India Secures Continued Access to EU Aquaculture Market: Regulatory Compliance Drives Seafood Export Growth

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Dated: 15.05.2026

India Secures Continued Access to EU Aquaculture Market: Regulatory Compliance Drives Seafood Export Growth

India has achieved a significant breakthrough in its seafood export sector, with the European Union (EU) including India in its revised draft list for continued export of aquaculture products to the EU market from September 2026. This development comes after India addressed concerns raised by the EU’s earlier omission in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598, which had excluded India from the list of countries authorized to export animal-origin products for human consumption.

EU: A Key Market for Indian Seafood

Market Growth
- The EU has emerged as India’s third-largest seafood export market in 2025-26.
- Indian seafood exports to the EU rose by over 41% in value terms during this period, underscoring the importance of the European market for Indian aquaculture producers.
Regulatory Recognition
- The revised draft list published by the EU on 12 May 2026 acknowledges India’s compliance with stringent EU regulations.
- These regulations, particularly the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905, require exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal products are free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion and antimicrobials reserved for human treatment.

Compliance and Food Safety: India’s Strengths

MPEDA and EiC Initiatives
- The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Export Inspection Council (EiC) have played pivotal roles in ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting responsible aquaculture practices.
- Their efforts have been recognized by the EU, contributing to India’s inclusion in the revised draft list.
National Residue Control Programme
- India has implemented a robust National Residue Control Programme, featuring rigorous testing and surveillance systems.
- These measures strengthen India’s food safety and residue monitoring framework, providing the necessary guarantees and assurances required by EU regulations.

What This Means for Indian Exporters

Market Stability and Growth
- Continued access to the EU market ensures stability for Indian aquaculture exporters and opens opportunities for further growth.
- The recognition of India’s compliance efforts enhances the reputation of Indian seafood products in global markets.
Focus on Responsible Practices
- Exporters must maintain strict adherence to EU regulations, especially regarding antimicrobial use and food safety standards.
- Ongoing collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders will be crucial for sustaining market access and expanding export volumes.

Conclusion

India’s inclusion in the EU’s revised draft list for aquaculture exports marks a major milestone, reflecting the country’s commitment to regulatory compliance, food safety, and responsible aquaculture. With the EU market continuing to grow in significance, Indian exporters are well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities and strengthen their global presence.

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Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

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