It has been notified by  Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

• It aims to facilitate import of high-quality seed materials from abroad, promote seaweed enterprises in coastal villages, uphold environmental protection and address biosecurity concerns related to the sector. 

Need of Guidelines

• Unique characteristics of seaweeds: Seaweeds are submerged in water and are exposed to different environmental conditions (e.g. varying salinity levels,temperature fluctuations)
• Biosecurity risks: Seaweeds can harbour various diseases, pests, and pathogens
• Biological factors: Differences in reproductive strategies and genetics can lead to persistence of seaweed in new environments

Guidelines 

• No import of the seaweed live material shall be allowed if it is known to be a vector or carrier of pathogens or listed under CITES or in the threatened list of IUCN or that of the exporting country’s threatened list unless certified by the exporting country’s competent authority
• Import of seaweed live material would require a valid permit from Department of Fisheries, Government of India and clearance from  National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters.
• Direct sale of imported seaweed in the domestic market or international market shall not be allowed.
• Neither the exporter nor the importer shall claim any intellectual property or other right on the imported material.