India has been added to the revised draft list by the European Union for the continuous export of aquaculture products to the EU market. This inclusion is seen as a positive step for India’s seafood export industry, showcasing the EU’s trust in India’s regulatory systems and food safety standards. The revised regulation, once formally approved, is expected to facilitate uninterrupted exports of Indian aquaculture products to the EU market beyond September 2026.
The updated draft addresses concerns stemming from the previous omission in the EU’s Implementing Regulation issued on October 4, 2024. India was not initially included among the third countries authorized to export animal origin products for human consumption to the EU starting September 2026.
The European Union stands as a significant market for Indian seafood exports, with the EU ranking as the third-largest market for Indian seafood exports during 2025–26, accounting for nearly 19% of the total export value, amounting to $1.593 billion. Notably, exports to the EU saw substantial growth in 2024–25, with export value increasing by 41.45% and quantity by 38.29%, primarily driven by farmed shrimp exports.
The development acknowledges the persistent efforts of the Department of Commerce, along with organizations like the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Export Inspection Council (EIC), in enhancing regulatory compliance and promoting responsible aquaculture practices. India’s continuous improvements in areas such as veterinary medicinal products, antimicrobial residues, traceability, and quality assurance in aquaculture production and seafood processing have contributed to this positive outcome.
The proposed inclusion of India in the EU’s revised draft list is a result of ongoing technical engagement and regulatory collaboration between India and the European Union. It is anticipated to bolster export growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance foreign exchange earnings from the seafood sector.
