Seafood export from India has emerged as one of the most profitable segments in the global export industry. With a vast coastline of over 7,500 km, advanced processing infrastructure, and strong global demand, India ranks among the top seafood exporting nations.
According to the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Indian seafood is exported to more than 100 countries, with shrimp contributing the largest share.
Major markets include:
- United States
- China
- Japan
- European Union
- Southeast Asia
The increasing demand for frozen shrimp, tuna, squid, and value-added marine products makes seafood export from India a scalable business opportunity.
Top Seafood Products Exported from India
1. Frozen Shrimp
Vannamei shrimp is the largest exported seafood product from India and contributes significantly to total export revenue.
2. Frozen Fish
Tuna, pomfret, ribbonfish, mackerel, and seer fish are widely exported to global markets.
3. Cuttlefish and Squid
High demand in European and East Asian markets due to strong culinary consumption.
4. Crab and Lobster
Premium category seafood products exported to luxury hospitality and retail segments.
Step-by-Step Process to Start Seafood Export from India
Starting a seafood export business requires regulatory compliance and infrastructure planning.
1. Obtain Import Export Code (IEC)
Apply for IEC from DGFT to legally operate as an exporter.
2. Register with MPEDA
Registration with Marine Products Export Development Authority is mandatory for marine product exports.
3. Food Safety and Quality Compliance
- FSSAI License
- HACCP Certification
- EU Approval (if exporting to Europe)
- USFDA Compliance (for USA market)
4. Cold Chain Infrastructure
Seafood requires temperature-controlled processing, storage, and logistics.
5. Documentation Required for Seafood Export
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Health Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- Shipping Bill
- Export Inspection Certificate
For detailed documentation procedures, refer to our internal guide on Export Documentation Process in India (add internal backlink to EximHub blog page).
Major Importing Countries for Indian Seafood
4
United States
Largest importer of Indian shrimp with strict quality and traceability standards.
China
Strong demand for frozen marine products and bulk shipments.
Japan
Premium market focusing on hygiene and product grading.
European Union
Highly regulated but offers better pricing for compliant exporters.
Global seafood trade statistics can be explored through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for market insights and demand trends.
Challenges in Seafood Export Business
While seafood export from India is profitable, it involves risks such as:
- Shipment rejection due to contamination
- Strict residue and antibiotic testing
- Cold chain failure
- Currency fluctuation
- International payment risks
Proper export strategy and buyer verification are critical to long-term sustainability.
How EximHub Supports Seafood Exporters
EximHub acts as an export growth partner for seafood exporters by providing:
- Verified international buyer research
- Export lead generation systems
- LinkedIn and email outreach automation
- Export documentation assistance
- International negotiation strategy
- Digital branding for global markets
We help seafood exporters build structured export pipelines instead of relying solely on brokers or trade fairs.
Why Choose EximHub for Seafood Export Growth
EximHub focuses on:
- Data-driven buyer acquisition
- Export automation systems
- International compliance awareness
- Structured B2B growth strategy
- Long-term global brand building
Whether you are starting or scaling seafood export from India, a systematic approach ensures predictable growth.
Contact EximHub
EximHub – Turning Products into Global Brands
Phone: +91 9169658628
Email: info@eximhub.pro
Website: https://eximhub.pro
Schedule a consultation to build your seafood export strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seafood export from India profitable?
Yes, especially in shrimp and premium marine categories where global demand remains strong.
Is MPEDA registration mandatory?
Yes, it is compulsory for exporting marine products from India.
What certifications are required?
HACCP, FSSAI, and market-specific certifications such as USFDA or EU approval are typically required.