Indonesia Asks China To Stem Illegal Swallow Nest Imports

Beijing (Antara Bali) - Indonesia has asked China to act decisively against the circulation of illegal swallow nest products in the country since it leads to unfair competition for those doing business by legally importing the commodity from Indonesia.

"Indonesia's swallow nest exports to China over the past two years are not significant, although these are no longer being exported through third countries," Head of Animal Quarantine and Animal Biosafety, Sujarwanto, told Antara in Beijing on Tuesday night.

Indonesia and China had agreed to establish trade in swiftlet nests after the commodity was re-opened for import-export on January 29, 2015.

Six Indonesian companies were given permission by the Office of Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) to export swiftlet nests to China.

"However, the products exported by the six companies were being absorbed to the extent of just 47 percent by the Chinese market because the price is too expensive, compared to similar products that are illegal and are much cheaper," pointed out Sujarwanto.

At the same time, the Indonesian government requested China to act firmly in consonance with its commitment to crack down on the illegal circulation of swiftlet nests. "Impose strict sanctions on the illegal suppliers, because it is proving very detrimental to us. The six companies import swallow nests legally after paying an entrance fee of 17 percent," he added.

Sujarwanto also called for China to impose uniform standards at each entrance from where swiftlet nests come in, including a certificate of origin.

"If there is a change of rules or regulations, please notify Indonesia so that we can promptly make adjustments. We have also asked that a certificate of origin should also be reviewed, lest a change in apparatuses makes the certificate invalid and the goods are then subjected to a 25 percent surcharge. This will erode the competitiveness of our swallow nests," he asserted.

Indonesia's objections will be taken into consideration while formulating the Memorandum of Understanding on Indonesia-China swiftlet nest exports at the time of its renewal in 2017.

"The present Memorandum of Understanding is valid until April 2017. In the next agreement, we will include the objections raised by Indonesia regarding China's commitment to marketing Indonesian swallow nest products professionally, based on the agreement," he clarified.

Regarding Indonesia's complaint, the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ) assured that it will give the matter serious attention. (WDY)