Anyone exporting marine products from India, such as fish, shrimp and other seafood, must register with MPEDA, the Marine Products Export Development Authority, under the MPEDA Act, 1972. Merchant exporters and manufacturer exporters both register, and processing plants and storage premises are registered separately. You apply with your IEC, PAN and business details, and keep the registration valid by renewing it before it expires.
What is MPEDA?
MPEDA is the statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry responsible for promoting marine product exports. It registers exporters, processing plants and storage premises, and supports quality, traceability and market access.
Who needs MPEDA registration?
- Merchant exporters who buy and export seafood
- Manufacturer exporters who process and export seafood
- Owners of processing plants, cold storage and peeling sheds supplying exports
- Exporters of frozen, chilled, dried and value-added marine products
Documents you need
- IEC, PAN and GST registration
- Proof of business constitution and address
- Bank certificate or cancelled cheque
- For manufacturer exporters: details and approvals of the processing plant and storage
- Food safety licence for the business
How to apply
- Apply on the MPEDA portalCreate an account and choose the right registration category.
- Upload documentsUpload business, bank and facility documents.
- Pay the feePay the registration fee shown on the portal.
- Inspection where requiredProcessing plants and storage premises may be inspected before approval.
- Receive the certificateKeep the registration number for shipping documents and buyer requirements.
Export market requirements
Many importing countries, including the EU, require seafood to come from approved processing establishments with health certificates issued in India. Check the requirements of your target market early, because plant approvals take time.
Frequently asked questions
Is MPEDA registration mandatory for seafood export?
Yes. Exporters of marine products from India must be registered with MPEDA.
Do merchant exporters need MPEDA registration?
Yes. Both merchant and manufacturer exporters register with MPEDA.
Are processing plants registered separately?
Yes. Processing plants, storage and related premises supplying exports are registered separately.
Do I need other approvals to export seafood to the EU?
Usually yes. EU buyers need product from approved establishments with export health certificates, in addition to MPEDA registration.
How BuyGenix Solutions helps
We check your documents, file the application, follow up on queries and track renewal, so the registration is ready before your first shipment. BuyGenix members can also see live buyer requirements for their products from importers in India and abroad.
Need Help Getting This Done?
BuyGenix Solutions handles mpeda registration and every related registration your business needs, from documentation to filing.
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See live requirements from importers and bulk buyers in India and abroad: what they want, how much, and where. Contact them directly with a BuyGenix membership.
