Protectionism and/or IP rights key to Indonesian cosmetics seizure

CUSTOMS officers at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok Port have seized an import consignment of Chinese cosmetic products believed to be worth IDR1.67 billion (US$172,520).

"Indonesian entrepreneurs will find it hard to survive in their own country if the government does not stop the entry of illegal products from China," said Indonesian Chamber of Commerce official Bambang Susatyo in a Kompas.com news site report.

Customs are also working with the directorate of intellectual property rights protection (HAKI) to investigate products origin and copyright holders.

According to Anwar Suprijadi, the director general of customs, the contraband was hidden in an FEU reportedly holding printing machines by the importing company named PT BM located in Bekasi, West Java.

The chief of the Tanjung Priok customs office, Rahmat Subagyo, said the cosmetics were not covered by required documents from the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).

"The case is still under investigation. Several related parties have been questioned while a further check on the goods certification will be done in coordination with BPOM," Mr Rahmat said.

 

(Source: Schednet)