NABARD ARDNABARD Grade AState AAO
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Context:
India’s marine fisheries sector witnessed a major transformation in 2025!Tap to play · from the C4S channel
India is seeking to align its inspection, testing, and certification systems for agricultural exports with major trading partners including the US, EU, UK, Singapore, Switzerland, ASEAN countries, and Australia.
Objective: Reduce non-tariff barriers such as rejections and delays caused by sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspections, and facilitate low-friction trade for farm produce.
Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)
- MRAs allow trading partners to mutually accept each other’s testing and certification systems.
- Example: India-Australia MRA (Sept 2025) on organic products enables cross-recognition of certification for a range of organic goods.
- Expected benefits:
- Faster market access for Indian agricultural exports.
- Reduced rejection rates due to SPS compliance issues.
- Lower compliance costs, making products more price-competitive internationally.
Targeted Agricultural Exports
MRAs aim to boost trade in key sectors:
- Staple crops: Basmati rice, spices
- Beverages: Tea, coffee
- Marine products
- Fruits and vegetables
Approximately 45–50% of India’s agricultural export basket could be covered under these MRAs.
