Product passport system urged for India seafood exports as EU and US tighten traceability rules

India is being urged to build a strong product passport system for seafood exports. Developed markets are asking for digital traceability and sustainability proof. They also want clear quality checks, from the fishing boat or farm to buyers. An official said this shift is becoming central to export competitiveness and market access.

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A product passport records a seafood item’s full export profile. It covers quality norms, supply chain documents, and health and safety compliance. It also tracks origin-to-consumer movement and sustainability credentials. The official said such a passport should travel with export consignments. This would help meet the tighter checks seen in major importing regions.

Seafood exports and product passport rules in key markets

Citing examples, the official said an European Union EU regulation requires digital traceability. Fish and shrimp sold in the bloc must be tracked from boat or farm. The records should show the catch or farming was legal. They should also confirm that processing was carried out safely.

The official added that a US rule is raising similar expectations. Exporters are increasingly asked for detailed digital records. These records should cover the full lifecycle of seafood products. This includes production, handling, processing, and movement through the supply chain. The aim is to strengthen verification across the value chain.

Seafood exports and product passport digital data needs

India would need digital tools that capture and share key information with each shipment. The data includes vessel details and catch records. It also includes farm registrations, geolocations, production capacities, and processing data. These records would support traceability checks and help demonstrate sustainability and compliance.

"Traceability and sustainability are important for seafood exports now. If we want to export to the world, that commodity should have our export passport.Passport of commodity includes quality requirements, attributes like health, traceability, and sustainability. So the product passport has to be made strong. Once it is strong, we will be competitive,\" the official said.

Seafood exports and product passport coordination across agencies

The official said India needs joint action because the seafood supply chain is fragmented. The state fishery department, the central government, MPEDA, and the coastal aquaculture authority were named as key partners. \"So, we need to set up a strong system,\" the official said, while stressing coordination across stakeholders.

India has been making sustained efforts to secure wider market access for seafood exports. The official said exports are expected to keep rising with stronger compliance systems. The value is projected to cross USD 10 billion in 2026-27. That compares with USD 7.5 billion in 2025-26, based on the expectation shared.

With inputs from PTI