NewKerala.com

EU Includes India in Revised List for Aquaculture Exports, Securing Key Market

The European Union has included India in its revised draft list for aquaculture exports, ensuring continued market access from September 2026. The EU is India's third-largest seafood market, accounting for $1.593 billion in exports during 2025-26. The inclusion follows India's compliance with EU regulations on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals. Exports to the EU rose significantly, with farmed shrimp accounting for the major share.

Key Points: EU Includes India in Aquaculture Export List

  • EU includes India in revised draft list for aquaculture exports from September 2026
  • EU is India's third-largest seafood market, accounting for 18.94% of export value at $1.593 billion
  • Inclusion follows India's compliance with EU antimicrobial use regulations
  • Exports to EU rose 41.45% in value and 38.29% in quantity over 2024-25
2 min read

EU includes India in revised list for aquaculture exports; bloc remains 3rd largest market for Indian seafood

The EU has included India in its revised list for aquaculture exports, securing continued access to the bloc, India's third-largest seafood market worth $1.593 billion.

"The updated list includes countries that have demonstrated compliance with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals - European Commission"

New Delhi, May 14

The European Union has included India in its revised draft list published on May 12, allowing continued export of aquaculture products to the EU market from September 2026.

According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the inclusion is significant for India's seafood exports as the EU remains one of the key destinations for Indian marine products and emerged as the third-largest market during 2025-26, accounting for 18.94 per cent of total export value at USD 1.593 billion. Exports to the region rose 41.45 per cent in value and 38.29 per cent in quantity over 2024-25, with farmed shrimp accounting for the major share.

The revised list addresses concerns after India was not included in the earlier Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 issued on October 4, 2024, which had excluded India from the list of countries authorised to export products of animal origin intended for human consumption to the EU from September 2026.

The inclusion follows compliance measures undertaken by India in line with European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905, which requires exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal products exported to the EU are free from the use of certain antimicrobial medicinal products.

The European Commission said in its communication dated May 12 that the updated list includes countries that have "demonstrated compliance with EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals and have provided the necessary guarantees and assurances under EU regulations."

The development is expected to ensure uninterrupted exports of Indian aquaculture products to the EU market beyond September 2026, once the revised regulation is formally adopted.

It also reflects efforts undertaken by the Department of Commerce and associated agencies including Marine Products Export Development Authority and Export Inspection Council to strengthen regulatory compliance.

According to the ministry, initiatives such as the National Residue Control Programme, post-harvest testing, surveillance systems for banned antibiotics and stakeholder training programmes have strengthened India's food safety and residue monitoring framework.

The proposed inclusion is being seen as a result of continued technical engagement and regulatory cooperation between India and the EU.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But why did it take them so long? India was excluded in October 2024, and now after 7 months they fixed it. Government should have acted faster to avoid uncertainty for fishermen. Better late than never though.
M
Michael C
Impressive growth - 41% increase in value! India's seafood quality is improving, and the EU clearly sees that. This is what happens when regulations are taken seriously. Good for both trade and food safety.
R
Rohit P
I hope this doesn't mean more pressure on small-scale farmers to use expensive antibiotics or chemicals. The compliance costs might be passed down to them. Need to ensure the benefits reach the grassroots level.
S
Sarah B
EU standards are tough but fair. India's compliance shows we can compete globally. Proud of our seafood industry for stepping up. This will also encourage other countries to trust Indian exports more.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50