G/LIC/Q/IDN/34
16 April 2015
(15-2037)  Page: 1/2
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: English
 
 IMPORT LICENSING SYSTEM OF INDONESIA 
QUESTIONS FROM AUSTRALIA TO INDONESIA CONCERNING INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT 
REGULATION OF THE IMPORTATION OF CARCASS MEAT AND/OR PROCESSED MEAT PRODUCTS 
 
The following communication, dated 10 April 2015, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Australia. 
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 In December 2014, the Indonesian Government issu ed Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture 
No. 139/Permentan/PD.410/12/2014 concerning Importation of Carcass, Meat and/or Processed 
Meat Products into the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia.  The regulation limits imports of beef 
under Indonesia’s import licensing regime to prime cuts and some manufacturing and fancy meat.   
 
While the regulation was subsequently amended by Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture No. 02/Permentan/PD.410/01/2015 concerning the Amendment of Regulation of Minister of 
Agriculture No. 139/Permentan/PD.410/12/2014, allowing imports of secondary beef cuts by 
state-owned enterprises in limited circumstances,  we are concerned that the measure effectively 
restricts the import of secondary beef cuts and offal.  
Australia is concerned that this regulation is unjustifiably trade restrictive and is already affecting 
Australian exports of boxed beef to Indonesia.  Au stralian industry is already feeling the effects of 
the regulation, which was introduced without notice or consultation with trading partners.  
 
This measure is in addition to existing trade-re strictive and administratively burdensome elements 
of Indonesia’s import permit system for cattle and beef under Regulation  of the Minister of 
Agriculture No. 139/Permentan/PD.410/12/2014 an d Regulation of the Minister of Trade 
No. 46/M-DAG/PER/8/2013.  These include Indonesia’s system of issuing import permits for cattle and beef on a quarterly basis, which effectively acts as a quarterly quota on imports and is already resulting in Indonesia paying higher prices. 
 
- Can Indonesia please explain in detail the objectives of the regulations?   
- Can Indonesia explain how the import restrictions on secondary beef cuts and offal are 
consistent with Indonesia’s obligations under the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, including the obligations under Articles 2.2(a) and 3.2 that import licensing 
procedures shall not have trade-restrictive effects?   
 - Can Indonesia explain how its import permit  system for beef and cattle, including its 
issuance of permits on a quarterly basis, is consistent with Indonesia’s obligations that 
import licensing procedures not have trade-restrictive effects and be no more 
administratively burdensome than necessary? 
 G/LIC/Q/IDN/34 
 
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  Australia understands the complexities being faced by the Indonesian Government as it seeks to 
meet its food security goals. Australia is working with Indonesia to help support food security, including through our cooperation to increase capability in Indonesia’s beef industry. However, we encourage Indonesia to look to alternative policies that are WTO consistent and that do not restrict 
high-quality Australian products that are a safe and reliable contribution to Indonesia’s food 
supply.  
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