Amendments to Marine Products Export Registration: Key Changes, New Fees, and Compliance Requirements in India

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 17.06.2026

Amendments to Marine Products Export Registration: Key Changes, New Fees, and Compliance Requirements in India

The Government of India has introduced comprehensive amendments to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Rules, 1972, effective from June 9, 2026. These changes modernize the regulatory framework for marine product exporters, dealers, and facility owners, with a focus on streamlined registration, updated fee structures, and enhanced compliance. Below is a detailed overview of the new rules and what stakeholders need to know.

Expanded Registration Requirements

Entities now required to register with MPEDA include:

Fishing vessels
Processing plants
Storage premises for marine products
Conveyances used for transport
Peeling sheds
Handling centres for fresh, chilled, live, or dried fish
Independent or common ice plants
Facilities for edible and non-edible marine products

Each entity must apply using the designated form (e.g., Form I for fishing vessels, Form II(e) for ice plants, Form VI(f) for edible marine product facilities), available online or in print.

Updated Fee Structure

The amendments introduce a detailed, capacity-based fee schedule. Key examples include:

Fishing Vessel Registration:
- Up to 45 ft: ₹1,000
- 45 ft and above: ₹2,000
Exporter/Dealer Registration: ₹5,000
Processing Plants:
- Up to 5T/8hr shift: ₹2,500
- Above 5T/8hr shift: ₹5,000
Storage Premises:
- Chilled/Frozen up to 50T: ₹3,000
- Chilled/Frozen above 50T: ₹5,000
- Other storage up to 50T: ₹1,000
- Other storage above 50T: ₹2,000
Ice Plants:
- Up to 10 MT/day: ₹500
- Above 10 MT/day: ₹1,000
Handling Centres:
- Fresh/Chilled Fish up to 5T/8hr: ₹1,500
- Fresh/Chilled Fish above 5T/8hr: ₹3,000
- Dried/ Salted up to 1T/8hr: ₹1,500
- Dried/ Salted above 1T/8hr: ₹3,000
- Edible/Non-edible marine products: ₹2,000–₹6,000 depending on capacity
Renewals and Endorsements: Fees range from ₹250 to ₹5,000 depending on the entity and type of change

Application and Certification Process

Application Submission:
- Submit the appropriate form with the prescribed fee to the Secretary, MPEDA.
- Dealer applications (other than exporters) require a bank certificate of financial status.
Certificate Issuance:
- Upon approval, a certificate of registration is granted in the relevant form (e.g., Form VI(e) for ice plants).
- Certificates are valid for three years and must be displayed prominently at the registered premises.
Renewal and Amendments:
- Renewal applications must be submitted before expiry.
- Any changes in ownership, location, layout, or capacity require advance notification and approval from MPEDA.

Transfer, Change, and Compliance

Transfer of Ownership:
- Any transfer (sale, mortgage, etc.) must be reported within one month, with supporting documents.
Change of Details:
- Owners must notify MPEDA at least 30 days in advance for changes in location, layout, or capacity.
Dealer Compliance:
- Dealers must comply with quality, sanitary, and trade regulations, and maintain proper records.
- Registration can be cancelled for false information or rule violations, after due process.

Record Maintenance and Online Systems

MPEDA will maintain online records of all registered entities, including amendments, transfers, and cancellations.
Entities must keep detailed registers of production, supply linkages, and quality assurance, available for inspection.

Certificate Conditions and Standards

Certificates of registration come with specific conditions, such as:

Maintaining hygiene and sanitary standards
Using only approved chemicals and materials
Keeping the facility and records up to prescribed standards
Displaying the certificate prominently
Renewing registration on time

Sample Application and Certificate Details

The amendments introduce comprehensive forms for various facilities, requiring detailed information on:

Ownership and location
Infrastructure and capacity
Hygiene and safety provisions
Water source and quality
Employee details
Processing and preservation methods

Certificates specify the approved capacity, product types, and compliance requirements, and are subject to periodic inspection by MPEDA officers.

Penalties and Cancellation

Registration may be cancelled if obtained by false information or if rules/conditions are violated, after giving the holder an opportunity to be heard.
Dealers and facility owners must comply with all MPEDA and government regulations to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

The 2026 amendments to the MPEDA Rules bring greater clarity, transparency, and accountability to the marine products export sector in India. Stakeholders should review the new requirements, update their registrations, and ensure ongoing compliance to maintain uninterrupted operations and access to export markets.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Marine Products Export Development Authority (Amendment) Rules, 2026Download

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/