What is the main aim of Agmark License?

·         · The primary aim of the Agmark License is to ensure that consumers are provided with products of the highest quality, free from any adulteration.

·         · The licensing system enables products to be graded and certified for both domestic consumption and export purposes.

Which organization is responsible for issuing AGMARK certification?
·         AGMARK certification is a recognition symbol for agricultural products, indicating that they conform to the quality standards outlined by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI), a department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

·         ·    This certification is granted in accordance with the Agricultural Produce (Grading Marking) Act of 1937.

     Key attributes of AGMARK:
•    AGMARK is a certification granted by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, a division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Government of India.
•    AGMARK covers over 200 agricultural products, ranging from grains and pulses to essential oils and semi-processed foods such as vermicelli. Quality standards are also maintained.
•    The headquarters of AGMARK are located in Faridabad.
•    AGMARK operates through 11 state-owned labs in 11 nodal cities, with the main AGMARK Laboratory situated in Nagpur.
•    The Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937, amended in 1986, legally binds AGMARK.
•    AGMARK applications are submitted online using the Agmark portal developed by the National Informatic Center (NIC).
•    AGMARK standards are based on the guidelines of esteemed organizations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the International Organization for Standardization, and the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
•    AGMARK certification is not mandatory, except for edible vegetable oils and fat spread. These products must obtain certification that aligns with the FSSAI Regulations, 2006.

To get Agmark Registration, individuals or businesses can opt for either of the following methods:

1. Online Application:
   One can conveniently apply for Agmark Registration by visiting the official website of the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) at https://dmi.gov.in. The website provides easy access to the necessary application form. Specifically, Form A is designated for applying for the Certificate of Authorization for Grading and Marking of commodities for the domestic market.
2. In-person Application:
   Alternatively, interested individuals or companies can visit the nearest office of the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI). The office will provide the required application form, namely Form – A, which must be completed accurately. This form caters to the application process for obtaining the Certificate of Authorization for Grading and Marking of commodities for the domestic market.

   Please ensure that the application form is accompanied by the required documents and the prescribed application fee, depending on the nature of the commodity being applied for. The registration fee should be submitted in the form of a demand draft and will vary based on various factors mentioned in the forms and their annexures, such as grading charges and processing fees.
   To be eligible for grading and certifying a notified commodity under Agmark, certain criteria must be met:

   • The applicant must possess the necessary infrastructure to process the commodity.
   • The applicant must have access to an approved laboratory for grading or have their own laboratory.
     

   Only after meeting these conditions, the person can apply to the office of the DMI for the grant of a Certificate of Authorization. The verification process takes approximately 30-40 days, and upon completion, the certificate will be issued.

   ·         In cases where an individual is granted access to a laboratory that is officially approved, it is required to provide the consent letter from the Agmark approved laboratory using Form A-3.

   ·         Before the commodity is packed into containers, both the raw material and the processed commodity will undergo testing by a chemist who is approved.

   • The commodity graded and certified will be subject to regular inspections by field officers from the DMI, who will compare samples from the packer's premises with those available in the market.
   • The renewal of the Certificate of Authorization can be obtained by submitting Form A-4 along with a fee of Rs. 5000.

     Agmark Registration Fees

     Agmark is an official certification mark for agricultural produce in India. This certification mark ensures the quality and safety of agricultural produce.

     • It is issued by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
     • Companies involved in agricultural products are required to register with Agmark.
     • Registration can be done in six designated cities: Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
     • To obtain a license, there are certain payments associated with the registration process that must be made. These fees contribute to the meticulous evaluation and verification of the agricultural products. Only those products meeting the stringent criteria of quality and safety will be granted the esteemed certification mark, which serves as a recognized trademark.
     • The Agmark programme in India guarantees that agricultural products adhere to government standards through consistent ingredients, safe handling and hygiene practices, support for local production, and promotion of sustainability.
     • Compliance with specific marketing guidelines may be required for those selling Agmark-certified items.
     • The Ministry of Agriculture launched the programme in 2005, necessitating a registration process that incurs various costs and fees based on the product category.
     • In summary, Agmark registration plays a vital role in safeguarding consumers and upholding the quality of agricultural goods.
     • Taxapillar, an esteemed Indian company, offers reliable web-based and legal services.
     • The company specializes in aiding clients with AGMARK registration and other essential legal compliances for conducting business in India.
     • To initiate the application process, a payment of ₹10,000 is required as a request draft.
     • The Agmark registration fees differ based on the nature of the commodity being registered.
     • For fruits and vegetables, the registration fee is ₹500, while processed goods and dairy products necessitate a fee of ₹10,000.

       When Agmark product are not satisfied, how to address quality issues as a consumer?

       • In case consumers are dissatisfied with the quality of Agmark-certified produce, they have the option to lodge a complaint with the Agricultural Marketing Adviser.
       • The complaint should include details like the Agmark label, serial number, packing date, and seller's information.
       • Genuine complaints will result in appropriate action being taken against the concerned packer, as mandated by the APGM Act of 1937.
       • Additionally, customers who register valid complaints are entitled to receive a free replacement for the substandard product.

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