Overview
If you wish to trade in notified agricultural produce in Delhi’s regulated markets, you must obtain an APMC License from the concerned Market Committee under the Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1998 and the Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (General) Rules, 2000. This license authorizes you to operate as a trader, commission agent (Adhatiya), weighman, measurer, warehouseman, or other service provider within the market yard.
Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure, requirements, fees, timelines, renewal, and compliance for obtaining an APMC license in Delhi.
Why
- An APMC license is important for several reasons: -
- Legal Compliance: It is mandatory to legally operate in designated APMC markets.
- Legal Right to Trade: Enables you to legally buy/sell in Delhi’s regulated markets.
- Access to Market Facilities: Licensed traders can access cold storage, warehouses, auction platforms, and weighing facilities.
- Trust & Credibility: A license builds trust with farmers and other traders.
- Protection: Regulated transactions reduce disputes over payments or quality.
- Fair Trade Practices: Helps maintain transparency in trade, prevent malpractices, and protect farmers’ interests.
Process
Though the process may vary slightly, the general steps are: -
- Collect Application Form: Obtain Form A from the concerned Market Committee office or download (if available) from the Delhi State Agricultural Marketing Board (DSAMB) website.
- Fill & Attach Documents: Complete the application with accurate details of your business, attach all required documents, and ensure signatures.
- Submit Application: Submit the filled form with documents at the APMC office of the relevant market (e.g., Azadpur Market Committee office).
- Pay License Fees: Pay the prescribed fee for the license category (trader, commission agent, weighman, etc.) along with any security deposit required.
- Verification & Inspection: The Market Committee will verify your documents and may inspect your shop premises to confirm suitability.
- License Approval: Once verification is satisfactory, the Secretary of the Market Committee issues your APMC License, signed and stamped.
Documents
Applicants must submit the required documents as given below: -
- Duly filled application form (Form A) as prescribed in the General Rules.
- Proof of identity and address of applicant (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport).
- Proof of ownership or lease deed for the shop premises.
- Passport-size photographs of proprietors/partners/directors.
- GST registration certificate (if turnover requires GST compliance).
- PAN card copies.
- Proof of firm registration if applicable (partnership deed, incorporation certificate).
- NOC from the landlord if the shop is rented.
- Police verification certificate (required by many Market Committees for security reasons).
Fees
Under Rule 11 of the General Rules, the license fee amount is decided by individual Market Committees with approval from the Director of Agricultural Marketing, Delhi. Typically: -
- Government APMC License Fee: ₹500
- Stamp Paper & Misc. Documentation: ₹2,500
- Security Deposit: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 (refundable if license is surrendered).
- Out-of-pocket Expenses: As per actuals
Note: Professional/consultancy fees may apply if using a service provider.
These amounts can vary depending on the market and commodity you intend to trade in, so it’s important to verify with the specific Market Committee’s latest fee circulars. Delayed renewal attracts additional charges.
Note: Fees are prescribed under the Rule 11 of General Rules, 2000 but individual market committees notify exact rates through circulars. Always check with the relevant APMC office.
Timeline
After submitting the complete application and paying the required fees: -
- The Market Committee usually takes the duration of 15–30 days to process and issuance of license.
- Delays may arise if documents are incomplete or inspection reports are pending.
FAQs
Yes, a shop or warehouse within or near the mandi premises is mandatory for obtaining an APMC license in Delhi.
Typically, the license approval process takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on documentation, site inspection, and the responsiveness of the concerned mandi committee.
Most APMC licenses in Delhi are valid for the period of one year and must be renewed annually. In some cases, multi-year validity may be considered depending on the category and authority.
No. A separate license is required for each APMC authority. However, one license may cover multiple mandis if they fall under the same APMC authority (e.g., Azadpur and Keshopur under APMC Azadpur).
As of now, APMC licenses in Delhi are primarily processed offline. Applicants must visit the respective mandi's APMC office to submit the documents and complete the required formalities...!
Any individual, partnership firm, company, or cooperative society engaged in the trade of agricultural produce—such as wholesalers, commission agents, processors, exporters, or retailers—can apply for an APMC license. However, the applicant must not have any criminal record and must meet specific documentation and infrastructure requirements.
Delhi APMCs generally issues different categories of licenses such as Commission Agent (Arhtiya), Trader/Buyer, Processor, Exporter, and Weighman/Grader.
License holders must maintain regular transaction records and data, submit periodic returns to the APMC, pay market fees on time and ensure fair trade practices. Failure to comply may lead to penalties, suspension, or cancellation of the license.
Yes. Applicants are generally required to deposit a security amount, which varies by the type of license and mandi. This security deposit acts as a performance guarantee and it is refundable upon termination of the license. (subject to dues clearance)
No, APMC licenses are non-transferable. However, in certain cases, the legal heirs or business successors can apply for a new license and their application may be given priority if all required documents and eligibility conditions are fulfilled.
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