In a major boost for India’s seafood industry, the country has been re-included in the list of countries that can export aquaculture products to the European Union (EU) from September 2026, as it has proven its compliance with EU restrictions related to the use of antimicrobials in animals used for food. 

In October 2024, the EU omitted India from the list of countries allowed to export aquaculture products to the EU from September 2026, raising concerns in the domestic industry, as the EU is a major export destination for Indian seafood. 

Aquaculture covers finfish, including eels, and products of finfish (such as roes and caviar), and crustaceans.

“Under EU rules, the use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth or yield purposes is not allowed, nor can animals be treated with antimicrobials reserved for human infections,” the European Commission said in its statement. “The countries on the list have proven their compliance with the EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals.” 

It added that the list will be formally adopted “in the coming days”, with the rules on imports applying from September 3, 2026.

This development builds on the fact that in September 2025, the EU added 102 new Indian fisheries to its list of approved establishments that can export to EU member countries. 

“India’s proposed inclusion is a major positive development for the country’s seafood export sector and reflects the European Union’s confidence in India’s regulatory systems, residue monitoring mechanisms and food safety standards,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement on May 14. 

“Once formally adopted by the European Commission, the revised regulation is expected to ensure uninterrupted export of Indian aquaculture products to the EU market beyond September 2026,” it added.

According to data from the Ministry, the European Union is one of the key destinations for Indian seafood exports. During 2025-26, the EU stood as the third-largest market for Indian seafood exports, accounting for 18.9% of the total export of the sector, amounting to $1.6 billion. This also marked a growth of 41.4% in terms of value and 38.3% growth in terms of volume over the previous year.