Import Restriction Regulation in Limbo: Postponement and Revision Plan

Minister of Trade Regulation No. 36/2023 regarding Import Policies and Regulations is set to be dismantled. Zulkifli Hasan, Trade Minister, has declared that the clause concerning the import regulations of goods carried by airline passengers from abroad will be postponed due to numerous protests from associations and the public. This regulation was due to take effect on Mar. 10. "Those that can proceed, let them proceed for now. Implementation will be partially postponed until the completion of the socialization process," he stated on Mar. 17.

Three days prior, Zulkifli mentioned the immediate need to discuss the evaluation or revision of Minister of Trade Regulation No. 36/2023, which was revised before its enactment on Mar. 10. He acknowledged receiving various complaints regarding import restrictions deemed burdensome to several groups of business players. Zulkifli asserted that he would promptly send a letter to Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister, regarding the evaluation of said regulation. "For instance, concerning food imports, the requirement for recommendation may not be necessary," he remarked.