List of Export Ban

Indonesia has introduced a refreshed list of export‑banned commodities as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen domestic industries and reinforce long‑term economic resilience. The updated rules refine existing restrictions, expand protections for select natural resources, and adjust mineral export policies to support downstream development.

The Ministry of Finance (“MOF”) has issued a new regulation implementing the latest export ban policy under Ministry of Trade (“MOT”) Regulation No. 9 of 2025 concerning the Third Amendment to MOT Regulation No. 23 of 2023 on Export Policy and Regulation, dated March 6, 2025 (“MOT Reg. 9/2025”).

The revised list of export‑prohibited commodities is contained in MOF Decree No. 6/KM.4/2025, dated March 14, 2025 (“New Decree”), replacing MOF Decree No. 47/KM.4/2024, dated October 11, 2024 (“Old Decree”).

For exporters of regulated goods, understanding the changes introduced under the New Decree is essential to maintaining compliance and avoiding operational disruption. This article highlights the key updates and their potential implications.

Scope of Export Restrictions

The New Decree maintains the MOF’s authority to supervise national export activities across key regulated zones, including:

  • Free Trade Zones and Free Ports (“FTZFP”),
  • Bonded Storage Providers (“BSP”), and
  • The Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”) for exports leaving Indonesia’s customs territory.

This supervisory scope remains unchanged from the previous decree.

Both the Old and New Decrees list 19 categories of commodities subject to export restrictions:

  1. Swallow’s nest
  2. Rice
  3. Animals and animal products
  4. Natural plants and wildlife
  5. Fish (CITES and non‑CITES)
  6. Wood
  7. Rough diamonds
  8. Tin
  9. Scrap
  10. Mining industry sample products
  11. Precursors and pharmaceuticals
  12. Fertilizers
  13. Other fuels
  14. Oil and gas
  15. Mining products
  16. Coal
  17. Coal products
  18. Sea sand from marine sedimentation
  19. Kratom

Of these, three categories have been revised under the New Decree:

  • Natural plants and wildlife
  • Fish (CITES and non‑CITES)
  • Mining products

The remaining 16 categories remain unchanged. These targeted revisions signal a shift in regulatory priorities, particularly in biodiversity‑related sectors and extractive industries.

Key Updates Under the New Decree

Natural Plants and Wildlife

The New Decree introduces clearer classifications to improve enforcement. It specifies:

  • the form of each commodity (fresh, frozen, refrigerated),
  • its category or intended use (e.g., scented powder for religious rituals), and
  • detailed item descriptions.

These refinements support more accurate identification during export inspections and ensure consistent enforcement across regulated zones.

Fish (CITES and non‑CITES)

Indonesia has expanded its list of export‑prohibited marine species. Notable additions include:

  • Anguilla anguilla (European eel), and related species such as Anguilla bicolor, Anguilla marmorata, Anguilla interiosis, and Anguilla celebesensis.

The New Decree also broadens restrictions on ray species, now prohibiting exports of:

  • Borneo Shovelnose Ray,
  • Jimbaran Shovelnose Ray, and
  • Indonesian Shovelnose Ray.

These updates align Indonesia’s export controls with global conservation efforts and reinforce commitments to marine biodiversity protection.

Mining Products

Significant changes have been introduced in this category:

  • Titanium slag has been added to the list of export‑prohibited commodities.
  • A blanket ban now applies to all iron ore and concentrates, removing previous mineral‑content thresholds.
  • Export bans on laterite, copper, lead, and zinc concentrates have been lifted, reopening export opportunities for these minerals.

These adjustments are expected to channel key mineral resources toward domestic processing industries, supporting Indonesia’s downstreaming agenda while selectively liberalizing exports to encourage sector‑specific growth.

Strategic Direction: Clarity, Control, Competitiveness

The New Decree underscores Indonesia’s commitment to industrial resilience and economic self‑reliance. While most restrictions remain unchanged, the targeted revisions:

  • enhance regulatory clarity for exporters,
  • reflect international environmental and conservation priorities, and
  • strengthen domestic value‑added production through selective prohibitions and relaxations.

For businesses operating in regulated commodity sectors, staying informed and adjusting compliance strategies will be essential to navigating Indonesia’s evolving export landscape.

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