European Union (EU) has approved 102 new Indian fishery establishments for export, significantly expanding market access for aquaculture shrimps and cephalopods, including squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. This approval follows high-level discussions between Indian officials, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and EU representatives.
These discussions highlighted India’s robust export control mechanisms, overseen by the Export Inspection Council (EIC), ensuring that seafood exports meet stringent international standards.
With the inclusion of these establishments, exporters from coastal states and union territories now have greater opportunities to meet EU demand, diversify their product offerings, and strengthen trade relationships. This move is expected to boost export volumes, generate employment, increase foreign exchange earnings, and further reinforce India’s position as a trusted supplier of high-quality seafood.
Department of Commerce has highlighted its continued support for exporters through policy facilitation, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives. Agencies like the EIC and the Export Inspection Agency of India (EIAS) play a critical role in maintaining compliance with international norms, safeguarding public health, and enhancing India’s global reputation.
India is also one of the world’s largest shrimp exporters, with seafood exports surpassing Rs 60,000 crore in 2023-24. The fisheries and aquaculture sector supports the livelihoods of over three crore people and has positioned India as the second-largest fish producer globally, with a production of nearly 195 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
This development is expected to further diversify India’s seafood exports, deepen trade ties with the EU, and meet the growing demand for premium seafood products.
