European Union approves 102 more Indian marine product units for exports

The European Union (EU) has approved 102 additional marine product units from India for exports, making them eligible to supply to the bloc, which is the country's second-largest seafood export destination, the Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday.

 

With this, a total of 604 Indian units are listed by the EU.

 

"The move would help boost India's seafood exports to the EU. It is expected to help increase our seafood exports by about 20 per cent," an official said.

 

In 2023-24, India's seafood exports to the EU stood at $1.1 billion.

 

The development is also important for diversifying India's shrimp exports, which are hit hard by a steep 50 per cent tariff imposed by the US.

 

The official said that the listing of these units by the EU was a long-pending demand of India. The US, EU, China, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand are major seafood export destinations of India.

 

"The listing is a key development to boost our exports. This also reflects that our units are maintaining high standards," the official said.

 

India's shrimp exports in 2024-25 were $4.88 billion, accounting for 66 per cent of the total seafood exports.

 

"The EU has listed 102 new Indian fishery establishments for export from India to EU member countries. This significant expansion reflects the growing confidence in India's food safety and quality assurance systems and marks a major step forward in enhancing market access for Indian seafood products specially aquaculture shrimps and Cephalopods (Squid, Cuttlefish and Octopus)," the ministry said.

 

This development, it said, is expected to significantly enhance India's seafood exports to the European Union, which is one of the most lucrative and quality-sensitive markets globally.

 

With the inclusion of these new establishments, exporters across various coastal states and UTs will now have greater opportunities to tap into EU demand, diversify their product offerings, and strengthen trade relationships.