What Marine Products Export Development Authority does

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body established in 1972 under India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, and operating from offices across India's maritime states (Delhi, Chennai, Kakinada, Port Blair, Valsad) plus Trade Promotion Offices abroad. It functions as the single-window regulatory and promotional authority for Indian marine product exports, serving four primary stakeholder groups: seafood exporters (manufacturer exporters, merchant exporters, route-through merchants, ornamental fish exporters), aquaculture farmers, fishermen, and seafood processing units. Its mandate spans export registration, certification (Catch Certificate, DS-2031, ICCAT, Certificate of Origin, RCMC), quality assurance, and trade facilitation.

MPEDA's core products and services include the Exporter Registration & Certification Services (statutory registration under Section 9(2) of the MPEDA Act 1972), an online Catch Certificate System for EU compliance traceability, the SHAPHARI Certification Portal for aquaculture hatcheries and farms, the Pre-Harvest Test (PHT) certification system for screening farmed shrimp against banned antibiotics, and NABL-accredited QC laboratory services including HPLC-based formaldehyde detection. Underpinning these are three wholly-owned affiliated societies: Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), which operates the Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) established in 2009 that has screened 27.58 million P. vannamei brooders and 36,212 P. monodon brooders with 16 consecutive disease-free years; NETFISH, the training and extension wing with Harbour Data Collectors in 95 harbors and landing centers; and NaCSA, the sustainable aquaculture arm. Technology stack is operational/regulatory rather than AI-native: HPLC, ELISA, and rule-based compliance systems support certification, with no disclosed AI capabilities beyond an exploratory chatbot challenge.

Revenue mechanics combine (i) standardized transaction-based certificate fees (Rs. 1,770-8,260 with GST, publicly disclosed), (ii) exporter and infrastructure registration fees, and (iii) government grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Commerce. Go-to-market is government-led and sales-led: MPEDA runs India Pavilions at international trade fairs (SENA Boston, BISFE Busan), Buyer-Seller Meets, Reverse Buyer-Seller Meets, trade delegations, and in 2025 launched the first domestic flagship Seafood Expo Bharat (SEB) in Chennai. Indian marine exports under MPEDA's regulatory umbrella reached a record USD 8.46 billion (₹73,890.46 crore) in 2025-26, with a national policy target of ₹1 lakh crore (~USD 12 billion), positioning seafood as one of India's top-10 export commodities and India as the world's second-largest shrimp producer (1.1 million metric tons).

Name

Marine Products Export Development Authority

Legal name

Marine Products Export Development Authority

Website

https://mpeda.gov.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

MPEDA is a statutory body under India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry that regulates and promotes marine product exports through single-window certification, quality control testing, aquaculture research, and international trade promotion across registered exporters, aqua farmers, and fishermen.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Seafood Export Regulation and Trade Promotion

NAICS

Aquaculture (11251), Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI)

Keywords

• Seafood export certification
• Aquaculture quality control
• Marine product testing
• Export trade promotion
• Fisheries regulatory authority

Headquarters

HQ city

Kochi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Certificate Fees: MPEDA charges fees for various export certificates including Catch Certificate (Rs. 3,540 with GST), DS 2031 Certificate, ICCAT Certificate, Certificate of Legal Origin to Chile, Non-Radio Activity Certificate, Duty-Free Certificate (Rs. 8,260 with GST), RCMC (Rs. 5,900 with GST), and Pre-Harvest Test Certificate (Rs. 3,540 with GST).
2. Exporter Registration: Registration fees for exporters, fishing vessels, processing plants, cold storages, and other seafood entities under Section 9(2)(b) and (h) of the MPEDA Act 1972.
3. Government Funding: MPEDA operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry with government funding for promotional activities, infrastructure development schemes, and operational expenses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, that regulates and promotes India's marine product exports. Its core services include mandatory registration and certification of exporters, processing plants and fishing vessels; issuance of Catch Certificates, Certificates of Origin, DS-2031, ICCAT, and Pre-Harvest Test (PHT) certificates; NABL-accredited quality control laboratory testing; aquaculture development through affiliated societies (RGCA, NETFISH, NaCSA); and trade promotion at international fairs and buyer-seller meets.

Product overview

MPEDA operates as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, established in 1972 to promote the export of marine products. The organization functions as a unified platform providing export registration and certification services (including exporter registration, catch certificates, SHAPHARI certification, and PHT certificates), quality control laboratory services (NABL-accredited QC labs), aquaculture development through its affiliated societies (RGCA for research, NETFISH for fishermen training, NaCSA for sustainable aquaculture), and trade promotion services. The digital infrastructure includes the e-mpeda portal, catch certificate system, SHAPHARI certification portal, and PHT certificate system. Key products include the Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) for shrimp broodstock, the Exporter Directory for trade discovery, and consumer-facing Indian Seafood Portal. The organization targets export-oriented seafood producers, aqua farmers, and fishers across India's maritime states.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SHAPHARI: Aquaculture certification program for hatcheries and farms
• PRIME
• Indian Seafood

Products and services

• Exporter Registration & Certification Services Statutory registration services for exporters, fishing vessels, processing plants, cold storages, and other seafood trade entities under Section 9(2) of the MPEDA Act 1972. Required for participation in marine product exports from India.
• Catch Certificate System Online system for issuing catch certificates required for seafood export documentation and EU Catch Certificate Compliance for traceability of capture fisheries products.
• SHAPHARI Certification Portal Online certification system for aquaculture hatcheries and farms certifying quality and sustainability standards for the seafood export industry.
• Pre-Harvest Test (PHT) Certification Pre-Harvest Test certification for farmed shrimp to screen for banned antibiotics, ensuring quality and compliance with export standards.
• Export Certificate Services Issuance of multiple export certificates including Catch Certificate (Rs. 3,540 with GST), DS 2031 Certificate, ICCAT Certificate, Certificate of Legal Origin to Chile, Non Radio Activity Certificate, Duty Free Certificate (Rs. 8,260 with GST), RCMC (Rs. 5,900 with GST), and Pre-Harvest Test Certificate (Rs. 3,540 with GST).
• Quality Control Laboratory Services NABL-accredited and EIC-approved QC laboratories providing testing for formaldehyde in seafood using HPLC, screening for banned antibiotics, and microbiology testing for aqua farmers, exporters, and institutes.
• Exporter Directory Consolidated searchable database of all exporters registered with MPEDA, including company name, address, chief executive, contact details, location, exporter type, process type, variety, and products offered.
• HACCP Training Program Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training calendar and implementation support for seafood processing units to maintain quality standards for export markets.
• Aquaculture Capacity Building and Training Training programs for aqua farmers, aquaculture technicians, and stakeholders including enrollment of hatcheries and farms, demonstration programs, and list of trained aquaculture technicians.
• Indian Seafood Portal Consumer-facing portal showcasing Indian seafood recipes, products, blogs, and videos, including information about seafood exporters and trade information.

Quantifiable outcome

• Seafood exports reached USD 8.46 billion in 2025-26
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• Department of Commerce, Government of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2026Coordinated efforts with Department of Commerce for India's inclusion on EU's authorised countries list for seafood exports. MPEDA engages with European Commission requirements under the Ministry's guidance.
• Export Inspection Council (EIC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2026Jointly working to ensure compliance with EU regulatory requirements for aquaculture products, eggs, honey, and animal casings. EIC provides export inspection and certification services alongside MPEDA.
• Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026India's apex drug regulator working with MPEDA to address banned antibiotic (Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans) contamination in shrimp exports. CDSCO directed states to strengthen veterinary medicine shop inspections following MPEDA's flagging of the issue.
• Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 July 2025Industry association representing seafood exporters. Mr. Jagadish V Fofandi, Former National President participated in India-Italy Business Meet representing exporter perspective.
• FAO GLOBEFISHstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 July 2025FAO's fisheries market information arm led technical session on global fisheries and aquaculture trade at Seafood Expo Bharat 2025, sharing insights on market dynamics and export resilience.
• Department of Fisheries (GoI & State Governments)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 July 2025Central and state fisheries departments collaborate with MPEDA on policy implementation, PMMSY projects, and infrastructure development. Participated in National Workshop on Seafood Exports in Visakhapatnam.
• NETFISH-MPEDAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025Training wing of MPEDA for fishermen education and harbor data collection. NETFISH has appointed Harbour Data Collectors in 95 harbors and landing centers across maritime states. Jointly organized Interstate Skill Olympiad for seafood value addition.
• Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025MPEDA's research and development arm operating Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) for broodstock screening. RGCA manages Multispecies Aquaculture Complex (MAC) at Vallarpadam for Black Tiger Shrimp revival and other species development.
• National Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture (NaCSA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025MPEDA-affiliated society focused on sustainable aquaculture development. Part of capacity building and training ecosystem for aquafarmers alongside NETFISH.
• Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2025Collaborated on Regional Workshop on WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies held in Chennai. BOBP-IGO organized the workshop in collaboration with IISD and RISE UP with support from India's Department of Fisheries.
• FAO, WTO, ICSFstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2025Global agencies supporting the Regional Workshop on WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. FAO, WTO, and ICSF provided technical expertise and international best practices for fisheries management.
• Embassy of India, RomestrategicGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 March 2025Joint initiative for India-Italy Business Meet on Marine Products held at Hotel Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, Rome. Embassy facilitated the business engagement between Indian seafood exporters and Italian counterparts.
• Assoittica ItaliastrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2025Italian seafood industry association partnered with MPEDA for bilateral business meet. Prof. Maria Luisa Cortesi, President led Italian delegation for technical sessions and B2B meetings with 10 Indian seafood exporters.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• NOAA Fisheries: US federal authority regulating fisheries and seafood trade compliance. Comparable to MPEDA's regulatory role in MMPA compliance, certification, and export oversight for marine products.
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): Global certification body for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. Comparable to MPEDA's SHAPHARI certification program and catch certificate traceability work; both set standards for seafood market access globally.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO): Canadian government department managing fisheries, aquaculture, and marine resources. Comparable as a government authority overseeing sustainable fisheries management and seafood trade compliance.
• European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA): EU body providing market intelligence and analysis for fisheries and aquaculture. Comparable to MPEDA's market intelligence and trade facilitation functions for seafood exporters.

Regional players

• Department of Fisheries, Thailand: Thai government fisheries authority that regulates and promotes Thai seafood exports. Comparable as an Asian government fisheries export promotion body with similar aquaculture focus and regulatory functions.
• Seafood Industry Australia: Australian seafood industry peak body promoting Australian seafood. Comparable as a national industry association representing seafood exporters with similar advocacy and trade promotion functions.
• Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF): Indonesian government ministry overseeing fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood exports. Comparable as an Asian national authority competing in the global shrimp market with India.

Direct peers

• Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP): Vietnamese seafood industry association that promotes Vietnamese seafood exports globally. Directly comparable to MPEDA as a national seafood export promotion body serving aquaculture-heavy producers competing with India in shrimp and other species.
• Norwegian Seafood Council: Norwegian government-backed council promoting seafood exports from Norway. Directly comparable as a national seafood export promotion authority with international trade offices, market intelligence, and trade fair participation.

Emerging players

• Friend of the Sea: International certification body for sustainable seafood and aquaculture products. Comparable to MPEDA's SHAPHARI certification in certifying sustainable aquaculture practices for export market access.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MPEDACOCHIN
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_yViTri65_fU246jqD07uA
• Facebookfacebook.com/MPEDAIndia
• Instagraminstagram.com/mpedaofficial

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Marine Products Export Development Authority