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MPEDA Registration

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) registration is an important requirement for seafood exporters in India. This registration not only allows businesses to legally export marine products but also ensures adherence to quality and safety standards set for international markets. Whether you are a new exporter or an established seafood business, understanding the MPEDA registration process is essential to expanding your global reach. In this guide, we provide a step-by-step overview of how to apply for MPEDA registration, the required documents and key compliance aspects that every seafood exporter should know.

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Introduction to MPEDA Registration

MPEDA Registration is mandatory for all marine product exporters in India. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body. The government formed it under the MPEDA Act of 1972. It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its main job is to promote and regulate marine product exports from India. MPEDA ensures that all exported seafood meets strict quality and hygiene standards always. This regulation is important for India's trade standing. Every person or company exporting marine items must register. This registration ensures full compliance with all foreign trade rules.

Products and Categories under MPEDA for Export

MPEDA regulates many marine products for export. Your registration certificate lists the product categories you can deal in. One registration allows you to handle multiple product types. This flexibility is good for business growth fast.

Product Category

Core Items Covered

Export Formats

Fish and Frozen Seafood

All fish types, like shrimp prawns, cuttlefish, crab and lobster

Frozen blocks, individually quick-frozen (IQF) products

Shellfish & Mollusks

Clams, mussels, oysters and other marine mollusks

Live form, chilled or processed and pre-packaged

Value-Added Products

Seafood that is processed more to gain market value.

Canned marine products, freeze-dried items, seafood pastes.

Dried & Chilled Products

Seafood preserved by sun drying or quick chilling.

Dried fish, chilled seafood sent to nearby markets quickly.

Ornamental Fish

Small, colorful fish for aquariums, not for eating.

Live transport, needs very specific packaging rules.

Products Exempted under MPEDA for Export

Not all marine product shipments need MPEDA registration. Certain small exports are exempted. These are typically small quantities not meant for commercial resale. The exemption is based on the consignment's maximum value. If the value goes over the limit, you must register.

Exemption Category

Maximum Value Limit

Purpose of the Export

Non-Commercial Export

Up to ₹25,000

Small, non-business shipments, not for sale easily.

Export for Exhibition/Fair Abroad

Up to ₹1,00,000

Items sent to a trade fair for product promotion.

Personal Effects of Passengers

Up to ₹5,000

Small amounts of seafood carried by travelers for personal use.

Gift Parcels/Exporting Samples

Up to ₹10,000

Small samples sent to foreign buyers for quality testing only.

Benefits of MPEDA Registration

Getting MPEDA registration is a compliance step. It also offers big advantages for your export business. These benefits help in long-term growth and stability greatly

  • Global Market Access: The certificate is a requirement for many major buyers especially in the EU and the US. It acts as a necessary quality clearance tag
  • Financial Aid: Registered exporters can get financial help and subsidies from MPEDA and the government. This money can help set up better processing plants or cold storage easily
  • Trust and Quality: MPEDA enforces high standards. Registration tells international buyers you meet global food safety norms. This improves your business reputation greatly
  • Trade Support: MPEDA helps exporters attend international trade fairs. This opens new market channels for growth

Types of Certification and Licenses under MPEDA

MPEDA gives out more than just exporter registration. It gives different certifications for every part of the supply chain. This ensures quality is checked at every single stage always.

Certification/License Type

Entity That Needs It

Core Purpose

Exporter Registration

Any company wanting to export marine products from India.

Mandatory license to legally conduct export trade.

Processing Plant Approval

Facilities that process, package or treat marine products only

Ensures the plant meets specific infrastructure, hygiene, and HACCP standards.

Storage/Cold Storage Approval

Units that store marine products under controlled cold temperatures.

Certifies that storage conditions prevent spoilage well.

Fishing Vessel Registration

Boats used for deep-sea fishing where the catch is for export markets.

Ensures the vessel follows proper hygiene and sustainable fishing rules.

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What is MPEDA Catch Certificate?

The MPEDA Catch Certificate is a very important document. It is needed for exporting certain fish products, mainly to the European Union (EU). This certificate is a traceability tool. It proves that the marine product was legally caught. It confirms the fish was harvested following international conservation rules always.

The Catch Certificate shows the fishing vessel's details, the catch area, the gear used and the date of the catch accurately. MPEDA issues this certificate. Its main job is to fight Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing globally. If you do not have this certificate, the EU customs will stop the import. This certificate shows India’s commitment to sustainable fishing clearly.

Types of Exporters Registered under MPEDA

MPEDA groups exporters based on what they do in the supply chain and if they own the facilities. This grouping helps MPEDA apply the right rules and offer specific financial aid.

Exporter Type

Role in the Supply Chain

Key Requirement

Manufacturer Exporter.

Owns or leases an approved processing plant and handles all stages.

Must have a valid Processing Plant Approval certificate for their facility.

Merchant Exporter

Does not own a plant. They buy products from an approved processing unit.

Must use the surplus capacity of another MPEDA-approved processing plant.

Ornamental Fish Exporter

Deals only in exporting live ornamental fish for the aquarium trade only.

Needs specific knowledge of live aquatic animal shipping rules.

Who needs to apply for MPEDA Certificate?

Every entity involved in the commercial export of marine products from India must apply

  • All Exporters: If you ship frozen fish, dried shrimp or any item listed by MPEDA you must register
  • Processing Unit Owners: Facilities where marine products are processed must have MPEDA approval, even if they don't export directly
  • Ornamental Fish Dealers: Exporting live decorative fish still falls under MPEDA's rules

Documents Required for MPEDA Registration Certificate

The application needs many documents. These papers confirm your identity, capacity and quality commitment. Getting them all ready is the most time-consuming step

Document Type

Requirement and Purpose

Business Identity Proof

Copy of the Import Export Code (IEC), PAN Card and Business Registration Certificate (e.g., Company Incorporation Certificate)

Financial Solvency

Bank Statement (last three months), showing enough funds to run the business well.

Premises and Capacity

Registration certificate for the storage site, and Processing Plant Approval or Capacity Utilization Agreement.

Legal Undertaking

An original document of a Joint Undertaking signed by the owner of the Processing Plant and the Handling Facility.

Application and Fees

Copy of the Purchase Order (if applicable), and proof of payment for the application fee.

Personal Details

Recent photograph of the applicant and proof of address

MPEDA Certificate Online Registration Process in India - Step-by-step Process

The registration process is mostly done through the e-MPEDA online portal. This makes submission and tracking quick and easy

1: Determine Exporter Type and Form Access Check your exporter type. Pay the small fee (e.g., ₹200) to get the application form online

2: Prepare Documents Gather all documents. Scan them into digital copies ready for upload always. Get your IEC and Certificate of Source ready

3: Online Application Filing Go to the e-MPEDA portal. Create an ID. Fill out the application form carefully. Upload all documents and declarations.

4: Fee Payment Pay the main registration fee (Government Fee of ₹5,000) online immediately. Keep the reference number

5: Verification and Issuance MPEDA checks the papers. They may send an officer to Inspect your plant. After approval, MPEDA issues the certificate. You download the official certificate from the portal

6: EIA Approval (After Issuance) After getting the MPEDA certificate, you must get EIA Approval. You submit the MPEDA certificate copy and fee to the relevant authority

MPEDA Certificate Registration Fees and Costing

The total cost includes fees to the government and fees for professional help.

Fee Type.

Amount (Approximate)

Description

Statutory Application Fee

₹5,000.

Official fee paid to MPEDA for processing.

Application Form Fee

₹200.

Initial fee to access the application form.

Professional Consultancy Fee

Varies often around ₹3,000

Fee for expert help with filing and follow-up support.

Validity and Renewal of MPEDA Certificate

The certificate is valid for three years only from the issue date. Renewal is mandatory to keep exporting marine products legally.

You must apply for renewal with updated documents before the expiry date. If you renew late you face a penalty. If you do not renew the license is canceled. This forces you to stop shipping marine products immediately. Late renewal causes shipping delays and huge fines. Timely renewal is key for smooth business operations always.

Post Registration Compliance after Obtaining MPEDA Certificate

You must follow compliance rules every day not just during application. This keeps quality high

  • Quality Maintenance: The processing unit must strictly follow the HACCP plan. Regular checks will happen often
  • Record Keeping: Keep detailed records for every consignment from the source to the shipment. This includes temperature logs and quality checks accurately
  • Reporting: Submit regular reports to MPEDA about the quantity and value of exported products.

Agile Regulatory as MPEDA Certificate Consultant

Dealing with MPEDA rules can be complicated. Agile Regulatory is your expert consultant to simplify the whole process. We know the MPEDA Act 1972 rules well. We manage everything from start to finish

  • We start with a detailed document audit to ensure everything is perfect
  • Our team handle the complex online application filing through the e-MPEDA portal for you. 
  • We help prepare your facility for the mandatory inspection quickly. 
  • After issuance we help with the final EIA Approval step and setting up your record-keeping systems
  • We make sure you stay compliant every day
  • Our goal is to get your MPEDA registration fast

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