Promote:
Export from Seychelles
A short guide for companies selling from Seychelles: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Seychelles sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$587 million
Merchandise exports were US$587.0 million in 2025, as Seychelles reported them to UN Comtrade.
Source: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$1.71 billion
Services exports were US$1,714 million in 2024, from WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data with no estimate flag.
Source: UNCTADstat, services exports by category (WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data) (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Canned and prepared fish (HS 1604)US$250.6 million
- 2. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$175 million
- 3. Frozen fish (HS 0303)US$97.8 million
- 4. Yachts and pleasure boats (HS 8903)US$13.4 million
- 5. Fish and meat meal (HS 2301)US$9.92 million
- 6. Aluminum scrap (HS 7602)US$7.67 million
- 7. Aquatic invertebrates (HS 0308)US$5.41 million
- 8. Dishwashing and packing machinery (HS 8422)US$4.13 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Fresh or chilled fish (HS 0302)US$3.31 million
- 10. Fish oils and fats (HS 1504)US$2.45 million
- 11. Fish fillets and fish meat (HS 0304)US$1.51 million
- 12. Iron and steel scrap (HS 7204)US$1.45 million
- 13. Packaged medicines (HS 3004)US$1.1 million
- 14. Aircraft parts (HS 8807)US$1.1 million
- 15. Other machinery (HS 8479)US$941,523
- 16. Spirits and liqueurs (HS 2208)US$934,059
- 17. Piston engines (HS 8407)US$860,427
- 18. Other fresh or dried nuts (HS 0802)US$571,883
- 19. Engine parts (HS 8409)US$503,903
- 20. Other live animals (HS 0106)US$464,629
- Reported exports include re-exports of US$202.0 million in 2025, 34.4 percent of the total, and refined petroleum products were reported entirely as re-exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Prepared and frozen fish were 59.3 percent of 2025 exports, and canned fish comes mainly from one cannery that makes about 95 percent of manufacturing exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United Arab Emirates32%
- France15.7%
- Germany8.9%
- United Kingdom7.7%
- Italy7.1%
- Spain4.1%
- Thailand2.9%
- Netherlands2.8%
- Reported exports include re-exports, 34.4 percent of the 2025 total, so some destinations reflect goods that Seychelles sold on after importing them. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks frozen fish, aluminum scrap and aquatic invertebrates as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Seychelles’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 9, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Aquatic invertebrates grew 29% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 9, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The United Arab Emirates takes 32% of Seychelles’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 9, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Lets Seychelles goods that meet the origin rules claim preferential duty in participating states, with an online certificate from customs since June 2026.
Preference depends on each destination's tariff schedule and rules of origin; confirm your market before you quote.
Source: Seychelles Revenue Commission, electronic certificate of origin, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2026
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) free trade area
Gives originating Seychelles goods preferential entry to other free trade area members, on a certificate of origin from customs.
Applies only in members that take part in the free trade area; confirm your destination's status.
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade
Gives originating Seychelles goods tariff-free entry to SADC free trade area members that apply the protocol.
Some SADC members do not yet apply the free trade area; confirm your destination's status.
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area
Would extend preferential trade among COMESA, SADC and East African Community members, but Seychelles has not ratified it.
Seychelles suspended ratification to prioritize AfCFTA, as of the December 2024 strategy; no preference applies yet.
Source: UN Economic Commission for Africa, Seychelles AfCFTA strategy, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 4 more agreements
Indian Ocean Commission General Co-operation Agreement (Victoria Agreement)
Lets Indian Ocean Commission members apply a 5 percent tariff reduction on reciprocal imports, so Seychelles goods may pay less in Comoros, Madagascar and Mauritius.
A co-operation agreement that allows, but does not require, a 5 percent cut; alcohol, tobacco and petroleum are excluded. Confirm your destination applies it.
Source: UN Economic Commission for Africa, Seychelles AfCFTA strategy, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Eastern and Southern African States
Gives originating Seychelles goods duty-free and quota-free entry to the European Union, claimed with a registered exporter declaration.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; negotiations on a full agreement were still open in 2024.
Source: European Commission, trade with Eastern and Southern Africa (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Economic Partnership Agreement between the Eastern and Southern Africa States and the United Kingdom
Continues the interim agreement's terms for Seychelles exports to the United Kingdom.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
AGOA
Seychelles goods do not receive AGOA treatment in the United States while the country is not designated.
Not designated for 2026, as Seychelles graduated from the Generalized System of Preferences; the program now runs to December 31, 2028.
Source: Federal Register, AGOA eligibility review notice, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Seychelles
- Register the business and apply to the licensing authority for a business license that fits your activity.Seychelles Licensing AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
- Get a tax identification number from the revenue commission, and register with its customs origin unit if you will claim a preference.Seychelles Revenue CommissionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
- Check whether your goods are on the export permit list, and apply through the Import and Export Permit Unit if they are.Trade & Investment DepartmentAbout two working daysOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
- For fish and fish products, apply to the fisheries authority for an export permit and a catch certificate.Seychelles Fisheries AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Show 4 more export steps
- Give fishery samples to the fish inspection unit at the standards bureau, which tests them and issues the health certificate.Seychelles Bureau of StandardsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
- For farm goods, ask the agriculture department for a plant health or sanitary certificate.Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue EconomyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Agriculture ministry, border control and biosecurity export control (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Apply to customs for the certificate of origin, online for COMESA and AfCFTA, or register as an exporter for the European Union.Seychelles Revenue CommissionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Seychelles Trade Portal, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Lodge the electronic pre-departure declaration in ASYCUDA World before loading, with the invoice, packing list and transport document.Seychelles Revenue CommissionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with SRC and NBS. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Research markets
National statistics office
NBS
National Bureau of Statistics
Publishes the consumer price index, which the 2026 budget speech cites for inflation.
Visit NBS (opens in a new tab)Source: Government of Seychelles, Budget 2026 speech, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 12, 2026
National trade policy department
Trade Department
Trade & Investment Department
Runs the Seychelles Trade Portal and the export permit unit, and answers questions on trade rules.
Visit Trade Department (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment Department page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Get advice
Small business agency
ESA
Enterprise Seychelles Agency
Certifies products as Seychelles Made and serves micro, small and medium enterprises.
Visit ESA (opens in a new tab)Source: Official Gazette, Seychelles Made Act, April 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of April 22, 2025
- Research markets
Regional economic community
SADC
Southern African Development Community
Regional body
Hosts the trade protocol that Seychelles joined in 2015, which removes tariffs among members that apply it.
- Research markets
Global trade organization
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Holds Seychelles' trade commitments and publishes its trade policy review and member data.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Seychelles member information (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
SRC
Seychelles Revenue Commission
Registers taxpayers, takes export declarations and issues certificates of origin, including online ones for COMESA and AfCFTA.
Visit SRC (opens in a new tab)Source: Seychelles Revenue Commission, customs and excises (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
Fisheries regulator
SFA
Seychelles Fisheries Authority
Issues catch certificates and fish export permits, and licenses sea cucumber processors.
Visit SFA (opens in a new tab)Source: Seychelles Fisheries Authority, catch certificate (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Fisheries and agriculture ministry
Fisheries and Agriculture Ministry
Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy
Runs biosecurity export controls on animals, plants and their products through its agriculture department.
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
National standards body
SBS
Seychelles Bureau of Standards
Runs the fish inspection and quality control unit that issues health certificates for fishery exports.
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
SCCI
Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Links Seychelles firms to chambers abroad, as in its 2026 trade memorandum with the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Visit SCCI (opens in a new tab)Source: State House, Seychelles chamber trade memorandum, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 8, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Proof of origin
Customs issues certificates of origin, and since June 17, 2026 traders apply online for COMESA and AfCFTA certificates.
What to do: Register with customs before you claim a preference, and confirm which proof your buyer's market accepts.
Sources: Seychelles Revenue Commission, electronic certificate of origin, June 2026 (opens in a new tab); Trade Department, Seychelles Export Guidebook, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Export concentration
Prepared and frozen fish were 59.3 percent of 2025 merchandise exports, and the three largest lines were 89.2 percent.
What to do: Check the fish rules for your product before you set export volumes.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Seychelles exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Re-exports and fuel
Re-exports were 34.4 percent of 2025 exports, and refined petroleum products, 29.8 percent of exports, were reported entirely as re-exports.
What to do: Read each product line's re-export note before you treat a line as locally made.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Seychelles re-exports, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Seychelles re-exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
United States access
The United States did not designate Seychelles for AGOA, its trade preference program for eligible African countries, in 2026.
What to do: Check United States duties on your goods before you quote a price.
Sources: Federal Register, AGOA eligibility review notice, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Public Law 119-103, AGOA extension, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more
Seychelles Made label
Seychelles Made certification started on May 25, 2026, and a product needs 50 percent local production cost or substantial transformation.
What to do: Check your product against the criteria before you apply to the enterprise agency.
Sources: Official Gazette, Seychelles Made certification regulations, May 2026 (opens in a new tab); Official Gazette, Seychelles Made commencement notice, May 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Currency and settlement
The 2026 budget says the central bank will amend the Foreign Exchange Act so credit unions and payment providers can trade currency.
What to do: Confirm current foreign exchange rules with the central bank before you schedule payments.
Sources: Government of Seychelles, Budget 2026 speech, February 2026 (opens in a new tab); Central Bank of Seychelles, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Seychelles project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Free to start. No card required.
Already have an account? Sign in
Promote:Seychelles is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.