Indonesia Regains EU Market Access for Farmed Fish Exports

Reinstatement expected to boost aquaculture exports and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the European seafood market

Indonesia has officially regained access to the European Union’s aquaculture market after being reinstated on the EU’s list of countries authorized to export farmed fish to member states, providing a major boost to the country’s aquaculture industry and restoring confidence among seafood exporters. The reinstatement follows the adoption of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189, reversing Indonesia’s earlier exclusion from the approved exporter list.

Officials from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) described the decision as a significant relief for aquaculture producers, many of whom had expressed concerns after the country lost access under the previous regulatory framework. The restoration follows months of technical discussions and diplomatic engagement between Indonesian authorities and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) in Brussels.

Head of the Marine and Fishery Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency, Ishartini, said Indonesia adopted a proactive approach throughout the negotiations, working closely with the EU Delegation in Jakarta, the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels, and the country’s Foreign Affairs and Trade ministries to demonstrate compliance with European food safety and quality requirements.

The European Union represents Indonesia’s fifth-largest export destination for fishery products, with shrimp, milkfish and pangasius among the country’s principal exports. Officials also see significant growth potential for tilapia, which has been identified as a strategic export commodity as Indonesia expands production through new aquaculture development projects and upgrades along Java’s northern coastline.

Indonesia believes its return to the EU-approved list will strengthen export volumes while reinforcing international confidence in the country’s seafood quality assurance systems. Authorities noted that Indonesian aquaculture exports have maintained strong compliance with international certification programmes, including Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standards, helping position the country as a reliable supplier to premium global markets.

The reinstatement is expected to provide renewed momentum for Indonesia’s rapidly growing aquaculture sector, supporting export diversification, higher-value seafood production and greater access to one of the world’s most attractive seafood markets. With annual per-capita fish consumption of approximately 24–25 kg and high consumer purchasing power, the European Union remains a strategically important destination for Indonesian farmed seafood.