The European Union (EU) has approved India’s continued inclusion in its list of authorised countries for exporting aquaculture products, eggs, honey and animal casings, allowing trade access to the 27-nation bloc beyond September under its revised regulatory framework.
The decision comes as part of amendments to EU Regulation (EU) 2021/405, which introduces stricter requirements for animal-origin imports in response to growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance. The updated framework will come into effect from September and applies enhanced compliance standards for exporting countries.
India’s inclusion is particularly significant for the fisheries sector, with current exports of fish and fishery products to the EU valued at approximately USD 1.59 billion. The continuation of market access is expected to provide stability to one of India’s key agri-export segments.
The Indian government has been actively engaging with the European Commission to ensure compliance with evolving EU norms. The Department of Commerce, along with the Export Inspection Council (EIC), has strengthened official control systems through improved inspection, testing and certification processes aligned with EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Officials noted that the move reflects India’s ability to meet stringent international food safety and quality requirements, particularly in a regulatory environment increasingly shaped by antimicrobial resistance concerns and traceability expectations.
The decision also underscores the importance of regulatory preparedness in sustaining access to high-value global markets. Continued alignment with international standards is expected to support long-term growth of India’s seafood exports and reinforce its position as a reliable supplier of safe and certified aquaculture products.
Overall, the development provides continuity for India’s seafood trade with the EU while reinforcing the need for sustained investment in quality systems, compliance infrastructure and export competitiveness in the animal-origin food sector.
