Indonesian Shrimp Exports Face Certification Backlog for US Market

Certification Requirements for US Exports

The Indonesian seafood industry is currently facing significant challenges as 1,100 containers of shrimp remain pending Cesium-137 certification, a critical requirement for exporting to the United States. This certification process, mandated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), involves meticulous scanning of each crate to ensure the absence of radioactive contamination. The Association of Indonesian Fishery Product Processing and Marketing (AP5I) reported that while the first certified exports were successfully conducted on October 31, 2025, the current backlog is causing substantial delays in the export process.

Certification Process and Industry Impact

The certification process requires each individual crate within the containers to be scanned according to strict protocols established by the US FDA. This meticulous process is time-consuming, with each container requiring approximately six hours to complete the scanning procedure. The delay in certification has resulted in a significant backlog, affecting the overall export timeline and potentially impacting the industry's financial performance.

Industry Response and Government Collaboration

AP5I Chairman Saut P. Hutagalung expressed gratitude to the government for their collaborative efforts in establishing the required certification process within a relatively short period. The association worked closely with government agencies to implement the necessary measures, enabling the resumption of exports to the US market. However, the current backlog highlights the need for further improvements in the certification process to prevent future delays.