Date of issue: 04 September 2017
Date of effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries—Industry bodies – Dairy Australia – Infant Nutrition Council
Export dairy establishments
Licensed exporters
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources—Central and Regional offices
Purpose
To notify exporters that the BPOM (Indonesian Drug and Food Administration) have implemented Regulation No.16/2016 on ‘Microbiological Criteria for Processed Foods’. As of 4 August 2017, under the Regulation, all processed foods, including dairy products, must undergo an expanded testing regime for microbiological hazards prior to importation. The department is currently seeking clarification from Indonesian authorities around testing requirements, including: whether the test is an annual or per consignment; the differences between testing in Indonesia and country of origin; the term ‘accredited laboratory’; and whether the regulation covers bulk product for further processing.
Summary of key points
- Indonesia has implemented a new non-tariff measure affecting imports from Australia. The Regulation requires imported food products to undergo additional testing for microbiological hazards prior to importation to Indonesia and be accompanied by an analytical certificate.
- The department has requested that the Indonesian authorities grant a grace period for Australian imports. The Indonesian authorities are currently considering this request.
- The Regulation specifies the microbiological criteria by the food category; the type of microorganism and the microbiological limits; and how to control it by guiding the sampling plan to the laboratory test defining the number of sample units to be taken, the size of the analytical unit and, where appropriate, the acceptance number.
- 5 samples for each imported food must be certified. The certification should be done by an accredited laboratory in the country of origin and the analysis will be valid for one year.
- The department will assist exporters where product has been detained at the Indonesian border, however, the department cannot guarantee release.
- The dairy products covered include: pasteurised milk; buttermilk; flavoured or fermented milk-based beverages; fermented milk products; condensed milk; cream; powdered milk, powdered cream and similar powders; fresh cheese; ripened cheese; cheese rind; whey cheese; processed cheese; similar cheeses; protein whey cheese; desserts made from dairy (ice cream, yoghurt, milk pudding); whey liquids and their products; whey powder and their products; infant formula
- The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) will be updated to reflect these changes.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.
Further information
Contact Exports if you have any queries.