MPEDA Registration Certificate
MPEDA Registration
Years of Experience
What’s Included?
MPEDA RCMC Certificate Online Portal Application & Filing Processing Plant Approval Coordination HACCP & EIA Compliance Support Financial Assistance Scheme Eligibility EU, USA & Japan Market Compliance Advisory Sustainable Seafood Traceability Guidance EIA Quality Certification Coordination 5-Year Certificate with Renewal Reminder Expert Document Handling & Follow-Up
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MPEDA RCMC Registration Online for Export: Fees, Process & Docs
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) established on 24 August 1972 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is responsible for promoting and controlling the export of marine products. Seafood operators, processors, fishing vessels and associated enterprises must register with MPEDA to engage in lawful export operations.
India is among the world's largest exporters of seafood by value. Shrimp and prawns account for approximately 65% of India's total seafood export earnings. The USA, China, EU, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia are the primary destination markets. MPEDA coordinates with the Export Inspection Council (EIC) and Export Inspection Agency (EIA) for quality certification required by importing countries, particularly the EU and USA.
Exporters intending to export their seafoods such as Shrimp and prawns must register online with MPEDA using the e-MPEDA platform. Professional Utilities assist professionals in online Portal Application & Filing and obtaining MPEDA RCMC Certificate without hassle.
e-MPEDA Certificate [Sample]
How to Apply for MPEDA Registration?
Exporters must apply for MPEDA RCMC registration online through the official MPEDA portal by submitting required details and documents:
- Register on the e-MPEDA Portal: Access the official MPEDA exporter registration portal at e-mpeda.nic.in and create a new account. This first-stage registration is mandatory before proceeding to the DGFT RCMC application. Existing IEC details must be kept ready for account creation.
- Submit MPEDA Exporter Registration Application: Fill in the MPEDA Exporter Registration form with complete business details — exporter category (Manufacturer Exporter, Merchant Exporter, Route-through Merchant Exporter, or Ornamental Fish Exporter), processing facility details, and product categories. Upload all required documents along with registration fee via the e-MPEDA payment gateway.
- MPEDA Inspection and Approval: For Manufacturer Exporters, MPEDA conducts a physical inspection of the processing plant and handling facility. The inspection verifies compliance with MPEDA hygiene standards, HACCP protocols, cold chain infrastructure, and effluent treatment requirements. Merchant Exporters are verified based on the written agreement with an MPEDA-approved processing plant.
- Log in to the DGFT Common Digital Platform: After MPEDA Exporter Registration is approved, proceed to the DGFT portal at dgft.gov.in using valid IEC credentials. Open the e-RCMC service under the Services menu and start a fresh RCMC application under MPEDA as the registering authority.
- File e-RCMC Application Under MPEDA: Select MPEDA as the registering authority and enter the filing office, branch GSTIN, membership tenure (1 to 5 years), exporter category, and applicable fee slab. List marine export products with their ITC (HS) codes frozen shrimp, prawns, fish, cuttlefish, lobster, surimi, ornamental fish, and value-added marine products along with destination countries, annual export turnover, and authorized representative contact details.
- Issuance of MPEDA RCMC: Upon successful verification of the MPEDA Exporter Registration, IEC and GST records, processing facility approval, and fee payment, the digital RCMC certificate is issued and appears on the DGFT dashboard. The certificate is valid from 1 April of the licensing year in which it was issued to 31 March of the fifth year.
Documents Required for MPEDA RCMC Registration
Following set of documents must be submitted to obtain an MPEDA Registration Certificate for hassle-free and seamless export of marine products from India:
Common DGFT Documents
- Import Export Code (IEC) & PAN Card of the firm
- GST Registration Certificate & Business Registration DocumentsMoA & AoA / Partnership Deed / LLP Agreement, where applicable
- Board Resolution / Authorisation Letter & Aadhaarof authorised signatory
- Cancelled Cheque / Bank Performance Letter
- Self-Declaration / Undertakingin prescribed format
- DSC / Aadhaar e-Signlinked to DGFT account
- EIC/EIA Quality Certificatewhere applicable
- FSSAI Central Licence & Cold Storage / Refrigeration FacilityRegistration, where applicable
- Last RCMC Certificatefor renewal applications
MPEDA-Specific Documents
- Passport-size Photograph & Address Proof
- Bank Certificatefrom a Scheduled Bank
- Purchase Orderconfirming the export transaction
- EIA Approvalfrom Export Inspection Agency
- GST, Local Body Approval & PCB ConsentManufacturer only
- Processing Plant & Storage Registration / Related UndertakingsMerchant only
- DGFT Approval LetterRoute-through only
- Marine Products List with HS Codesincluding shrimp, prawn, fish, squid, ornamental fish, etc.
- Star Export House Certificateissued by DGFT, where applicable
Note: All documents must be uploaded in PDF format during the Attachments stage of the DGFT e-RCMC application.
MPEDA Registration Fees & payment
To obtain a new RCMC from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), applicants are required to pay a registration fee of ₹5,900 (inclusive of 18% GST). For new MPEDA RCMC registrations, Professional Utilities charges ₹7,499 + 18% GST for MPEDA registration assistance, subject to eligibility and applicable category.
| Applicant Category | Amount | GST @ 18% | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| New RCMC Registration | ₹5,000 | ₹900 | ₹5,900 (Govt. Fees) |
| Professional Fees | ₹7,499 | ₹1,350 | ₹8,849 (Exclusive Govt. Fees) |
What is MPEDA Registration?
MPEDA stands for Marine Products Export Development Authority, a government organization established under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI. It is responsible for promoting and regulating the export of marine products from India. MPEDA registration established under the MPEDA Act of 1972, guarantees that exporters adhere to appropriate quality, hygienic, and international trade standards. MPEDA with its headquarters in Kochi has 18 regional divisions, sub-regional divisions and desk offices across India assuring easy and hassle-free connectivity with exporters across the nation.
Exporters registered with MPEDA are eligible for several advantages, including financial aid, trade show participation, support for international markets, and quality certification. It assists fishermen, fish farmers and exporters expand their businesses while ensuring that it meets the standards of the country it is exported to. MPEDA registration in Kerala is exceptionally popular as the state is India's foundational hub of India's multi-billion-dollar seafood export industry.
MPEDA Registration Validity, Renewal & Annual Compliance
For smooth and uninterrupted export of marine products, exporters must ensure timely renewal of MPEDA certificate:
- Validity: MPEDA certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance
- Application for Renewal: Application for renewal can be submitted online through the MPEDA online registration portal . Apply for RCMC renewal at least 30 days before the 31 March expiry date.
- Annual Compliance: RCMC holders must submit annual export performance data to MPEDA including export turnover, products exported, and destination countries. This data is typically submitted by 30 June of each financial year and affects renewal approval
Note: A lapsed RCMC means: (1) loss of all FTP benefits and export incentives; (2) inability to export marine products legally; (3) re-inspection of processing facility before reinstatement (for manufacturer exporters).
MPEDA Financial Assistance Schemes
MPEDA registered exporters are eligible for several financial assistance under government aided schemes listed below:
Infrastructure Development Scheme
Financial assistance for upgrading cold chain infrastructure, processing equipment, and fish handling facilities to meet international export standards.
Covered Equipment and Facilities
Market Development Scheme
Co-funding for participation in international seafood trade fairs and exhibitions, helping registered exporters access global buyers and new markets.
Covered Trade Fairs and Events
Quality Improvement Scheme
Financial assistance for obtaining international food safety certifications and implementing quality management and traceability systems required by regulated export markets.
Covered Certifications and Systems
Exploratory Market Survey Scheme
Funding support for market research and buyer-seller meets in emerging seafood import markets, helping exporters identify and enter new geographies beyond traditional destinations.
Covered Activities
Exemptions of MPEDA Registration
The Export of Marine products without registering as an exporter under MPEDA is allowed under the following conditions:
- Personal Use: If marine products are exported for personal use and not for any commercial purpose.
- Passenger's Personal Effects: Export carried as personal effects of passengers.
- Exhibitions or Trade Fairs: Marine products exported specifically for exhibitions or fairs abroad
- Government Exemption: The central government, any government authority, or any person authorized by the central government is exempted from obtaining an MPEDA registration while exporting marine products.
- Gift Parcels or Samples: Export done as a gift parcel or by sending a few samples of the marine products.Gift Parcels or Samples: Export done as a gift parcel or by sending a few samples of the marine products.
| MPEDA Exemption category | Maximum Limit(In terms of value) |
|---|---|
| Non- Commercial Export | ₹25,000 |
| Export for Exhibition/Fair Abroad | ₹1,00,000 |
| Personal effects of passengers | ₹5,000 |
| Gift Parcels/ Exporting Samples | ₹10,000 |
The above list of exporters is exempted from registering with MPEDA. To strengthen the exemption policy and to avoid any unethical export of fisheries, the authority has set a maximum limit of marine products in terms of value that can be exported under the exemption policy.
Products Covered Under MPEDA Registration
Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) covers a wide range of commercial marine and fishery products under its export regulatory framework:
- Fresh, chilled, and frozen seafood: Shrimp, prawns, fish, cuttlefish, squid, lobster, crab, and scampi
- Processed and value-added seafood: Surimi, fish meal, fish oil, dried seafood
- Ornamental fish and Aquarium Products: Live ornamental fish, corals, and aquatic plants for the aquarium trade
- Dried & Chilled Marine Products: Includes sun-dried fish, chilled storage seafood, and dried marine products such as dried shrimp, dried squid, and fish meal.
- Aquaculture products: Farmed shrimp, fish, and bivalves
- Other Marine Categories: Any other marine product classified under MPEDA’s export scheme
- Seaweed and Sea Plants: Edible seaweed, agar-agar, carrageenan, and other sea plant derivatives exported for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial use. India is a significant exporter of dried seaweed, especially from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
MPEDA Exporter Registration vs RCMC
Listed below are the key differences between MPEDA Exporter Registration and RCMC that every seafood exporter must understand before applying:
| Parameter | Exporter Registration | RCMC |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | MPEDA's own first-stage approval confirming business eligibility and exporter category | Registration Cum Membership Certificate — the FTP document that enables export benefit claims |
| Issued by | MPEDA directly | MPEDA via the DGFT Common Digital Platform |
| Portal |
e-mpeda.nic.in MPEDA's dedicated registration portal |
dgft.gov.in DGFT Common Digital Platform — e-RCMC module |
| Validity | One-time — no expiry; update required when business details change | 5 financial years — 1 April of issuance year to 31 March of the fifth year |
| Inspection | Physical inspection of processing plant mandatory for manufacturer exporters | Document verification only — no site inspection at RCMC stage |
| When to apply | First — must be approved before RCMC application can begin | Second — filed only after Exporter Registration is approved |
| Purpose | Establishes legal identity as a marine product exporter with MPEDA | Enables access to FTP export incentives, DGFT schemes, and duty concessions |
Manufacturer exporters must additionally obtain processing plant approval from MPEDA or EIA confirming HACCP, cold chain, and hygiene standards - required by the EU, USA, and Japan - before RCMC can be issued.
Categories of Marine Product Exporters under MPEDA Registration
There are various exporter categories in the marine products export sector that are registered with MPEDA:
Owners or tenants of authorized processing plants and handling facilities are known as Manufacturer Exporters (MT).
2. Merchant Exporter:
Exporters utilizing the excess capacity of authorized processing facilities are known as merchant exporters (MEs) only one plant is permitted.
3. Route Through Merchant Exporter:
Route Through Merchant Exporter: With DGFT approval, exporters trade goods through MT/ME. consists of Star & Super Star Trading House, Export House, and Trading House.
4. Ornamental Fish Exporter:
Exporters of aquarium fish, ornamental fish, or aquatic plants are known as Ornamental Fish Exporters (OF).
Note: Before exporting, each exporter category needs to register with e-MPEDA.
Declarations Required in MPEDA Registration Application
The following declarations must be made when applying for MPEDA registration:
- Whether the applicant entity is a sole proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, or a private Limited company.
- Total Capital Employed
- Details of any foreign holding, if applicable
- Copy of the last 2 year's balance sheet
- Total Turnover expected in the next 3 years
- Clearly indicate any connection with any other seafood processing unit.
- Whether the applicant is a Merchant Exporter or manufacturer exporter, or Route-through Merchant exporter or an Ornamental fish exporter
- Registration number of the processing plant( in case of manufacturer exporter)
- SSI Registration Number
- EIA code of the plant
- Brand name (if any) of the product being exported
- Whether the applicant has already registered for MPEDA before or not?
- SSI registration number
- Items processed
Functions of MPEDA
In order to increase India's seafood exports and improve global trade ties, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is essential. Among its primary duties are:
- Participation in International Expos: To boost demand, Indian seafood, particularly value-added products, is displayed at significant international fairs.
- Promotion of Indian Seafood Exporters: Provides trade inquiries through the MPEDA Newsletter and assists exporters as co-exhibitors.
- Advertisements in International Magazines: Posts advertisements in reputable international trade and fisheries magazines.
- Buyer-Seller Meetings: Arranges face-to-face meetings to link Indian exporters with buyers around the world.
- Global Trade Delegations: Hosts international delegations in India and dispatches delegations to nations that import seafood.
Apply for MPEDA Registration with Expert Assistance
Businesses and exporters that deal in marine products in India must register with MPEDA online. In addition to ensuring compliance with export laws, it gives Indian seafood international recognition. Exporters can effortlessly complete the registration process and take advantage of opportunities such as buyer-seller meetings, promotional activities, and international trade fairs with the help of e-MPEDA services. Whether you are an ornamental fish exporter, merchant exporter, or manufacturer exporter, MPEDA registration provides access to smooth international trade and sustained business expansion.
FAQ’s for MPEDA Registration
Which Entities are registered by MPEDA?
MPEDA registers the following type of entities
- Processing plants
- Fishing Vessels
- Exporters of Marine products
- Cold Storages
- Live Fish Handling Facility
- Storage Premises
- Processing Plants
- Dried Fish Handling Facility
How much does it cost to get MPEDA registration?
It costs a total of ₹8000 to become a registered exporter of marine products. The government fee for MPEDA registration is ₹5000, and the professional fee for MPEDA registration is ₹3000 per Certificate.
What is meant by Joint Undertaking?
The exporter utilizing the surplus capacity must undertake a joint undertaking with the owner of the processing plant or handling facility on stamp paper worth 200/-, stating that they would be totally liable for the maritime products processed, packed, and kept on their premises.
How can I apply for REX registration in India?
To apply for REX registration in India, exporters must submit an online application on the DGFT portal, provide IEC and business details, and complete verification under the Registered Exporter System. Step-by-step assistance is available at REX Registration in India.
Disclaimer:The information provided on this website is intended for general information purposes only. Although all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the information provided is correct and reliable, it is not advised to be used as a substitute for professional advice. The information herein is not to be used in place of seeking professional services, counsel, or guidance. We highly advise that you consult a professional before you make any business or legal decisions regarding the information presented on this website. This website and its contents are given "as is", and we do not take any responsibility for any action that is taken based on information given on this website.
- Written by: Anuja Sahi
- Fact-checked: Sahil Singh
- Updated on: September 30, 2026
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