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

India needed a stronger product passport system to support seafood exports, an official said. Developed markets were asking for digital traceability, sustainability proof, and quality checks. These demands covered the full journey, from a fishing boat or farm to consumers. The official linked better compliance systems with stronger export competitiveness for Indian seafood.

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The official explained that a product passport covered every key attribute of an export item. It included quality standards, traceability, sustainability credentials, and health and safety compliance. It also recorded supply chain documents from origin to the buyer. These details were becoming central for seafood exports in many importing countries.

Seafood exports and product passport demands in developed markets

Citing regulatory examples, the official referred to European Union EU requirements. Fish and shrimp sold in the bloc needed digital traceability from boat or farm. Records also had to show the seafood was legally caught or farmed. The process also needed proof of safe processing through to the final consumer.

The official also pointed to a US rule for seafood exports. Exporters were increasingly expected to supply detailed digital records. These records were meant to cover the entire lifecycle of seafood products. The expectation pushed suppliers to keep consistent data at each stage, from harvest through processing.

Seafood exports and product passport digital systems India needed

India would need digital systems that captured many data points for export consignments. The official listed vessel details, catch records, and farm registrations. Other inputs included geolocations, production capacities, and processing information. This information would travel with shipments as supporting digital documentation for import checks.

"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 stakeholders

The official said the seafood supply chain in India was fragmented. Because of this, coordinated action was needed across the ecosystem. The official named the state fishery department, the central government, MPEDA, and the coastal aquaculture authority. \"So, we need to set up a strong system,\" the official said.

India had been making sustained efforts to improve market access for seafood exports. The official expectation was that exports would rise in coming years. Exports were projected to cross USD 10 billion in 2026-27. The estimate followed exports of USD 8.5 billion in 2025-26.

With inputs from PTI