Import of raffinose

Import of raffinose

News reports said on Thursday that at least 40 food and drink producers have been facing problems due to a shortage of the raw material raffinose.

For instance, food producer Garuda has been forced to reexport some 2,000 tons of raffinose, which had arrived at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta and the Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya, due to uncertainties in unloading the commodity.

Another food producer, PT Mayora Indah, recently had the same experience after customs and excise officials refused to give it permission to unload its imported raffinose, even though the company has an import license.

The ship carrying Mayora Indah's raffinose had to wait for days before customs officials gave the green light for unloading.

Customs officials have become extra careful in handling imported sugar, prioritizing the regulations rather than facilitation.

The regulation stipulating that importers and customs officials will be fined or jailed if they are found to have been involved in smuggling has made customs officials extra careful in making decisions on imports. -- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta