AGMARK License

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AGMARK License

Overview

In India, where agriculture dominates the economy, quality control and standards play a significant role in ensuring that consumers receive trustworthy and high-quality products. This is where Agmark Registration in india  comes into the picture. Agmark is a quality certification mark that ensures agricultural and food products meet a specific standard of quality, hygiene, and safety. If you’re a producer, processor, or seller of agricultural products, obtaining Agmark Certification not only enhances customer trust but also boosts the credibility of your brand.

In this blog, we will take you through everything you need to know about Agmark Registration in India, right from its overview to the application process.

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What is AGMARK

What is AGMARK?
AGMARK stands for Agricultural Marketing Mark.
It is a quality certification mark issued by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

It assures buyers that an agricultural product meets government-approved quality standards.

Why is AGMARK Important?
·         Confirms quality, purity, and grading

·         Builds consumer trust

·         Helps farmers and traders get better market prices

·         Mandatory for certain products in regulated markets

·         Useful for exports and large retail chains

Documents Required

Documents    

1.     Application Form :- Filled application form for Agmark Certification.

2.     Business Registration Proof :- Documents like GST registration, trade license, or incorporation certificate of the business.

3.     Commodity Specification :- Details about the commodities for which Agmark Certification is being sought.

4.     Testing Report or Laboratory :- Certificate  Certificate from an Agmark-approved laboratory verifying the quality of the product.

5.     Proof of Premises :- Rental deed, utility bills, or ownership documents of the processing unit or location.

6.     Government IDs ;- PAN card and Aadhaar card of the business owner or authorized signatory.

7.     Affidavit for Compliance :- An affidavit stating that the applicant will comply with the Agmark standards.

Apply for Agmark

Step 1: Visit the Agmark Certification Portal

Go to the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection’s official website or Agmark online porta.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the prescribed application form with accurate details about the business and commodities for which the certification is required.

Step 3: Select Your Commodities

Specify the type of commodities you want to register under the Agmark Certification process. Ensure that they fall under the approved list of Agmark commodities.

Step 4: Submit Documents

Upload the required documents listed above, ensuring all details are up-to-date and match your business information.

Step 5: Quality Testing

·         Send your product samples to an Agmark-approved lab for quality testing.

·         Laboratories check the products to verify that they adhere to Agmark standards.

·         A report is issued, which needs to be included in the registration process.

Step 6: Inspection of Premises

An authorized officer from the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection may inspect your production or processing premises to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

Step 7: Pay Registration Fees

Pay the prescribed registration fees for Agmark. The fees may vary depending on the type and number of commodities applied for.

Step 8: Get Your Agmark Certification

·         Once all details, documents, testing, and inspections are verified, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection will issue the Agmark Certification.

·         You can start using the Agmark label on your certified products for distribution and marketing.

Benefits

​Ensures consistent quality of products.
Enhances consumer trust and confidence.
Provides a competitive edge in the market.
Necessary for exporting agricultural products to many countries.
Boosts brand value and reputation.
For any producer or seller committed to quality, obtaining Agmark Certification is a step towards building stronger relationships with customers.

List of Products Under Agmark

The Agmark license covers over 220 agricultural and food products in India. Displaying the Agmark seal assures buyers that the product is pure, safe, and of high quality. Here is a breakdown of the main categories:

Food Grains, Cereals, and Pulses
This is one of the largest categories under Agmark certification. It includes:

Wheat and wheat flour
Rice
Barley
Oats
Maize (corn)
Sorghum (jowar)
Bajra (pearl millet)
Ragi (finger millet)
Chana (chickpeas)
Masoor (red lentils)
Moong (green gram)
Urad (black gram)
Tur (pigeon peas)
Other commonly eaten grains and pulses
Producers and packers who want to sell food grains or pulses in the open or export market often benefit by getting the Agmark license, as it proves their products are both pure and fresh.

Spices, Vegetable Oils, and Essential Oils
Indian food is famous for its spices and cooking oils. The Agmark license is available for:

Turmeric, black pepper, chillies, coriander, and cumin
Fenugreek, fennel, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon
Mustard oil, groundnut oil, coconut oil, and gingelly (sesame) oil
Ghee (clarified butter) and vanaspati (vegetable fat spreads)
Edible-grade essential oils used in food
The Agmark license application process is stricter for these items, especially edible oils and spreads. Certification here is often required by law, not only suggested, and helps protect customers from adulteration or fraud.

Fruits, Vegetables, and Semi-Processed Products
Agmark licensing has expanded to cover many fruit and vegetable products, including:

·         Fresh fruits like mangoes, apples, grapes, pomegranates, oranges, and bananas

·         Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and leafy greens

·         Semi-processed products like fruit pulps, jams, pickles, preserves, and canned fruits

For these items, Agmark certification means the products have been checked for cleanliness, safe packing, and ripeness. Semi-processed goods are popular for export and high-end domestic markets, and Agmark helps prove their safety and consistency.

More Details

Legal Background of AGMARK
·         AGMARK is governed by the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937

·         Rules framed under it:

o    AGMARK Rules, 1937

·         Implemented by:

o    Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI)

o    Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India

          This makes AGMARK a statutory (legal) certification, not voluntary branding.

 Objective of AGMARK
The core objectives are:

1.   Standardization of agricultural produce

2.   Prevention of adulteration

3.   Fair trade practices

4.   Price transparency

5.   Consumer protection

6.   Quality improvement at farm & market level

3. Scope of AGMARK (Coverage)
AGMARK applies to primary agricultural commodities and processed agricultural products, such as:

A. Plant-based Products
·         Cereals (rice, wheat, maize)

·         Pulses

·         Oilseeds

·         Spices

·         Fruits & vegetables

·         Tea, coffee (limited use now)

·         Cotton, jute

B. Animal-based Products
·         Ghee

·         Butter

·         Honey

·         Eggs

 AGMARK does not cover non-agricultural or highly processed foods

FAQ

  • How do I renew my Agmark license?

    You must submit a renewal application using the prescribed form (Form A-4) along with the existing certificate and renewal fee. This must be done at least 30 days before expiry. The renewal process involves reviewing your grading performance and compliance. Once approved, the certificate is renewed for another five years.

  • Can an individual farmer get an Agmark license?

    Generally, Agmark licenses are issued to registered business entities like cooperatives, companies, or firms. Individual farmers typically cannot apply on their own. However, farmers can form groups or cooperatives to apply collaboratively for Agmark certification, which helps them access better markets.

  • What happens if a consumer complains about my Agmark-certified product?

    If a consumer files a complaint, the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) investigates. If the complaint is valid, the responsible party must replace the product free of charge. Penalties or license suspension may follow for repeated or serious violations to maintain quality assurance.

  • Where are the Agmark testing laboratories located in India?

    India has a network of Agmark laboratories, including 11 regional labs and one Central Agmark Laboratory in Nagpur. These labs test product samples sent by packers and producers to verify compliance with quality standards before issuing or renewing licenses.

  • Can I print the Agmark logo on my own packaging?

    You can print the Agmark logo on your packaging only after receiving the official Certificate of Authorisation from the DMI. Unauthorized use of the Agmark mark without certification is prohibited and may lead to legal action by authorities.

  • Can I apply for Agmark certification for multiple products?

    Yes, you can apply for certification for multiple products in a single application. However, each product may require separate grading and testing fees. Make sure to list all products and provide relevant supporting documents.

  • Can small producers afford Agmark certification?

    Agmark certification fees are generally affordable for small and medium businesses. Group or cooperative applications help reduce costs by sharing testing and infrastructure expenses. The benefits often outweigh the costs by improving market access.

  • What happens if I don’t renew my Agmark license on time?

    If you miss the renewal deadline, your license may lapse. You will lose permission to use the Agmark logo until you successfully reapply and get approval. This can harm your market reputation and sales.