Indonesia yesterday granted a three-year extension of its recognition of South Africa’s Food and Safety Control Systems. The original recognition period expires on April 10 this year.
South Africa’s recognition status guarantees that horticultural products exported from SA into Indonesia are safe and fit for human consumption. This means there is no need for verification inspections and checks which are usually conducted on each and every consignment exported into Indonesia. The SA products are merely monitored.
“Furthermore, exporters will be allowed to use the Port of Jakarta, Tanjung Priok, which is closer to the main Jakarta market, thus reducing transport costs and preventing a loss in quality of the exported produce,” said Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) spokesperson, Bomikazi Molapo.
Indonesian agriculture minister Amran Suleiman granted the extension in respect of 14 horticultural products including apples, citrus fruits, peaches and pears.
Daff minister Senzeni Zokwana applied for the extension in July last year to ensure the smooth flow of exports.
“Expanding exports is one of the department’s strategic priorities in both the regional and international arena,” he said. “Forging good relations with international counterparts plays a vital role in achieving this strategic priority.”
