The Indonesian government has announced a tightening of regulations on the import of 202 iron and steel products to help safeguard domestic steel industry, taking effect as of April 1, 2009.
Under the new regulations, all steel importers must acquire certification to bring into the country any of 202 iron and steel products and must file reports of shipments to state-appointed surveyors, including details such as tonnages and area of use of the imported steel.
Products affected by the new measures include hot and cold rolled coils and sheets, wire rods and steel pipes. Meanwhile, imports of iron and steel used by shipyards, automakers and electronic equipment makers will be exempted.
Moreover, steel and iron importers whose products are not included in the 202 items must also have import documents showing they are registered as importers or producers, along with annual import plans.
Even so, the Indonesian government will not enforce the new measures against products from countries with which Indonesia has signed bilateral trade agreements, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, China, Russia and the Netherlands. Some of the bilateral agreements, however, do not apply to iron and steel.
The new regulations are expected to remain in effect until December 2010.