Indonesian retailers unhappy over new import policy

11 May '12

2 min read

Large Indonesian retailers are unhappy with the new regulations that came into effect from May 1 this year.

The new regulations issued by the Ministry of Trade are aimed at achieving greater supervision of imports, attracting more investments and fastening industrial development in the country.

The new policy restricts a general importer, which includes retailers, to import finished products from the same category, for example textiles and textile products.

Previously, general importers were allowed to import a range of finished products from various categories such as textiles, footwear, etc.

Large-format retail stores do not restrict their imports to one single category as they often sell several categories of items at one place. These retailers have now urged the Government to revise the rule on the import of finished products as it will greatly hurt their business.

The new import regulation has created problems for some retailers, especially global retail chains, said Tutum Rahanta, Executive Director of Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo).

Mr. Rahanta said the retailers should not be treated like general importers as they import different kinds of items for their stores. He explained that it would not be feasible to create a separate company for each of the different kinds of products to be imported.

He requested the Government to exempt retailers from the new import rule. He said the retailers should be allowed to import various categories of products that belong to the same brand.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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