The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972 (Act No. 13 of 1972)

 The Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, 1972 (Act No. 13 of 1972) is a central legislation enacted by the Government of India to establish the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). The primary objective of this Act is to promote the development of the marine products industry, with a special emphasis on exports, under the control of the Union Government.

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📘 Key Provisions of the MPEDA Act, 1972

1. Establishment of MPEDA (Section 4)

• The Act provides for the establishment of the Marine Products Export Development Authority as a statutory body.

• MPEDA is constituted as a body corporate with perpetual succession, a common seal, and the power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property.

2. Functions of the Authority (Section 9)

MPEDA is entrusted with several functions aimed at the development of the marine products industry:

• Developing and regulating offshore and deep-sea fishing.

• Registering fishing vessels, processing plants, storage premises, and conveyances used for the transport of marine products.

• Fixing standards and specifications for marine products intended for export.

• Rendering financial or other assistance to stakeholders in the marine products industry.

• Carrying out inspections to ensure the quality of marine products.

• Regulating the export of marine products.

• Improving the marketing of marine products outside India.

• Collecting and publishing statistics related to the marine products industry.

• Providing training in various aspects of the marine products industry.

3. Registration (Chapter III)

• The Act mandates the registration of exporters, fishing vessels, processing plants, storage premises, and conveyances involved in the marine products industry.

• MPEDA is responsible for granting, renewing, suspending, or canceling such registrations as per the prescribed rules.

4. Finance, Accounts, and Audit (Chapter IV)

• The Central Government may provide grants and loans to MPEDA for carrying out its functions.

• A fund called the "Marine Products Export Development Fund" is established, into which all receipts of the Authority are credited.

• MPEDA is required to maintain proper accounts and have them audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

5. Control by Central Government (Chapter V)

• The Central Government has the power to issue directions to MPEDA on policy matters.

• MPEDA is required to furnish returns, statements, and other information as the Central Government may require.

6. Miscellaneous Provisions (Chapter VI)

• The Act includes provisions related to penalties for contraventions, offences by companies, protection of action taken in good faith, and the power to make rules and regulations.