The Marine Products Export Development Authority of India plays an important role in the promotion and regulation of the country’s marine products. It was formed in the year 1972 and is authorized to ensure the seafood is up to international quality and sustainable fishing practices as well. Any entity seeking to venture into the seafood export trade shall mandatorily apply to go through the MPEDA registration. In the course of helping you through online registration of MPEDA, this article cites various subsidy arrangements for exporters under the MPEDA.
Importance of MPEDA Registration
MPEDA registration plays a significant role in promoting and regulating the export of marine products from India. The government established MPEDA in 1972 with the mandate to ensure that exported seafood meets international quality standards and supports sustainable fishing practices. Anyone who wants to enter the seafood export business must mandatorily register with MPEDA. This article will guide you through the online registration process for MPEDA and discuss various subsidy schemes available for exporters.
Who Needs to Register?
Anyone exporting marine products, be it seafood processors, traders, aquaculture farmers, or hatchery operators, has to get MPEDA registration. This encompasses fish and shrimp and other aquaculture products exporters. It ensures that the industry adheres to certain standards and also promotes sustainability within the sector.
Required Documents for MPEDA Registration
One needs to obtain all the necessary documents before starting the online registration process. The following documents are typically required for MPEDA registration:
- Application Form: A duly filled-in and signed application form.
- Import-Export Code (IEC): Issued by the Director-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
- Certificate of Incorporation: In the case of companies and partnership deeds, in case of a partnership
- PAN Card: The company or proprietor’s permanent account number card.
- GST Registration Certificate: Proof of registration for Goods and Service Tax.
- Bank Certificate: Proof of business account from your bank.
- Lease Agreement/Ownership Documents: Evidence of premises on which the business is conducted.
- Details of Processing Machinery: Information about machinery used in processing marine products.
Having these documents ready will make your registration process faster and avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Guide to MPEDA Online Registration
The online registration process for MPEDA is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps:
Step 1: Visit the MPEDA Website
Firstly, go to the official MPEDA website at mpeda.gov.in. Click on the “Registration” tab on the front page.
Step 2: Download the Registration Form
Find and download the MPEDA registration form available from the website. Ensure to fill all the columns clearly.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Collect the following documents. Make sure each document is comprehensive and up to date.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
You can submit an application either online through the portal or at your nearest MPEDA office. If it is submitted online, scan all the documents and upload them along with the filled application form.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee
The fee for MPEDA registration is mostly ₹5,000 plus professional fees (around ₹3,000) for the exporter. The payment gateway accepts online payment via debit/credit card or net banking.
Step 6: Await Approval
Once your application is submitted, it will be scrutinized by MPEDA officials. The processing time may vary but generally takes about 7-10 working days.
Step 7: Receive Your Registration Certificate
Once you successfully get approved, you will be sent your MPEDA registration certificate by email or postal service to carry on your export activities legally.
Subsidy Schemes for Exporters
In addition to the registration process, MPEDA provides subsidy schemes to promote marine product exports. The subsidy schemes help exporters with financing and make them competitive in the international market.
Financial Assistance for Infrastructure Development
MPEDA provides financing for setting up processing units and cold storage facilities of international standards. Exporters would, therefore, improve their efficiency of operation as well as product quality.
Marketing Assistance
MPEDA provides marketing support to exporters to promote Indian seafood globally. Exporters achieve this by participating in international trade fairs and exhibitions, where they can present their products to potential buyers worldwide.
Training Programs
MPEDA arranges training programs aimed at improving sea fish processing, quality checking, and responsible fishing. All these schemes allow them to obtain knowledge to enhance their businesses.
Export Promotion Schemes
Exporters can also use different promotional schemes to help them overcome entry barriers. There can be financial incentives for first-time exporters, new market exploration, etc.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the requirements and steps involved in MPEDA registration, you can start preparing your application very efficiently. See to it that all details given are correct and fit regulatory standards so that complications may not arise there during the process. Gather all necessary documents beforehand and inform yourself about the available subsidy schemes. This will prepare you to effectively enter the seafood export market. Be proactive in managing your application process and cash in on the facilities made available by MPEDA to strengthen your prospects of business dealings in this profitable sector.
