MPEDA Registration Online – Procedure, Documents, Exporter Registration

Which Marine Products Require MPEDA Registration for Export

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) registration is mandatory for exporters dealing with marine products. Exporters intending to ship products such as fish, shellfish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood must obtain MPEDA registration. It applies to a wide range of marine commodities, including both processed and unprocessed items like frozen fish, prawns, shrimp, cuttlefish, and value-added seafood products such as ready-to-eat fish preparations and canned seafood. MPEDA ensures that these products meet international quality standards, thereby promoting Indian marine exports on a global scale.

Categories of Marine Product Exporters

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Marine product exporters are broadly classified into various categories based on their operations and the type of marine products they handle:

1. Merchant Exporters: Individuals or companies that buy marine products from producers and export them.
2. Manufacturer Exporters: Entities involved in processing or manufacturing marine products for export purposes.
3. Aqua-Farmers and Hatcheries: Farmers who cultivate aquatic species such as shrimp or fish in controlled environments.
4. Processors and Cold-Storage Operators: Companies that process, package, and preserve marine products before exporting them.

Each category of exporter requires a specific type of MPEDA registration to comply with regulatory standards.

Documents Required

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To apply for MPEDA registration, marine exporters must submit the following documents:

1. Import-Export Code (IEC): A copy of the Import-Export Code issued by DGFT.
2. Company Registration Documents: Certificates of incorporation or partnership deeds.
3. Company PAN Card: The permanent account number (PAN) of the business entity.
4. Address Proof: Proof of the registered office or business location.
5. Bank Details: A bank certificate and account details, including a cancelled cheque.
6. Product List: Detailed information about the marine products intended for export.

These documents are essential for the verification process and ensuring compliance with MPEDA guidelines.

Online Procedure

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The online procedure for MPEDA registration involves the following steps:

1. Visit the MPEDA Website: Access the official MPEDA portal for online registration.
2. Create an Account: Exporters must create an account on the portal using their company details and email address.
3. Fill the Application Form: Complete the registration form, providing details such as company name, IEC, and product categories.
4. Upload Documents: Submit all required documents in digital format, including the IEC, PAN card, and address proof.
5. Pay Registration Fee: Make the required payment for registration through the online portal.
6. Verification and Issuance: MPEDA will verify the submitted details and, once approved, issue the registration certificate electronically.

This streamlined process ensures that exporters can complete the registration swiftly without visiting MPEDA offices.

Exemptions of MPEDA Registration

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Certain exporters may be exempted from obtaining MPEDA registration based on specific criteria, such as:

1. Small-scale exporters: Those exporting marine products under a certain threshold volume may not need MPEDA registration.
2. Domestic Sales: Entities that only deal with domestic sales of marine products do not require MPEDA registration.
3. Non-commercial exporters: Individuals or organizations exporting marine products for personal or non-commercial purposes may be exempt from registration requirements.

These exemptions help reduce the administrative burden on smaller players in the industry while ensuring large-scale exporters comply with regulations.

Conclusion

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MPEDA registration is crucial for marine exporters to ensure their products meet international standards and to facilitate smoother export processes. With various categories of marine exporters, a well-defined list of required documents, and a streamlined online registration procedure, MPEDA provides essential support to Indian marine export businesses. While certain exemptions exist for smaller exporters, obtaining the registration guarantees access to global markets and helps boost the credibility of Indian seafood products in the international arena. By adhering to MPEDA regulations, exporters can contribute to the growth of India’s marine export industry and establish their presence in competitive global markets.