Indonesia has formalized a regulatory framework for ensuring the quality of seafood products exported to the U.S. Announced by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) last July, the agreement will implement a quality and safety assurance system for marine and fisheries products (SJMKHP) to meet U.S. and international import standards.
This action follows a 2021 U.S. congressional mandate directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to enhance the regulation of imported farmed shrimp. The mandate called for regional partnership agreements with India, Indonesia, and Ecuador as the leading shrimp exporters to the U.S. by volume. Ecuador was the first to finalize such an agreement in September 2023, with India also recently joining.
The agreement mandates Indonesian shrimp producers to adhere to six standards, including Good Fish Cultivation Methods (CBIB) according to SNI 8228.1:2015; Good Fish Hatchery Methods (CPIB) as per SNI 8035:2019; Proper Fish Handling Methods Both on Board (CPIB Ship) following SNI 8087:2014; Good Fish Feed (CPPIB) with various SNI references; Good Fish Medicine (CPOIB) in line with the 2023 Director-General of Aquaculture Regulation 187; and Good Fish Medicine Distribution Methods (CDOIB) according to the 2023 Director-General of Aquaculture Regulation 186.
Indonesian shrimp processors will now need to secure a Processing Feasibility Certificate (SKP) based on CODEX Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines; implement a System for Hazard Analysis and Control of Critical Points according to SNI CXC 1:1969; and obtain a Fish Distribution Management (SPDI) certificate in line with 2001 KP Ministerial Regulation 27 of 2021.
The regulatory framework agreement includes whole-genome sequencing (WGS) through a technical assistance partnership with the University of Maryland Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the U.S. FDA.
The Director-General of the Quality Assurance Agency at Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries stated that her agency is developing regulations related to genetic engineering, the use of antibiotics and chemicals, and safety standards for feed and medicine in shrimp aquaculture. She noted that these efforts will also enhance Indonesian shrimp’s access to the European Union market.
She also mentioned that her agency is working on food safety regulations for wild-catch fisheries. These include rules to ensure that all seafood from Indonesian waters is free from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; requirements for inspections to detect foodborne bacteria and viruses such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria; and regulations banning the use of illegal fishing gear and shrimp fishing without turtle excluder devices.
Indonesia has been working to increase its exports to the U.S. by hosting a pavilion at the 2023 Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Massachusetts. During the event, the Director-General and other Indonesian fisheries officials met with the NOAA Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection Director to discuss the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.
(Source: Seafood Source)
