EU keeps doors open for Indian seafood exports ahead of India-EU trade deal

In a development that may increase export opportunities for India once its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) comes into force, the 27-nation bloc’s revised draft list has allowed continuation of imports of aquaculture products from India.

The India-EU FTA is expected to come into force by early 2027. India’s Commerce Ministry said that the revised regulation is expected to ensure uninterrupted export of Indian aquaculture products to the EU market beyond September 2026, with tariffs expected to significantly drop on India’s exports to the bloc once the FTA comes into force.

EU was India’s 3rd largest seafood export market in FY 2025-26, with exports rising over 41% in value terms. During 2025–26, the EU emerged as the third-largest market for Indian seafood exports, accounting for 18.94% of total export value, worth $1.593 billion.

Exports to the EU recorded significant growth over FY 2024-25, with export value rising by 41.45% and quantity by 38.29%. Farmed shrimp continued to constitute the major share of exports to the region. EU’s approval to exports from over 125 Indian fisheries establishments in the last FY had offset losses incurred by the sector due to US tariffs.

In February 2026, India had been included in the list of nations authorised for the export of aquaculture products, eggs, honey, and animal casings into the EU beyond September 2026, with conditional provisions applicable for milk and poultry products.

This inclusion ensured continued market access for Indian animal-origin products in the EU despite the enhanced regulatory requirements.

In view of growing concerns on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the EU had notified an amendment to EU Regulation (EU) 2021/405, through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 187/2026/EC, which will come into effect from September 2026. Export of animal products would be affected from countries which don’t meet the regulation by that time.

In a major relief for India’s marine products sector, the EU on 9th September 2025 had listed 102 new Indian fisheries establishments for exports from India to the EU. While the US is the top export destination for India’s marine exports, EU is the 2nd largest market for Indian marine exports; followed by China, Japan, and Vietnam, respectively.

The Department of Commerce is in active engagement with the European Commission to address regulatory and market access issues, while the Export Inspection Council (EIC) is working to strengthen India’s Official Control System, including inspection, testing, and certification mechanisms, in line with EU’s regulatory standards.