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Preface: This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated on March 06, 2025, to provide you with the most current and accurate information.
India is one of the top fish exporting countries in the world. It is a major player in the global seafood export market, and primarily engaged in export of frozen shrimp, fish, cuttlefish, squids, dried items, live, and chilled seafood. In 2025, India’s fish & seafood market’s revenue amounts to US$58.98bn. This market is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 5.96% (CAGR) from 2025 to 2030.
Given the projected annual market growth, starting an export business in India seems like an opportunity you shouldn’t miss out on! If you want to learn how to start a fish export business in India, check out this article to learn about all the key requirements.
To embark on a seafood export business, the applicant must fulfill certain key requirements, such as obtaining IEC from Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), securing MPEDA license, and additional permits. Each key requirement has been explained in detail in this section.
To start a seafood export business, you must register your company with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). While filing the company registration documents, namely, Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, make sure to include your intention to operate as a seafood exporter.
Once your company gets registered, the RoC will issue you a certificate of incorporation. After this, you can go ahead and apply for IEC.
Import Export Code (IEC) is a digitally-issued certification. It is necessary for all the businesses that want to engage in import or export of goods and services. For conducting seafood export business, make sure you secure IEC in a timely manner.
To secure Import Export Code, you must file an application through the official DGFT website. After gaining the Importer Exporter Code, the Marine Exporter can go ahead and apply for the Marine Export Development Authority License. However, make sure you have all the required documents in place beforehand.
Apart from IEC, you require the following documents for filing an application with the Marine Products Export Development Authority as a seafood exporter:
Filled and signed application form.
PAN card of the company/proprietor.
Bank certificate.
Certificate of proprietorship firm/incorporation or partnership deed.
Copy of the ownership documents/lease agreement of the business premises.
Specifications of the processing machinery and equipment.
Voters ID Card
Passport
Online Registration Payment Fee receipt
Scheduled Bank Certification
After collecting all the required documents, you must submit an application to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to register as a seafood exporter, whether you intend to operate as a manufacturer or a mercantile exporter.
All applications to register as a marine products exporter in India shall be made online in Form IX. Make sure you carefully draft the e-application and attach the requisite documents to further your candidature. Along with application, you will need to pay the requisite MPEDA application fee.
After MPEDA receives your application, the regional office in command will scrutinize the documents and the filed application. During the application assessment, the Examiner will intimate any discrepancies to the exporter license applicant.
In case of no discrepancy, the Examiner will forward the application to the Headquarters. After scrutinizing the application, the registration section will recommend the application for Secretary's approval.
Once the Secretary of the Marine Products Export Development Authority approves your application, the regional office in your area will physically print and provide you with the official MPEDA registration certificate.
Being in possession of this certification essentially means you have the permit to legally export seafood products from India.
According to Seafood Export Regulations, a Manufacturer Exporter needs certifications for their Processing Plant, Storage Premises, and Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) to be eligible for export.
Thus, you must ensure that your facilities for processing, storing, and initial handling of seafood meet the quality standards and get approval from the relevant authorities before you can export seafood products.
Apart from this, you will also be required to get FSSAI license. This license is mandatory for both the export and import of food products, including fish and seafood products.
The list of India's top fish export destinations include the following countries and regions:
USA
China
Middle East
Japan
European Union
Russia
Tunisia
South Korea
Malaysia
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Singapore
Here is a list of some of the most popular fish species that India exports to other countries:
1. Ribbonfish
It is also known as cutlassfish. India is one of the world’s largest exporters of this fish. The country primarily exports this fish to China.
2. Croaker
This fish is commonly found in the Indian ocean. India is one of the largest exporters of croakers. It primarily exports this fish to China.
3. Pomfret
It is found in both fresh water and saltwater habitats. It is also known as butterfish. India exports this fish to China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the United States, Kuwait, Malaysia, Australia, Bangladesh, and Singapore.
4. Jack
It is a part of the Carangidae family. India primarily exports it to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam
5. Sole
It is a kind of flatfish. India exports it to China, South Korea, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
6. Surimi Fish
The word "Surimi" translates to "ground fish" in Japanese. India mainly exports surimi fish to China, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
7. Grouper
Groupers are heavy-bodied, large-mouthed fish. India exports groupers to Australia, South America, Europe, Asia, and North America.
8. Catla Fish
It is a South Asian freshwater fish belonging to the carp family Cyprinidae. India exports this fish to countries in the Middle East, South East Asia, and several other parts of the world.
9. Seer Fish
Seer fish is also known as Indo-Pacific King Mackerel or Vanjaram. India exports seer fish to China, Taiwan and other countries.
10. Cod Fish
"Reef Cod" is a common term used to describe the cod fish that India exports. China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan are the main destinations for India's cod fish exports.
India has a strong presence in the global seafood market, and with time, this presence will only strengthen further. Starting a fish export business in India can be a profitable business opportunity. To ensure a successful fish export business, make sure you get the right registrations/permits and adhere to compliance with export regulations. Each and every step is crucial to smooth operations, from securing IEC code to obtaining fish export license in India.
For expert guidance on registration and compliance, reach out to MPEDA Consultants at Registrationwala. We’d be happy to help you in establishing a prosperous venture! Check How to Reach Us.
Q1. What is the Seafood Exporters Association of India?
A. The Seafood Exporters Association of India is a non-profit organization that protects and promotes the interest of the companies engaged in the seafood business. It focuses on providing better technology, food safety assurance, logistics, and marketing to seafood businesses.
Q2. Do I need an FSSAI certificate to export fish from India?
A. Yes, to export fish from India, you need an FSSAI certificate because fish is a food product.
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