New Delhi: The European Union (EU) has approved 102 additional Indian fishery establishments to export seafood, including aquaculture shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus, to its 27 member countries, increasing opportunities for India’s coastal fishing communities and seafood industry workers.
This expansion strengthens India’s position as a trusted supplier in one of the world’s most quality-sensitive markets. “This reflects India’s commitment to food safety, traceability, and compliance with EU regulations, making our seafood a trusted choice in Europe,” said Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, following a series of meetings in the EU and New Delhi on September 9, 2025.
The 102 new establishments, added in 2025, bring the total EU-approved Indian fishery units to 604, certified by the Export Inspection Council (EIC). The EIC’s robust official control mechanisms ensure that Indian seafood, particularly aquaculture shrimps and cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, and octopus), meets the EU’s stringent standards for safety and quality.
In 2023-24, India exported $1.1 billion worth of seafood to the EU, its second-largest market after the United States, followed by China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand. The new approvals are expected to boost export volumes by 20%, generating additional employment and foreign exchange earnings across coastal states and Union Territories.
The decision stems from meetings involving Goyal and Department of Commerce officials, which built confidence in India’s quality assurance systems. Facing 50% tariffs in the US, Indian exporters now have a critical opportunity to tap into EU demand, diversify their product offerings, and strengthen trade relationships.
This development supports workers in the fishing and processing industries in coastal regions like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where increased exports will create jobs. The Department of Commerce pledged its commitment to supporting exporters through policy facilitation, infrastructure development, and capacity building.
The EIC and Export Inspection Agencies (EIAS) ensure compliance with international norms, safeguarding public health and enhancing India’s global reputation as a reliable seafood supplier. This milestone, part of ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions, reflects an environment of optimism and mutual trust in each other’s product standards, fostering deeper economic cooperation between India and the EU.
– global bihari bureau
