Export Experts Global

Export Experts Global

Hilsa Fish Export from India – A Complete Guide

1. Uses of Hilsa Fish

Culinary Value: Considered a delicacy in Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bangladesh cuisine. Famous for dishes like Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard curry).

Nutritional Value: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (A, D), and protein, supporting heart and brain health.

Cultural Value: Symbol of festivals like Durga Puja and weddings in Bengal.

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2. Types / Quality of Hilsa Fish

Hilsa quality depends on origin, size, fat content, and freshness:

  • Padma Hilsa (Bangladesh river): Rich oil content, high flavor (highest demand globally).
  • Ganga Hilsa (West Bengal, India): High quality, slightly smaller than Padma Hilsa.
  • Godavari Hilsa (Andhra Pradesh): Found in estuaries, medium quality, less fatty.
  • Marine Hilsa (Bay of Bengal, Odisha & West Bengal): Exported in bulk, moderate taste.


👉 For exports, large-size Hilsa (1.2 kg–2.5 kg each) from West Bengal (Ganga & Hooghly region) is most demanded.

3. Products from Hilsa Fish & Their Uses

  • Fresh / Frozen Hilsa: Direct consumption in hotels, homes, and restaurants.
  • Smoked Hilsa: Popular in international gourmet markets.
  • Canned Hilsa: Long shelf life, exported to regions with large diaspora.
  • Hilsa Fish Oil: Used for dietary supplements.
  • Fish Powder / Extracts: Used in flavoring, pet food, and nutraceuticals.


4. Best Quality & Source for Export

Best Quality: Ganga Hilsa from West Bengal (Hooghly, Howrah, Diamond Harbour, Malda).

Other Sources: Odisha coast (Paradeep, Chilika), Andhra Pradesh (Godavari delta), Assam (Brahmaputra basin).

5. Packaging Material for Hilsa Export

  • Fresh Chilled Hilsa: Packed with food-grade polyethylene bags, insulated thermocol boxes, and crushed ice.
  • Frozen Hilsa: Vacuum-sealed packs, blast frozen at –18°C or below.
  • Canned Hilsa: Tin cans with brine or mustard oil.
  • Bulk Exports: Corrugated fiber cartons with polythene liners.


6. Export Promotion Council

For seafood including Hilsa, the apex body is:

MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority, India) – under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.
👉 Provides guidance, subsidies, market intelligence, and certification for seafood exporters.

7. Profit & Costing (Approximate Example per 1 kg Hilsa)

  • Purchase Price (local): ₹700 – ₹1,000/kg
  • Processing + Icing + Packing: ₹100 – ₹150/kg
  • Transport + Cold Storage: ₹50 – ₹100/kg
  • Export Handling + Freight: ₹200 – ₹250/kg
  • Total Cost: ~₹1,100 – ₹1,400/kg


💵 Export Price (Global): USD 12.50/kg ≈ ₹1,100 – ₹1,101 (Bangladesh fixed), but in other countries Hilsa sells at USD 15–20/kg (₹1,300–₹1,700/kg).

📊 Average Profit Margin: 15–25% depending on destination market and quality.

8. Quality Standard Certificates Required

  • MPEDA Registration (mandatory for seafood exporters).
  • FSSAI License (for food safety in India).
  • EIC (Export Inspection Council) Certificate for seafood quality.
  • HACCP Certification (for food processing hygiene).
  • EU / USFDA Standards (if exporting to Europe or USA).
  • CITES / Sustainability Certification (for some regions concerned with overfishing).

9. Top 10 Importing Countries of Hilsa Fish

  • Bangladesh (traditional & cultural demand)
  • UAE (Indian & Bangladeshi diaspora)
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • Qatar
  • Oman
  • Bahrain
  • UK (Bengali community in London & Birmingham)
  • USA (Bengali & Indian diaspora)
  • Malaysia & Singapore


Uses Abroad: Mostly for festivals, restaurants, diaspora cooking, and frozen retail packs in supermarkets.

10. Top 10 Hilsa-Producing Districts in India

  • Howrah (West Bengal)
  • Kolkata (West Bengal)
  • Diamond Harbour (South 24 Parganas, WB)
  • Malda (WB)
  • Murshidabad (WB)
  • Midnapore (WB)
  • Cuttack (Odisha)
  • Paradeep (Odisha)
  • East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Assam (Brahmaputra river belt)


11. Top 10 Hilsa Exporting Countries (Global)

  • Bangladesh (largest Hilsa exporter)
  • India
  • Myanmar
  • Pakistan
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam (processed Hilsa-like frozen fish)
  • UAE (re-export hub)
  • Malaysia
  • UK (canned/frozen Hilsa distributors)
  • USA (Indian & Bangladeshi importers)

✅ Mentor’s Note (Short):
“Hilsa is not just a fish—it’s a cultural bridge and a high-value export product. Success in Hilsa export requires strict quality, proper certification, and knowledge of diaspora-driven markets. Exporters who blend tradition with compliance can secure long-term profits in this niche seafood trade.” – Harsh Dhawan

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