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Furniture exporters decry new quarantine rule
The Indonesian Furniture and Craft Association (HIMKI) says a new rule imposed by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency that extends its commodity list will hamper the export of furniture and handicrafts.
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Wooden furniture is a major contributor to Indonesia’s exports to the United Kingdom. (JP/P.J.LEO)
T
he Indonesian Furniture and Craft Association (HIMKI) says a rule recently introduced by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency will hamper the export of furniture and handicrafts.
Indonesian Quarantine Agency Regulation No. 5/2025, which has been in effect since February, extends the list of commodities that are subject to mandatory quarantine from just animals, plants and fishery products to include lumber.
HIMKI chair Abdul Sobur said in a press statement on Tuesday that the rule would increase costs and could delay exports because of the convoluted procedures involved, which in turn could make Indonesian products less competitive in foreign markets.
“Ironically, [the rule] goes against the national program to [increase] creative industry exports. We are questioning the basis for drafting this regulation, which does not take into account the characteristics of the furniture and craft industry,” Sobur was quoted as saying in the statement.
Mandatory quarantine before export is meant to prevent the spread of pests, diseases or invasive species across borders. The practice is implemented by most countries for certain high-risk products, mainly agricultural or biological goods.
Sobur argued that the requirement was unnecessary and would only increase the cost of local products because of the quarantine certification. He expressed worry that export contracts would be canceled because of the additional procedures and lead time uncertainties.
He added that the regulation jeopardized the competitiveness of Indonesian furniture and craft products vis-à-vis those from Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, as those countries have simpler export rules.
