MUMBAI, 18 July 2026: The Department of Commerce organised a Chintan Shivir on opportunities for the seafood sector under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), highlighting new export and investment prospects for India's seafood industry.
Held on the sidelines of Seafood Expo Bharat 2026, the event brought together government officials, seafood exporters and industry stakeholders to discuss market access, investment opportunities and export facilitation under the landmark trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Addressing the session, Joint Secretary Mohit Yadav outlined the trade and investment benefits of TEPA, which aims to attract USD 100 billion in investments into India and create one million direct jobs. The agreement also opens avenues for technology transfer, joint ventures and greater export opportunities for India's seafood sector.
Under TEPA, Iceland has removed its 55% import duty on feed, including fish feed, while Norway has eliminated its 13.16% duty on fish and shrimp feed. Switzerland has reduced import duties on fish fats and oils from 18.05% to zero, improving market access for Indian exporters.
Representatives from Invest India, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Export Inspection Council (EIC) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) briefed participants on investment opportunities, export promotion schemes, regulatory requirements and quality standards.
An interactive session allowed exporters to discuss market access challenges, compliance requirements and strategies for expanding seafood exports to EFTA countries.
The Department of Commerce said the deliberations reinforced the government's commitment to working with industry stakeholders to maximise the benefits of TEPA and strengthen India's presence in high-value European seafood markets.
