Special Protocol for the Export of Fishery Products in the I-EAEU FTA

The Indonesian government has opened up the option of a special quarantine protocol for the export of fish and fishery products in the Indonesia–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (“I-EAEU FTA”). This option addresses the issue of temporarily restricted exports of fishery products that do not yet meet the standards of the Eurasian Economic Union.

“A quarantine protocol is very likely. We will discuss this with our friends at the Ministry and technical Agencies,” said Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, Director-General of International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, to Hukumonline.

The quarantine protocol is necessary because fish and fishery products are one of the leading export commodities that will be gradually exempted from tariffs starting in the third year until 10 years after the FTA is implemented. Not only quarantine protocols, Djatmiko explained, other options such as special memoranda of understanding with business actors and Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) are also being considered to ensure that Indonesian fish and fishery product exports comply with established safety standards.

“We hope this FTA can become an instrument that strengthens Indonesia's cooperation with the Eurasia region, not only in Business to Business but also Government to Government,” he explained.