Jakarta, Indonesia – In a significant move to enhance the quality and reputation of kratom, Indonesia has officially regulated the export of this controversial plant. Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan announced two new policies in September 2024 aimed at increasing the value of exported kratom and ensuring it meets stringent safety standards.
New Trade Regulations
The newly issued Trade Regulation Number 20 amends a 2023 regulation that prohibited the export of certain contaminated substances. This includes kratom tainted with toxic levels of heavy metals, bacterial contamination, and non-kratom ground leaf material. Trade Regulation Number 21 focuses on the broader export policy and regulation framework.
Director General of Foreign Trade, Isy Karim, explained, “The change in the Minister of Trade’s Regulation on kratom export trade is a follow-up to the results of an internal meeting led by President Jokowi. In the meeting, it was decided that kratom exports must comply with predetermined standards in order to increase added value and provide legal certainty.”
Addressing Contamination Issues
Contaminated kratom has been a significant issue, particularly in the U.S., where multiple outbreaks of Salmonella have been linked to kratom products. Some products have also been found to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals such as lead and nickel. Seasonal mold contamination has further complicated matters, leading American importers to test shipments rigorously and refuse payment for contaminated batches. This has resulted in substantial financial losses for Indonesian kratom farmers.
Economic Potential
Despite these challenges, kratom remains a burgeoning industry in Indonesia, especially in the West Kalimantan region on the Island of Borneo. According to CNN Indonesia, over 18,000 Indonesians work as kratom farmers, contributing significantly to the local economy.
International Collaboration
The new regulations follow a series of meetings in Indonesia involving local officials, American kratom industry representatives, and international scientists. These discussions aimed to establish standards that would make Indonesian kratom more acceptable in global markets.
Official Government Statement
In an official press release, the Indonesian government emphasized that the new regulations are designed to increase the added value and acceptability of Indonesian export products. The regulations stipulate that kratom exports must be free from microbiological contamination, heavy metals, and other leaf mixtures.
“The change in the Permendag on kratom export trade is a follow-up to the results of an internal meeting led by President Jokowi. In the meeting, it was decided that kratom exports must comply with predetermined standards in order to increase added value and provide legal certainty,” said Isy Karim.
The regulation of kratom trade is focused solely on exports and does not pertain to domestic use. This move aims to prevent the misuse of kratom while boosting its economic potential on the international stage.
When purchasing kratom, it’s crucial to ensure your vendor conducts thorough testing to guarantee product safety and quality like Nectar Leaf. Reputable vendors should provide third-party lab test results for each batch of kratom. These tests should check for contaminants like heavy metals and biological impurities.