Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, established in 1972 with the mandate to promote the export of marine products from India. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, MPEDA plays a pivotal role in strengthening India’s position as one of the leading global suppliers of seafood by supporting sustainability, quality enhancement, aquaculture development, and market access facilitation for exporters and producers.

Core Objectives and Functions

MPEDA functions as a central coordinating agency for the Indian marine product export industry. Its primary responsibilities include:

• Promotion of Exports:
  • Support exporters in accessing new global markets through trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and marketing campaigns.
• Quality Control and Certification:
  • Operates labs and provides pre-export certification and traceability systems.
• Aquaculture Development:
  • Provides technical assistance, training, and subsidies to fish and shrimp farmers.
• Resource Mapping and Data Collection:
  • Compiles trade data, production forecasts, and sustainability reports.
• Market Intelligence and R&D:
  • Publishes research reports, market trends, and technology guidelines.

These efforts contribute to building global trust in Indian seafood through improved quality standards and sustainable practices.

Strategic Importance in India’s Seafood Sector

India is one of the top global exporters of seafood, and MPEDA plays a central role in that achievement. Key data points include:

• Marine Products Export Value (FY 2022–23): Over USD 8 billion
• Major Exported Species:
  • Frozen shrimp (contributes to ~70% of value)
  • Cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish)
  • Frozen fish and surimi
• Top Export Destinations:
  • United States
  • China
  • European Union
  • Japan
  • Southeast Asia
• Export Volume (FY 2022–23): Over 1.7 million metric tons

MPEDA’s certification systems and pre-export quality checks are key to enabling access to high-barrier markets like the EU and the USA.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

MPEDA maintains a wide network of regional offices, field demonstration units, and testing laboratories across India. Core infrastructure includes:

• Quality Control Labs in Kochi, Bhimavaram, Nellore, and others
• National Referral Laboratory for residue monitoring
• Aqua One Centers to promote best aquaculture practices
• Accredited Hatchery Certification Programs for shrimp seed quality
• Online Traceability and Export Certification Systems

The organization supports exporters with real-time testing, e-certification, and infrastructure development subsidies to modernize seafood handling and processing.

Certification and Compliance Support

MPEDA plays a vital role in ensuring export-bound seafood meets international regulatory requirements:

• Export Inspection Certification
• Antibiotic Residue Monitoring
• Sustainable Aquaculture Certification Support (BAP, ASC)
• EU, USFDA, and EIC compliance training

These services reduce rejections and improve the global competitiveness of Indian seafood exporters.

Training, Research, and Development

• Skill Development Programs:
  • Regular training for seafood workers, aquaculture technicians, and processors
• Collaborative R&D Projects:
  • Works with institutions like CIFE, CIBA, and CMFRI on disease control and farming technologies
• Sustainability Programs:
  • Pilot initiatives for low-carbon aquaculture, traceability, and eco-labeling

MPEDA’s knowledge dissemination contributes to technology adoption and efficiency improvements throughout the seafood value chain.

Stakeholder Ecosystem

MPEDA supports a wide range of stakeholders including:

• Seafood Exporters and Processors
• Shrimp and Fish Farmers
• Hatchery Operators
• Marine Capture Fishermen
• State Fisheries Departments and Cooperative Societies

Its schemes and programs are tailored to promote inclusivity and scalability across both small-scale and industrial-level players.

Achievements and Global Engagement

• Recognized as a key enabler behind India's emergence as the world’s largest exporter of frozen shrimp
• Developed and scaled India’s first National Traceability System for aquaculture
• Represented India at global seafood expos such as Seafood Expo Global, China Fisheries & Seafood Expo, and Boston Seafood Show
• Facilitated B2B partnerships and MoUs between Indian exporters and international buyers

With a vision to make India a global hub for sustainable and high-quality marine products, MPEDA continues to modernize, regulate, and expand the country’s seafood export landscape through policy support, innovation, and industry collaboration.