Indonesia adds pears to import licensing controls from May 2026

Indonesia will introduce new import licensing requirements for several agricultural commodities from around May 8, 2026, with pears the main fresh fruit category directly affected by the measure, according to a USDA FAS GAIN report. The change follows Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 11 of 2026, issued on April 21.

Under the regulation, pears will now require an Import Approval from the Ministry of Trade. Unlike several other listed commodities, pears will not need a prior import recommendation from the Ministry of Agriculture. However, they will be subject to surveyor reports, meaning pre-shipment inspection will now form part of the import process.

The USDA report states that Indonesia imports around $371 million worth of pears annually, making the new controls relevant for exporters and importers working in the fruit trade. Although U.S. pear exports to Indonesia remain small at about $136,000, they grew by 150% in 2025. The immediate impact on U.S. suppliers is therefore expected to be limited, but the report warns that the added licensing and inspection steps could discourage future market expansion.

For fruit importers, the key concern is likely to be the extra administrative layer. USDA notes that horticultural import licensing in Indonesia is often linked to additional informal costs, while the inclusion of pears may raise operating costs and affect importer planning. Shipments loaded before the regulation enters into force will be allowed to proceed without the new requirements.

Read the full report here.

source: fas.usda.gov

photo: nhk.or.jp