The Indian government has officially rolled out new norms under the refrigerated truck policy 2025, impacting how seafood and perishable goods are transported across states. These changes are now active and will be strictly enforced from August 2025, aiming to improve hygiene, reduce spoilage, and boost India’s seafood export quality.
The refrigerated truck policy 2025 mandates advanced temperature control mechanisms, digital monitoring tools, and proper documentation for vehicles operating in the seafood supply chain. With India being one of the world’s leading seafood exporters, these regulations are a significant step toward meeting international cold chain compliance.
All seafood transporters, especially those operating near coastal ports and fish landing centers, must align their operations with the updated policy immediately to avoid fines and license suspensions.
What Does the New Refrigerated Truck Policy 2025 Require?
Under the new refrigerated truck policy 2025, truck operators must follow a strict set of guidelines. These requirements apply to both small operators and large fleet owners transporting seafood, dairy, or other perishable goods.
Key highlights include:
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Mandatory digital temperature loggers with real-time tracking
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Minimum insulation of 100 mm polyurethane for temperature retention
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Certification from FSSAI-approved cold chain auditors
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Vehicle registration under a Cold Chain Transport License
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Weekly cleaning and disinfection reports maintained at base offices
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GPS integration for live vehicle monitoring (especially for marine exports)
The policy also outlines clear labelling requirements for trucks carrying seafood – including the product type, batch number, and destination port.
Cold Chain and Seafood Export Impact
The refrigerated truck policy 2025 is directly linked to India’s ambitious target to expand its seafood exports by 25% in 2025. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has made cold chain modernization a key part of this vision.
Here’s what exporters can expect:
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Less spoilage, especially for prawns, lobsters, and high-value marine products
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Improved traceability and compliance with EU and US import norms
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Reduced customs delays due to pre-approved cold chain documentation
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Access to government cold chain subsidy programs for vehicle retrofitting
The policy is being welcomed by large exporters, though small-scale vendors have raised concerns about the cost of upgrades. The government has responded by offering financial support and technical training workshops through state fisheries departments.
Licensing, Penalties & Vehicle Requirements
All vehicles used for seafood transport must now be registered under the Cold Chain Commercial Vehicle (CCCV) category by the regional transport authority.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License Type | CCCV (Cold Chain Commercial Vehicle) |
| Validity | 3 Years |
| Penalty for Non-compliance | ₹25,000 per violation or vehicle seizure |
| Certification Body | MPEDA / FSSAI-approved Cold Chain Inspectors |
Every truck must also undergo quarterly inspections to renew its compliance certificate. Drivers must receive training in temperature handling and emergency response protocols.
Implementation Timeline
To ensure a smooth transition, the Ministry of Fisheries and Surface Transport has divided implementation into three zones:
| Zone | Implementation Start | Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Zones | August 1, 2025 | Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha |
| Inland Zones | September 15, 2025 | Delhi, UP, MP, Bihar |
| Border Zones | October 10, 2025 | Export hubs near ports and SEZs |
Each zone will be assigned mobile inspection teams and a local help desk for registration queries.
FAQs
Who is required to comply with the refrigerated truck policy 2025?
All seafood exporters, logistics companies, and third-party transporters handling perishable marine items must comply.
What type of refrigerated trucks are approved under the policy?
Only those with insulated containers, GPS systems, and certified temperature control devices are permitted.
Is there financial help available for vehicle upgrades?
Yes, the government is offering up to 40% subsidy for retrofitting trucks under the National Cold Chain Mission.
Can old refrigerated trucks be modified to meet the new standards?
Yes, but they must be audited and certified by MPEDA-accredited inspection teams.
How can I apply for a CCCV license?
Truck owners must submit an online application via their state RTO portal and complete a physical inspection within 15 days.
Click here to know more.