The France market for Indian frozen shrimp
EU (99,310 t) accepts only EU-listed Indian establishments with TRACES NT health certificates; aquaculture crustaceans from India are subject to enhanced residue testing - confirm current check frequency.
Indian community in France (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 109,000 (PIO 90,000 + NRI 19,000; excludes Réunion/overseas departments if counted separately).
Frozen Shrimp specification for France orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Count (pcs/lb or pcs/kg) | HLSO 16/20 to 71/90 pcs/lb; PD/PDTO 21/25 to 100/200 (typical) |
| Glaze | 10-20% declared, net weight after deglazing (typical) |
| Storage | -18 °C or colder |
| Antibiotics | Not detected per destination method (EU/US residue monitoring) |
| Additives | STPP/non-phosphate soaking declared per buyer specification (typical) |
| Microbiology | Salmonella and Vibrio absent; TPC per buyer spec (typical) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the France requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in France
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Border control & pre-notification | Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE | CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP |
| Health certificate & listed establishment | DG SANTE / EIC-EIA (India CA) | EU model health certificate (TRACES NT); establishment on EU approved list |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping frozen shrimp to France
Typical sea transit from India: 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days.
Supply window: Indian frozen shrimp is mainly produced or harvested Harvest Dec-Feb (ASSUMPTION); Two crops/yr; main harvest Apr-Jul and Oct-Dec (ASSUMPTION). Allow 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and France customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 9-12 MT net in a 20' reefer, 40' HC about 14-22 MT net in a 40' HC reefer depending on pack format.
Quoted on CFR, CIF, FOB, DDP (via US importer of record, case by case); CIF France is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in France
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Le Havre (HAROPA Port) via Seine; inland (Gennevilliers / Bonneuil river ports) · Paris Ch | Rungis-based food wholesalers, HORECA, South Asian grocery & spice importers (La Chapelle / Passage Brady) |
| Marseille | Grand Port Maritime de Marseille-Fos (France #1 port by tonnage; Fos-sur-Mer container ter | HORECA, Freight forwarders/shipping lines, Mediterranean & North African re-export traders |
| Lyon | Marseille-Fos via Rhône (Port Édouard Herriot inland port) / Le Havre; inland · Lyon-Saint | HORECA (gastronomy capital), South Asian grocery wholesalers, Pharma/API distributors |
| Toulouse | Marseille-Fos / Barcelona (inland) · Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) | HORECA, Aerospace & precision-engineering component buyers, IT/engineering services buyers |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import frozen shrimp into France?
Key requirements: Border control & pre-notification — Member-state BCPs / DG SANTE (CHED in TRACES NT; entry via BCP); Health certificate & listed establishment — DG SANTE / EIC-EIA (India CA) (EU model health certificate (TRACES NT); establishment on EU approved list). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to France take?
Typically 20–25 d to Le Havre; 15–20 d to Marseille-Fos (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2: typical liner schedules) days at sea (estimate).
Does France have a trade agreement with India?
EU competence — India–EU FTA concluded 27 Jan 2026, not yet in force [S7][S8]; India graduated from EU GSP for 2026–2028 (Reg. (EU) 2025/1909) so MFN duties apply until the FTA enters into force (expected 2027) [06 §C.4] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to frozen shrimp from India?
Usually HS 030617. France applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
What shrimp forms do you supply?
HOSO, HLSO, PD, PDTO, PUD, cooked and value-added formats in block or IQF packing.
Are your processing plants EU-approved?
We source from MPEDA-registered, EIC-approved plants; EU orders are placed only with establishments on the EU approved list.
What does 21/25 mean?
It is the count of shrimp per pound (or per kg if specified); 21/25 means 21 to 25 pieces per pound.
Related guides
Request a quote: frozen shrimp to France
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