Seafood plays a vital role in improving human nutrition, especially as a rich source of protein. With the growing demand for high-protein diets over the past few decades, the need for quality seafood exports has also increased. To ensure safe and high-standard seafood exports from India, it is mandatory for exporters to register with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).
MPEDA registration is a legal requirement for anyone involved in the export of marine products, such as seafood processors, exporters, and aquaculture farms. This registration helps businesses comply with export laws, improve product quality, and receive support from the authority for various trade- related services.
The Indian government established MPEDA as a statutory body to promote and regulate marine product exports. It plays a key role in monitoring the seafood industry, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring that all exports meet international food safety regulations. By registering with MPEDA, exporters gain access to official certifications, export benefits, and smoother customs clearance processes.
Moreover, MPEDA registration helps build trust, ensures compliance with global standards, and provides long-term success in the seafood export business.
MPEDA (Marine Product Export Development Authority) registration is a certificate issued to companies that regulate and monitor the seafood sector. It ensures quality standards and assists in the export of seafood products. Registration provides exporters with various services such as market information, how to enhance trade and financial assistance. When exporters enroll with MPEDA, they are bound to comply with the regulations governing the seafood export business.
The following products shall be mentioned in the MPEDA registration certificate. An exporter can export more than one product mentioned below with a single registration certificate
1. Canned marine products
2. Freeze-dried Marine products
3. Live marine products
4. Ornamental Fish
5. Chilled Marine Products
6. Dried Marine Products
The marine products export industry consists of various exporters, each with a unique role in delivering seafood and aquatic resources globally. Here’s a look at the key categories.
1. Manufacturer Exporter:
The owner of an approved Processing plant or handling facility can be considered a Manufacturer exporter. If an exporter utilizes a handling facility or a processing plant, taking the facility on a lease may also be called a manufacturer exporter. An exporter must declare himself as a manufacturer exporter as “MT” in the MPEDA application.
2. Merchant Exporter:
Exporters who utilize the surplus capacity of an approved processing plant or handling facility rather than owning a processing plant are considered merchant exporters. Merchant exporters shall declare themselves “ME” in the application.
Note: No merchant Exporter may sign a contract to use surplus capacity with the owners of more than one processing plant.
3. Route Through Merchant Exporter:
Route Through Merchant Exporters are those who export the marine products of either the Manufacturer Exporter(MT) or Merchant exporter(ME). Mpeda registration will only be granted to those Route Through Merchant Exporters with a certificate of Approval from DGFT.
Firms that come under the Route Through Merchant Exporter category are:
• Export House
• Trading House
• Star Trading House
• Super Star Trading House
4. Ornamental Fish Exporter:
The exporters of ornamental fish or Aquarium fish or Aquatic plants are called Ornamental fish exporters. Ornamental fish exporters must register themselves as “OF” in the MPEDA application form.
Note: An ornamental Fish exporter can not export live marine products for human consumption
The following documents are required for MPEDA registration:
1. Address proof (Aadhaar/ Voter ID/ Passport)
2. Written agreement for utilization of the surplus capacity of processing plant and handling capacity.
3. Joint Undertaking by the processing by both the processing plant owner and handling
facility owner.
4. Registration certificate of processing plant handling facility for endorsement.
5. Registration certificate of storage premises for endorsement.
6. Passport size photograph
7. Copy the IEC Code certificate
8. Approval letter issued by DGFT (Route-through Merchant exporter)
9. Copy of PO (Purchase Order)
10. Certificate from Scheduled Bank showing financial soundness.
MPEDA registration fees is ₹8000, which includes a government fee of 5000 and a professional fee of ₹3000. The registration process typically takes 7 to 10 working days.
Government Fees
Professional Fees
Total Cost
Rs. 5000
Rs. 3000
Rs. 8000
Note: The above-mentioned MPEDA registration fees are applicable per certificate. Processing time may vary depending on document verification and approval by MPEDA authorities.
Exporters of marine and fishery products can apply for MPEDA registration in the following steps:
Step 1 – Application for Exporters License
The first step to registering as an exporter of marine products is to apply for an MPEDA license on the online portal. An application must be submitted to the secretary or another authority designated by the secretary. The application form can be obtained by paying a fee of Rs 200 online or in cash.
Step 2: Sign the Application
The applicant entity must sign the application and provide the declarations in the application form. The signature of the registering authority(proprietor, Partner, or Director) is acceptable for MPEDA registration.
Step 3: Application Processing
Submit the application with the supporting documents for the processing stage. Make sure that the details provided in the form are correct and true.
Step 4: Issuance of the MPEDA certificate
MPEDA Certificate Issuance
The MPEDA certificate of registration will be granted by the authority, and after that, the applicant can act as a registered exporter of marine products.
Step 5: EIA Approval
After the issuance of the MPEDA registration certificate, Approval from EIA is required. EIA approval can be done by submitting the required fees for registration along with a copy of the MPEDA certificate.
The following declarations must be made when applying for MPEDA registration:
• Whether the applicant entity is a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, or a private Limited company.
• Total Capital Employed
• Details of any foreign holding, if applicable
• Copy of the last 2 year’s balance sheet
• Total Turnover expected in the next 3 years
• Clearly indicate any connection with any other seafood processing unit.
• Whether the applicant is a Merchant Exporter or manufacturer exporter, or Route-through Merchant exporter or an Ornamental fish exporter
• Registration number of the processing plant(in case of manufacturer exporter)
• SSI Registration Number
• EIA code of the plant
• Brand name (if any) of the product being exported
• Whether the applicant has already registered for MPEDA before or not?
• SSI registration number
• Items processed
The MPEDA certificate of registration is valid for 3 years, and the exporters must renew the Certificate before its expiry to continue the export.
For renewal of the application, a formal application needs to be filed with an endorsement fee of RS 1000. The renewal can be done by approaching MPEDA.
MPEDA serves the following functions in promoting the foreign trade of marine Products:
Taking part in international Expos
MPEDA exhibits a wide range of India’s products, particularly value-added products, at major international seafood fairs throughout the world to promote exports and create demand.
Promotes Indian seafood export
Additionally, MPEDA promotes Indian seafood exporters’ participation as co-exhibitors at particular international shows. In addition to these, different types of material advertising Indian seafood are also given out to prospective customers and visitors. Through the MPEDA Newsletter, a monthly newspaper produced by MPEDA, the exporters are informed of the trade inquiries obtained from such fairs.
Advertisements in foreign periodicals
Several MPEDA adverts are published in well-known and reputable fisheries periodicals and trade journals abroad.
Buyer and seller meet
To improve trade relations, MPEDA arranges for trade delegations to travel to India and the top seafood-buying nations.
Worldwide Delegation
To improve trade relations, MPEDA sends delegations to major seafood-buying nations and welcomes trade delegations to visit India.
The Export of Marine products without registering as an exporter under MPEDA is allowed under the following conditions:
1. The central government, Government Authority, or any person authorized by the central government is exempted from obtaining an MPEDA registration while exporting marine products.
2. When the export is done as a gift parcel or by sending a few samples of the marine products.
3. If the marine product export is done for personal use and not for any commercial purpose.
4. As a personal effect of passengers.
5. When marine products are exported for any exhibition or fairs abroad. The above list of exporters is exempted from registering with MPEDA. To strengthen the exemption policy and to avoid any unethical export of fisheries, the authority has set a maximum limit of marine products in terms of value that can be exported under the exemption policy.
Non-Commercial Export
Export for Exhibition/Fair Abroad
Personal effects of passengers
Gift Parcels/ Exporting Samples
Rs. 25,000
Rs. 1,00,000
Rs. 5,000
Rs. 10,000
As an Exporter, It is really challenging to keep up with all the certifications and legal documents required for running the business. Any shortcomings may result in the stoppage of goods at the customs port. It is advised to seek an Import and Export Certification Expert.
Our Team of professionals is well-versed in the legal formalities involved in MPEDA registration. The Team will help you to arrange the required documents and also keep you updated throughout the process. follow these 3 simple steps to get your Exporters license
Step 1:Get in touch via call or contact form
Step 2:Provide necessary documents
Step 3:Get your MPEDA certificate directly in your
Mail
MPEDA registration is mandatory for companies involved in the export of marine products from India. By adopting standards and regulations for the registration process and following MPEDA regulations, exporters are able to assure the quality and safety of their products, gain access to international markets, and take advantage of support services offered by the authority.
MPEDA registers the following type of entities
1. Processing plants
2. Fishing Vessels
3. Exporters of Marine products
4. Cold Storages
5. Live Fish Handling Facility
6. Storage Premises
7. Processing Plants
8. Dried Fish Handling Facility
It costs a total of 8000 to become a registered exporter of marine products. The government fee for MPEDA registration is ₹5000, and the professional fee for MPEDA registration is ₹3000 per Certificate.
The exporter utilizing the surplus capacity must undertake a joint undertaking with the owner of the processing plant or handling facility on stamp paper worth 200/-, stating that they would be totally liable for the maritime products processed, packed, and kept on their premises.
The Certificate of registration as an exporter granted by MPEDA to exporters of maritime products (both manufacturer and merchant exporters) has a three-year validity period.
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