June 18, 2026

 

Indonesia now allowed to export farmed fish to EU

 

Indonesia has regained access to the European aquaculture market after being included in the latest list of countries authorised to export farmed fish to European Union member states, the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) stated.

 

Head of KKP's Marine and Fishery Product Quality Control and Supervision Agency, Ishartini, said the development was particularly important for Indonesian fish farmers, who had earlier raised concerns after Indonesia was excluded from the EU's approved exporter list.

 

"This news truly is a relief because aquaculture businesses had been concerned after Indonesia was excluded from the list of countries allowed to export aquaculture products to the EU market, as stipulated in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598," she noted in a statement on June 15.

 

Ishartini explained that Indonesia has now been reinstated through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189, issued on June 4, 2026.

 

She attributed the restoration of market access to intensive negotiations and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the ministry with relevant EU authorities.

 

KKP, she added, used various diplomatic channels to advocate for Indonesia's aquaculture sector, including through a meeting with the EU Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety in Brussels, Belgium.

 

"Throughout the negotiations, KKP adopted a proactive and intensive approach to safeguarding the interests of aquaculture actors. With Indonesia included in the list, we expect continued access to EU markets for our farmed fish products," she affirmed.

 

The official also credited the EU delegation in Jakarta, the Indonesian Embassy in Brussels, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Trade Ministry for their roles in securing the outcome.

 

She further emphasised the significance of the inclusive list, noting that the 27-member bloc records annual per capita fish consumption of around 24 kg to 25 kg, supported by an average annual income of €37,900 (US$43,600).

 

On that note, Ishartini underscored that the EU is the fifth-largest export destination for Indonesian fisheries commodities, with shrimp, milkfish, and catfish among the leading products.

 

She added that Indonesia also sees growing opportunities to export tilapia to the European market.

 

- ANTARA