Fish Export from India: Step-by-Step Guide

 

🌊 Fish Export from India: Step-by-Step Guide

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1️⃣ Get Core Registrations

✅ Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Registration

• Mandatory under MPEDA Act, 1972 for any fish or seafood exporter.

• Apply at mpeda.gov.in → online portal or regional office.

✅ Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

• Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

• Apply online at dgft.gov.in.

• Required for customs clearance.

✅ FSSAI License (Export + Processing Unit)

• Covers hygiene, safety, and food quality.

✅ Export Inspection Council (EIC) / Export Inspection Agency (EIA) Approval (for specific markets)

• Especially for EU, USA, Russia, Japan, and other regulated destinations.

• You need pre-export certification and plant approval.

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2️⃣ Factory & Product Compliance

✅ Processing unit approved by MPEDA + EIA (with EU approval if exporting to Europe).
✅ Implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) system — mandatory for seafood exports.
✅ Maintain traceability from catch/farm to processing to export.
✅ Ensure all packaging meets destination country’s labeling, weight, and material standards.

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3️⃣ Documentation Checklist (Per Shipment)

Document	Why It’s Needed
Commercial Invoice	For customs + buyer records
Packing List	Details of quantity, weight, packaging
Bill of Lading (Sea) / Airway Bill	Shipping line or air carrier document
Certificate of Origin	Issued by EIA, needed for duty benefits
Health Certificate	Issued by EIA or MPEDA (proves food safety)
Phytosanitary or Veterinary Certificate	For some markets, if required
FSSAI Export License	Confirms compliance with food laws
Insurance Policy	Optional but recommended

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4️⃣ Customs & Shipping

✅ File Shipping Bill electronically on ICEGATE (Indian Customs)
✅ Clear goods through Indian Customs + pay export duties (if any)
✅ Work with CHA (Customs House Agent) for smooth clearance
✅ Arrange cold chain logistics (reefer containers, air cargo cold storage)

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5️⃣ Market-Specific Requirements

✅ For EU → Ensure approval from EIC as an EU-listed establishment
✅ For US → Meet USFDA (Food & Drug Administration) standards
✅ For China, Japan, Russia → Meet respective import authority conditions

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📦 Practical Export Tips

✔ Maintain strong cold chain from source to destination
✔ Pre-agree INCOTERMS (FOB, CIF, CFR) with your overseas buyer
✔ Take marine cargo insurance to cover perishability risks
✔ Build relationships with freight forwarders specializing in seafood

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📅 Basic Export Timeline (Per Shipment)

Step	Time Required
Get buyer order, agree terms	1–2 weeks
Production & processing	2–5 days (depending on volume)
Certification (EIA, MPEDA)	1–3 days
Customs clearance	1–3 days
Shipping (by sea)	10–40 days (depends on destination)
Shipping (by air)	1–5 days

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⚠ Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Shipment rejection at foreign ports

• Blacklisting from MPEDA/EIC

• Loss of export incentives under Indian law

• Legal action under FSSAI / Customs Act