Marine Products Export Development Authority Introduces Digital Catch Certification System

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) rolled out a digital catch certification system following consultations with industry stakeholders. MPEDA empanelled private agencies to develop applications capable of capturing the necessary traceability data mandated under the new European Union Catch Certification System. Traceability systems in the seafood sector track marine products from the point of harvest through processing and export, ensuring that seafood adheres to legal and sustainability regulations.

Regulatory bodies implement digital capture mechanisms to replace manual paperwork, reducing fraud risks and satisfying stringent foreign import criteria. Seafood exporters and processing units must integrate the new digital applications into their operations to secure required export certifications. Compliance officers should review data collection protocols to ensure alignment with EU standards and prevent trade delays.

Bottom line: Seafood exporters must adopt mandated digital certification platforms to retain access to European markets.