have:
- A valid premises license
- Basic infrastructure for cleaning, grading, and packaging
- Access to AGMARK-recognised labs for testing
Step-By-Step Process Of AGMARK Registration
- Application Submission: Apply online on the DMI AGMARKNET portal. Fill form A and submit required details.
- Document Submission: Submit scanned copies of:
- PAN card / Aadhaar card of proprietor/firm
- GST certificate
- FSSAI license
- Factory license
- Layout plan of processing unit
- List of machinery and equipment
- Payment of Fee: Pay the government fee as per the product and quantity.
- Inspection by DMI: An officer from the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection will visit your unit to verify:
- Hygiene and infrastructure
- Testing facilities or tie-up with AGMARK-recognised labs
- Proper storage and packaging processes
- Product Testing: Your sample will be tested for quality in an AGMARK-authorised laboratory.
- Grant of Certificate: If everything is satisfactory, you will receive the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA), allowing you to use the AGMARK label.
Required Documents for AGMARK Registration
To apply for AGMARK certification, the following documents are required. Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date:
| Document | Purpose/Description |
|---|---|
| PAN Card (Individual/Company/Firm) | Identity verification and tax compliance |
| Aadhaar Card (Proprietor/Partner/Director) | Proof of identity (for proprietorships or individuals) |
| GST Registration Certificate | Proof of business registration and tax compliance |
| FSSAI License | Ensures food safety compliance (if applicable) |
| Factory License or Trade License | Valid permission to operate a manufacturing or processing unit |
| Lease Deed or Ownership Document of Premises | Proof of lawful possession of the production/processing site |
| Layout Plan of the Processing Unit | Infrastructure details for inspection |
| List of Machinery and Equipment | Ensures availability of required tools for processing and packaging |
| Details of Qualified Personnel | Staff qualifications for quality control and supervision |
| Agreement with AGMARK-Recognized Lab (if applicable) | Tie-up letter or agreement if in-house lab is not available |
| Product List with Variants and Packaging Sizes | Required for product testing and label approval |
| Bank Account Details | For government fee transactions |
| Passport-size Photograph of Proprietor/Partner | Identification during inspections |
Validity and Renewal
- The Certification of Authorisation is valid for one year.
- Renewal must be done at least one month before expiry
- You must maintain quality standards and comply with routine inspection for continued certification.
Benefits of AGMARK Certification
| Benefits for Farmers/Producers | Benefits for Consumers |
|---|---|
| Better pricing for quality goods | Assures quality & safety |
| Access to regulated markets | Protection from adulteration |
| Branding and trust building | Confidence in government-backed certification |
| Enhanced chances of export | Standardised product information |
Challenges in AGMARK Certification
While the certification offers many benefits, some challenges include:
- Lack of awareness among small farmers
- Initial infrastructure cost for setting up grading units
- Limited AGMARK labs in rural areas
- Documentation overload for new applicants
However, hiring a professional compliance consultant can simplify the process.
How Can ELT Corporate Help?
At ELT Corporate, we assist food producers, packagers, and exporters in getting AGMARK Certification hassle-free. Our end-to-end support includes:
- Documentation preparation
- Application filing and portal handling
- Infrastructure audit preparation
- Lab tie-ups and testing coordination
- Renewal and compliance assistance
Call us today or visit eltcorporate.com to get started with your AGMARK registration!
Conclusion
The AGMARK certification system functions as a powerful tool to enhance agricultural product quality, which simultaneously builds consumer trust and broadens market opportunities across India. A growing consumer focus on quality makes AGMARK a standard of purity and regulatory compliance for brands. AGMARK certification creates numerous domestic and international opportunities for farmer,s food processors, and exporters.
Is support needed to obtain AGMARK certification?
Contact ELT Corporate to obtain expert assistance throughout every stage of your project.
What is AGMARK registration?
AGMARK registration is a certification by the Government of India ensuring the quality of agricultural products.
Who issues the AGMARK certificate?
The Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), under the Ministry of Agriculture, issues AGMARK certificates.
Is AGMARK certification mandatory?
AGMARK is voluntary for most products but mandatory for certain commodities like ghee and butter in some states.
