The Indonesian government is currently in a holding pattern, awaiting the establishment of health standards before formalizing regulations governing the export of kratom, an herbal plant utilized in tea and supplements. The delay stems from concerns surrounding potential adverse effects, particularly when consumed in high doses.
From Tea to Supplements: Understanding Kratom's Versatility in Indonesia
BPOM's Role in Kratom Regulation: Safeguarding Public Health in Indonesia
Authorities, led by the Ministry of Trade, are deferring to the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the Ministry of Health to set the groundwork for kratom export regulations. In Indonesia, BPOM, or the Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan, functions as the equivalent of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency’s mandate encompasses the evaluation of kratom’s safety and efficacy, the establishment of health standards, risk assessments, and the formulation of export regulations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Key responsibilities of BPOM include formulating and enforcing regulations and standards across various sectors such as food, beverages, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, traditional medicine, and dietary supplements. The agency also oversees product registration, conducts facility inspections, and educates the public on food and drug safety.
Unraveling the Economic Potential of Kratom: Indonesia's $100 Million Industry
Despite regulatory delays, the economic potential of kratom in Indonesia is substantial, with annual exports estimated at $100 million. The government aims to harness this potential to bolster exports and create employment opportunities while maintaining a keen focus on public health concerns associated with kratom consumption.
Recent export data underscores the burgeoning industry’s growth trajectory. From 2019 to 2022, kratom exports exhibited a steady annual growth rate of 15.92%. The positive momentum continued into 2023, with export values surging by 52.04% to US$7.33 million during the January-May period compared to the same timeframe in 2022. Export volumes mirrored this robust growth, expanding by 51.49%.
The Ministry of Trade remains committed to facilitating the export of kratom herbal plants, pending the outcome of studies examining its classification as a narcotic substance. Although Indonesia boasts abundant kratom resources, efforts to refine extraction processes are ongoing.
During the January-May 2023 period, Indonesia exported kratom to a wide range of destinations, including the United States, Germany, India, the Czech Republic, Japan, the Netherlands, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the United States emerged as the primary export destination, accounting for US$4.86 million, followed by Germany, India, and the Czech Republic.
As Indonesia navigates the regulatory landscape surrounding kratom exports, stakeholders await clarity on health standards and guidelines, pivotal for sustainable growth and responsible trade practices within the kratom industry.