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