The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry / Department of Commerce
Act details
| Short title | The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to provide for the establishment of an Authority for the development and promotion of exports of certain agricultural and processed food products and for matters connected therewith. |
| Act number | 2 of 1986 |
| Act year | 1986 |
| Enactment date | 8 Jan 1986 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Commerce and Industry / Department of Commerce |
| Department | Department of Commerce |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 38 |
| Schedules | 2 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985
Act Title - The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985
Act Number/Year - 2 of 1986
Act ID (India Code)- AC_CEN_39_65_00004_198602_1517807326779
Presidential Assent Date - January 8, 1986
Enforcement Date - February 13, 1986
Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Precedent & Historical Rationale
Diversification and Promotion of Agricultural Exports:
Prior to the mid-1980s, India’s export framework heavily emphasized traditional commodities, while potential high-value segments like processed foods, fruits, vegetables, meat products, and poultry lacked an organized, dedicated export promotion council or statutory board. The export of agricultural items was governed largely by fragmented institutional setups that could not adequately address modern quality control, packaging standards, or market research needs.
Transition from Processed Food Export Promotion Council:
Recognizing the shifting global trade environment and the vital need to boost foreign exchange earnings through value-added agricultural exports, the government felt it necessary to replace the old Processed Foods Export Promotion Council with a powerful, statutory apex board. This led to the conception of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to systematically handle market intelligence, quality standardization, and infrastructure development for scheduled agro-products.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
Formulation:
Drafted by the Ministry of Commerce to establish a statutory authority tasked with developing, promoting, and regulating the export of specific scheduled agricultural and processed food items, alongside setting up a dedicated export development fund.
Parliamentary Passage:
Introduced and deliberated through both Houses of Parliament in late 1985, securing formal enactment heading into the new year.
Presidential Assent: Received Presidential Assent on January 8, 1986.
Enforcement: Enforced on February 13, 1986.
Source: Official Records of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.