The Indonesian government has introduced significant changes to its export policies with the enactment of Ministry of Trade Regulations (Permendag) No. 8 and No. 9 of 2025. These regulations, which came into effect on March 10, 2025, amend previous rules and are designed to boost exports while safeguarding the nation’s valuable natural resources.
For exporters, understanding these new provisions is crucial for maintaining compliance and capitalizing on opportunities in the evolving market.
Key Takeaways
- New Regulations Enacted: The Indonesian Ministry of Trade has launched Permendag No. 8 and 9 of 2025, effective March 10, 2025, to balance export growth with natural resource protection.
- Permendag 8/2025 on Mineral & Prohibited Exports: This regulation supports downstream mineral processing, revises the list of prohibited exports across seven categories (including agriculture, mining, and forestry), and allows export relaxation for mineral refiners facing force majeure conditions.
- Permendag 9/2025 on Conservation: This rule strengthens the protection of endangered species, introducing specific export controls for high-value commodities like Eel (Anguilla spp.) and Kratom to ensure sustainability and quality.
- Restoration of Exporter Rights: Both regulations introduce a clear process for restoring suspended export licenses and rights once exporters fulfil their administrative duties or are cleared of legal charges.
What are the key changes for exporters under Permendag 8/2025?
Permendag 8/2025 primarily revises the list of goods prohibited from export, with a strategic focus on supporting the downstream processing of mining commodities to enhance their value. This regulation provides clarity on which goods are restricted and introduces flexibility for mineral exporters facing unforeseen operational challenges.
Key provisions include:
- Export Relaxation for Minerals
The government allows for export relaxation for companies that have completed the construction of mineral refining facilities but cannot operate due to force majeure events. This specifically applies to the export of copper concentrate with a minimum content of 15% Cu.
- Updated List of Prohibited Goods
The regulation outlines seven categories of goods that are prohibited from being exported, providing a clear reference for businesses. These categories are:
- Forestry: Products such as wood and bamboo.
- Agriculture: Commodities like natural rubber, porang, rice, and kratom.
- Subsidized Fertilizers: Including mineral or chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen.
- Mining: Tin and other minerals with general applications, though exports may be permitted subject to prevailing laws.
- Cultural Heritage: Antique items and historical collections.
- Metal Waste and Scrap: Materials including iron and steel.
- Marine Sedimentation Products: Such as sea sand and marine sludge.
How does Permendag 9/2025 strengthen conservation and affect exporters?
Permendag 9/2025 strengthens Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable resource management by enhancing export policies related to the protection of endangered flora and fauna. This regulation introduces stricter controls on specific high-value commodities and provides a clear pathway for exporters to have their rights restored after facing administrative sanctions.
Key highlights of this regulation are:
- Protection of Key Species
It introduces specific measures for the protection of Eel (Anguilla spp.) to preserve its limited population and strengthens controls over the export of kratom. For kratom, this includes the validation of grinding machine capacity and specific requirements for export purposes.
- Restoration of Exporter Rights
The regulation establishes a mechanism for exporters to have their rights and licenses restored. This can occur if they have fulfilled their administrative obligations or have been cleared of all legal charges by a final court decision, ensuring a fair and responsive legal framework. The recovery measures include the reactivation of suspended licenses and the revocation of other export document suspensions.
How Permitindo Can Help
Navigating the complexities of new government regulations can be a daunting task for any business. The changes introduced in Permendag No. 8 and 9 of 2025 require a thorough understanding to ensure your export operations remain compliant and efficient.
Permitindo offers regulatory compliance services to help your business adapt to these new legal frameworks. Our team can assist you in understanding the specific implications of these regulations for your commodities, ensuring you meet all requirements for licensing, and helping you manage any administrative processes to keep your exports moving smoothly.
To learn more about how we can assist your business in thriving under these new regulations, we invite you to fill in the form below or reach us via contact@permitindo.com.
