The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has issued hundreds of Horticultural Product Import Recommendations (RIPH) for garlic importers with a total volume of 1.1 million tons. The Director-General of Horticulture, Prihasto Setyanto, confirmed that they have issued over 200 RIPH for all garlic importers. This issuance is in accordance with Regulation No. 39/2019 by the Ministry of Agriculture regarding RIPH. He clarified that import licensing authority for garlic is under the Ministry of Trade. After RIPH is issued by Kementan, business operators submit the Import Approval (Persetujuan Impor) to the Ministry of Trade.
Prior to this, Prihasto explained that business operators submitted online applications for RIPH for garlic through the integrated SINAS NK system, which is connected to the RIPH System (part of the Transitional NK system since 2023). When these applications meet the administrative and technical requirements, RIPH is issued to importers. RIPH is a technical recommendation confirming that the horticultural product to be imported complies with the requirements for safe and high-quality consumption. The import of garlic also adheres to the principle of good traceability and meets fresh plant origin food safety standards. RIPH is a prerequisite for business operators to engage in horticultural product imports.
Furthermore, Prihasto clarified that for RIPH applications in 2024, business operators can submit RIPH applications for garlic in accordance with their compliance with mandatory garlic cultivation and production, as specified in Regulation No. 39/2019. If a company has fulfilled its obligations, it will receive a Certificate of Compliance (SKL) from Kementan through the Directorate-General of Horticulture. For example, a company that has met its garlic cultivation and production obligations with one SKL and has no outstanding cultivation obligations can apply for RIPH in 2024. The allowed quantities are up to 4,000 tons for two SKL, 5,000 tons, and so on, for those with 3, 4, and 5 SKLs. To date, over 100 companies have complied with the mandatory garlic cultivation and production regulations.
