MPEDA registration and RCMC for marine product exporters

What it is

MPEDA registers exporters of seafood and marine products under the MPEDA Act, 1972. Registration as an exporter comes first, and then you can apply for the RCMC for marine products. MPEDA has been designated as the authority to issue the RCMC for seafood items.

MPEDA separates manufacturer exporters, who own an approved processing plant or vessel with processing facilities, from merchant exporters, who use the spare capacity of an approved plant.

Who needs it

Exporters of marine products including shrimp, prawn, lobster, crab, fish, shellfish and other aquatic animals, plants or parts of them, as DGFT's Appendix 2T describes MPEDA's coverage.

Documents to keep ready

• IEC issued by DGFT
• Passport size photograph of the applicant and proof of address
• For manufacturer exporters: registration of the processing plant or handling facility
• For merchant exporters: a written agreement to use the surplus capacity of an approved processing or handling facility
• Certificate from a scheduled bank on financial soundness, as MPEDA lists
• Copy of the purchase order

Steps to apply

1. Get your IEC from DGFT. IEC code guide Fee: ₹500
2. Apply for exporter registration on MPEDA's online system, to the registering office for your head office location. MPEDA: become an exporter Fee: ₹5,000
3. Once registered, apply for the RCMC. MPEDA RCMC Fee: ₹5,900
4. For each shipment, apply for the export certificates the buyer country asks for. MPEDA certificate fees Fee: See MPEDA