Mumbai, September 10, 2025 – In a major boost for India’s seafood industry, the European Union (EU) has granted approval to 102 additional marine export units from India, strengthening the country’s position as a leading seafood exporter to global markets.

The expansion comes at a time when demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood is on the rise across Europe. With this move, India’s seafood exports to the EU are projected to increase by nearly 20% in the coming year, reinforcing the sector’s role as a key contributor to India’s export basket.

Strengthening India’s Global Seafood Footprint

India is the fourth-largest exporter of seafood to the EU, supplying a diverse range of products including shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, and finfish. The new approvals open doors for more Indian processors and exporters to access premium markets like Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, which together account for a large share of European seafood imports.

According to industry experts, the approval reflects growing confidence in India’s food safety, hygiene, and traceability standards. In recent years, India has invested heavily in modernizing seafood processing facilities, implementing stringent testing protocols, and adopting international best practices in cold chain management.

Boost to Coastal Economies and Employment

The expansion is also expected to benefit India’s coastal states, particularly Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat, where marine exports form a major part of local economies.

“More EU-approved units mean more opportunities for our fishermen, processors, and exporters,” said a senior official from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). “This will generate additional employment, especially in rural and coastal regions, while also encouraging sustainable fishing practices.”

Meeting Rising EU Demand for Safe, Sustainable Seafood

The EU’s approval aligns with its commitment to sourcing seafood that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability. Indian exporters have steadily enhanced compliance with EU regulations, including antibiotic residue control, eco-friendly farming practices, and robust documentation for traceability.

Analysts believe this will also help India tap into the premium segment of Europe’s seafood market, where consumers are willing to pay higher prices for certified, sustainable products.

Looking Ahead: A Catalyst for Export Growth

With seafood exports already contributing significantly to India’s foreign exchange earnings, the addition of 102 approved units is expected to unlock new growth potential. The move could help India surpass its seafood export target of $10 billion by FY 2026, with the EU playing a pivotal role.

As India continues to diversify its trade partners and upgrade its export infrastructure, the approval marks not just an economic milestone but also a vote of confidence in India’s rising credibility as a global seafood hub.