Indonesia to Tighten Import of Electronics Including TVs, ACs, and Refrigerators, Zulhas: WTO Might Be Upset If Banned

Jakarta, INTI -The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is implementing strict regulations on the importation of electronic products. As a result, the import of electronic products such as televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, and laptops will be restricted.

This regulation on import flow is a follow-up to President Joko Widodo's directive regarding the trade balance of electronic products in 2023, which still showed a deficit.

In response to this, Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) emphasized that the government is only restricting the import of electronic goods, not banning or completely closing the importation channel.

"I don't think banning would be possible, but regulation is feasible," said Zulhas when approached by reporters at his residence in Jakarta on Wednesday (4/10/2024).

He pointed out that the World Trade Organization (WTO) prohibits countries from completely closing import activities. "If we ban it, it won't be possible; later, the WTO will reprimand us, but if it's regulated, it's okay," Zulhas added.

Additionally, the Ministry of Industry has officially restricted the import of ACs, TVs, washing machines, and laptops through the issuance of Minister of Industry Regulation No. 6 of 2024 concerning the Procedures for Issuing Technical Considerations for the Import of Electronic Products.

Priyadi Arie Nugroho, Director of Electronics and Telematics Industry (IET) at the Ministry of Industry, stated that import restrictions aim to create a conducive business climate in the country.

"This regulation is a concrete effort by the government to create investment certainty for industry players in Indonesia, especially in producing electronic products domestically," explained Priyadi in a written statement on Tuesday (4/9).

Through Ministerial Regulation 6/2024, the government has set at least 139 tariff lines for regulated imports. Among these, 78 tariff lines are subject to Import Approvals (PI) and Surveyor Reports (LS), while the remaining 61 tariff lines are subject only to LS.

"Some of the products included in the 78 tariff lines are air conditioners, televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, fiber optic cables, laptops, and several other electronic products," Priyadi added.

In conclusion, Indonesia's move to tighten the import of electronics demonstrates its commitment to boosting domestic industries while adhering to international trade regulations set by organizations like the WTO.