In a milestone for India’s seafood industry, the European Union has approved 102 new Indian fishery establishments for export, significantly widening market access for one of the country’s fastest-growing export sectors. The expansion reflects the EU’s confidence in India’s food safety, traceability, and quality assurance systems, and is expected to unlock new opportunities across aquaculture shrimp and high-value cephalopods, including squid, cuttlefish, and octopus.

The development follows a series of high-level meetings in Brussels and New Delhi involving Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and senior officials from the Department of Commerce. The breakthrough is rooted in the EU’s recognition of India’s robust official control mechanisms, implemented by the Export Inspection Council (EIC), which ensure compliance with some of the world’s most stringent food safety standards.

Industry leaders see the move as a turning point for India’s seafood sector. The EU remains one of the most lucrative and quality-sensitive global markets, and expanded access is expected to boost export volumes, diversify product offerings, generate coastal employment, and strengthen foreign exchange earnings. The approval also enhances India’s standing as a trusted supplier in the global seafood value chain, at a time when consumer demand for traceable, sustainable, and high-quality products is at an all-time high.

The Department of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting exporters through policy facilitation, infrastructure development, and capacity building, while the EIC and Export Inspection Agencies (EIAs) continue to safeguard compliance with international norms. By deepening trade ties with the EU, India not only consolidates its seafood export leadership but also signals growing alignment with global benchmarks in food safety and sustainability.

As India’s seafood sector scales to meet rising global demand, this landmark approval sends a clear message: Indian aquaculture and fisheries are ready to compete at the highest level, delivering both growth at home and trust abroad.