AGMARK
AGMARK grade certification for agricultural commodities and processed food quality standards.
AGMARK is a certification mark administered by the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI), Ministry of Agriculture, under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937. It certifies that agricultural commodities and processed food products conform to prescribed grade standards for quality, purity, and packaging. AGMARK covers 222 agricultural products including wheat, rice, pulses, spices, honey, ghee, mustard oil, and processed foods. The grade standards specify quality parameters (moisture, foreign matter, damaged grains), packaging requirements, and labelling. AGMARK certification enables premium pricing, government procurement eligibility, and export credibility. Complianceer handles AGMARK application, sample testing at DMI-approved labs, and grading certificate issuance.
At a glance
- Timeline: 15–45 days
- Government fee: ₹500–₹5,000 (grading fee varies by product and quantity)
- Professional fee: Starting from ₹9,999
Who needs this
- Spice traders and processors exporting or supplying to institutional buyers
- Ghee, honey, and edible oil manufacturers seeking quality grade certification
- Rice, wheat, and pulse millers and packers
- Businesses supplying to government procurement (FCI, state civil supplies)
- Exporters requiring quality-assured grade certification for agricultural products
Benefits
- Government-backed quality assurance recognised across India
- Eligibility for government procurement and institutional supply contracts
- Premium market positioning with AGMARK grade label on packaging
- Export credibility for agricultural commodity shipments
- Consumer trust through independent quality grading verification
Eligibility
- Product must be covered under AGMARK grade standards schedule
- Product sample must meet minimum grade parameters on laboratory testing
- Grading/packing premises must meet hygiene and infrastructure requirements
- Applicant must have access to quality testing (own lab or approved external lab)
Documents
- AGMARK grading application (Form AG-1 or online portal)
- Valid FSSAI licence (for processed food products)
- Sample of product for laboratory testing
- Processing/packing unit details and capacity
- Quality control laboratory access or tie-up with approved lab
- Packaging material samples with proposed AGMARK grade label
- Business registration proof
FAQs
AGMARK vs FSSAI: do I need both?
Yes. FSSAI is mandatory food safety licence. AGMARK is voluntary quality grading certification for specific agricultural products. Both can appear on packaging.
Which products are covered under AGMARK?
222 products including spices (turmeric, chilli, coriander), cereals (rice, wheat), pulses, ghee, honey, edible oils, and processed foods. DMI publishes complete schedule.
Can AGMARK certification help in export?
AGMARK grade certification demonstrates quality conformity and is recognised in several export markets for agricultural commodities, though destination-specific certifications may also be required.