EU Retains India on Approved List for Exports of Aquaculture Products, Eggs, Honey and Animal Casings

1.    India Secures Continued EU Market Access

o    India has been included in the list of countries authorized to export aquaculture products, eggs, honey, and animal casings to the European Union beyond September 2026.

2.    EU Revises Import Rules

o    The European Union has amended Regulation (EU) 2021/405 through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189 to address concerns related to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

3.    New Rules Effective September 2026

o    The revised regulation introduces additional requirements for countries exporting specified animal-origin products to the EU and will take effect from September 2026.

4.    Major Relief for Indian Fisheries Sector

o    India's inclusion ensures uninterrupted exports of fish and fishery products to the EU, a key market for Indian seafood exporters.

5.    Significant Export Value Protected

o    India's exports of fish and fishery products to the EU are currently valued at approximately USD 1.59 billion, making continued market access economically important.

6.    Department of Commerce Led Engagement

o    The achievement follows sustained efforts by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in engaging with the European Commission on regulatory compliance and market access issues.

7.    Strengthened Food Safety Controls

o    The Export Inspection Council (EIC) enhanced India's Official Control System through improved inspection, testing, and certification mechanisms aligned with EU requirements.

8.    Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders

o    The Department of Commerce worked closely with the EIC, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and other stakeholders to meet the revised regulatory standards.

9.    Boost for Indian Exporters

o    Continued authorization is expected to support export growth, preserve existing trade flows, and create new opportunities in the aquaculture, honey, egg, and animal casing sectors.

10.  Commitment to Quality and Compliance

o    Indian authorities will continue working with EU-approved establishments and regulators to ensure compliance with food safety requirements and maintain high-quality export standards.

Why It Matters

India's inclusion in the EU's revised list of authorized exporting countries safeguards access to a high-value market, particularly for the seafood sector, while reinforcing confidence in India's food safety and regulatory systems. The decision helps protect billions of dollars in exports and strengthens India–EU trade relations.

 

[ABS News Service/09.06.2026]

In a significant development for India’s agri and marine exports, India has been included on the list of countries authorised to export aquaculture products, eggs, honey, and animal casings to the European Union beyond September 2026 under the amended European Union regulatory framework.

The European Union has notified an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2021/405 through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189 in view of growing concerns relating to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The revised regulation will come into effect from September 2026 and lays down additional requirements for countries exporting specified animal-origin products to the European Union.

India’s inclusion in the list of authorised countries ensures continuity of exports of these products to the European Union market beyond September 2026. This is particularly significant for the fisheries sector, as exports of fish and fishery products from India to the European Union are currently valued at approximately USD 1.59 billion.

The development is the result of sustained efforts by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in close coordination with the Export Inspection Council (EIC) and other stakeholders. The Department of Commerce has been actively engaging with the European Commission to address regulatory requirements and market access issues, while the EIC has strengthened India’s Official Control System through enhanced inspection, testing and certification mechanisms in line with European Union regulations.

The Department of Commerce, along with the Export Inspection Council and other stakeholders, including the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), will continue to work closely with EU-approved establishments and regulatory authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of quality and food safety in export products.

India’s inclusion under the amended European Union regulation is expected to facilitate continued market access for Indian exporters, support trade growth and create new opportunities across the concerned sectors.

The Government of India remains committed to promoting exports, strengthening institutional capacities and deepening economic cooperation with key trading partners, including the European Union.