India Back on EU Draft List for Aquaculture Exports After Earlier Omission

May 15, 2026

These bodies focused on regulatory compliance and responsible aquaculture practices. Aquaculture means farming of aquatic organisms like fish, shrimp, molluscs, and algae.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The draft list is not yet final. The next step is formal adoption of the revised regulation by the European Commission . After that, Indian exporters can be sure of continued market access beyond September 2026.

FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q1: When did the EU publish the revised draft list including India?
A: On 12 May 2026.

Q2: Why was India omitted from an earlier EU regulation in October 2024?
A: Because of concerns over antimicrobial use in aquaculture and non‑compliance with EU rules on growth‑promoting medicines.

Q3: What is the full name of the EU regulation that sets rules for animal‑origin exports?
A: European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905.

Q4: What was India’s seafood export value to the EU in 2025‑26?
A: USD 1.593 billion, which was 18.94% of India’s total seafood exports.

Q5: Which Indian agency is responsible for quality control of seafood exports?
A: The Export Inspection Council (EIC).

EXAM-FOCUSED POINTS

Draft list published by: European Union (27 member states)
Date of publication: 12 May 2026
Purpose: Continued exports of aquaculture products to EU beyond September 2026
Earlier exclusion: EU Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 (4 October 2024) – India not authorised from September 2026
Key EU regulation: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 – bans antimicrobials for growth promotion and those reserved for human treatment
India’s seafood export to EU (2025‑26): USD 1.593 billion (18.94% of total seafood exports)
Rank of EU as export market: Third‑largest
Major export item: Farmed shrimp
Institutions involved: Department of Commerce, MPEDA (statutory body under Commerce Ministry), Export Inspection Council
Aquaculture definition: Farming of fish, shrimp, molluscs, algae
Next step: Formal adoption by European Commission