The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) announced that processed tuna and skipjack products from Indonesia will now enjoy duty-free access to Japan. Budi Sulistiyo, the Director-General of Marine and Fisheries Product Competitiveness Strengthening (PDSPKP), stated that four tariff lines have been granted a 0% tariff rate. These tariff lines include Skipjack and other bonito in airtight containers (HS 1604.14.010), Tuna in airtight containers (HS 1604.14.092), Skipjack and other bonito boiled and dried (HS 1604.14.091), and Others (HS 1604.14.099). This exemption comes as a significant boost, especially in August, coinciding with Indonesia's independence celebrations, potentially increasing exports to Japan and attracting investment in Indonesia's fisheries sector. The tariff exemption is the result of an amended protocol to the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA), signed on August 8, 2024, by Indonesia's Minister of Trade and Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Budi highlighted that for two of the products (HS 1604.14.091 and HS 1604.14.099), additional requirements, such as a minimum raw material length of 30 cm, must be met. To fulfill these requirements, the KKP and Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) are finalizing an Operational Procedure through a jointly agreed certificate. Indonesia has proposed using the Fish Catch Certificate (SHTI) to meet these requirements, harmonized with Japan's Catch Documentation Scheme (JCDS). Besides the four processed products receiving a 0% tariff, 67 other fishery products, including frozen yellowfin tuna, fresh tilapia fillets, frozen swordfish fillets, shellfish, processed lobster, and frozen crab, will also enjoy tariff exemptions in the Japanese market. These agreements will take effect following ratification by both countries' parliaments. The Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has previously declared 2024 as the "Year of Tuna," aiming to strengthen market access through the branding of Indonesian seafood as safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable, benefiting both Indonesian and global consumers.
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