Korean Food Corporation Extends Comprehensive Support to Indonesian Importers for Korean Food Products

The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) has launched an extensive support initiative targeting Indonesian businesses involved in importing South Korean food products. This effort provides targeted assistance in navigating customs procedures, localizing product labeling, and covers significant portions of regulatory fees associated with the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) registration. Additionally, the program includes pre-registration for Korea’s halal certification, an essential requirement for accessing the Indonesian market.

Lee Seung Hoon, Chief Representative of the Korea Agro-Trade Center (aT Center) Jakarta, emphasized the program’s comprehensive scope in a recent statement. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to assist foreign importers in overcoming localization and customs challenges in their respective markets. According to Lee, this support is aimed at creating smoother entry pathways for Korean food products and adapting them to the specific regulatory landscapes of countries like Indonesia.

“Through this program, we are committed to providing tailored consultation and resources that cater to each importer’s unique needs,” Lee said, highlighting the flexibility and depth of the assistance available. The program offers a substantial subsidy, potentially covering up to 80% of registration costs, with an annual maximum limit of 200 million won (approximately 2.5 billion Indonesian rupiah) per company. This financial aid serves as a critical support system, allowing Indonesian businesses to access Korean food products with a reduced financial burden related to regulatory compliance.

With Indonesia’s strict halal certification requirements, this program also aims to ensure that Korean food products can seamlessly integrate into the local market by helping importers meet SIHALAL standards through Korean halal certifications such as KMF (Korea Muslim Federation) and KHA (Korean Halal Authority). This step is particularly significant as it addresses a growing demand for halal-certified products, enabling Korean foods to gain a foothold in the expansive Indonesian consumer base.

“Through this initiative, we aim to bolster the global competitiveness of Korean food products while substantially easing the localization burden for foreign importers,” Lee stated. He also extended an open invitation to Indonesian importers to take part in this initiative, which he believes will play a pivotal role in solidifying Korean food products’ presence in the international market.

The aT Corporation’s efforts represent a strategic move to strengthen trade relations and expand the appeal of Korean food products on a global scale, with Indonesia as one of the focal markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Through this program, the Korean food industry hopes not only to boost its export potential but also to foster enduring partnerships with Indonesian importers, creating a win-win situation for both countries.

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