European Union Recognises India’s Food Safety Compliance Measures

The European Union has included India in its revised draft list of countries authorised to continue exporting aquaculture products to the EU market, providing significant relief to India’s seafood export industry.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the earlier version of the regulation had excluded India from the list of third countries permitted to export products of animal origin intended for human consumption to the EU from September 2026 onward.

The revised draft list follows compliance measures undertaken by India in accordance with the European Commission’s delegated regulations. These rules require exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal-based products exported to the EU are free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion, as well as antimicrobials reserved for human medical treatment.

The ministry described India’s proposed inclusion as a major positive development for the country’s seafood export sector. Officials said the decision demonstrates the EU’s confidence in India’s regulatory systems, food safety standards, and residue monitoring mechanisms.

The development also acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Department of Commerce and organisations such as the Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Export Inspection Council to strengthen compliance standards and promote responsible aquaculture practices.

The European Union remains one of the key export destinations for Indian seafood products, particularly shrimp and other aquaculture items. Industry experts believe the latest move will help maintain market access for Indian exporters and support growth in the seafood trade sector.

The inclusion is also expected to encourage further improvements in sustainable aquaculture practices and strengthen India’s reputation in international food export markets.