Indonesia mandates trademark certificates for textile, footwear imports
08 May 2024
Rina Saniga, IP consultant, Tilleke & Gibbins, Jakarta
Indonesia has mandated trademark certificates for textile and footwear imports, motivated by the increasing circulation of imported goods in traditional markets and the increase in sales of imported goods via digital platforms (ecommerce).
According to Rina Saniga, an IP consultant at Tilleke & Gibbins in Jakarta, this causes the traditional market to become increasingly empty with local products. “Thus, the government considers the need for policies to tighten imports of several commodities, including ready-made clothing, other ready-made textile goods, footwear and bags,” she said. “Based on a publication dated October 6, 2023, on the official website of the State Secretariat, the policy of tightening the flow of imported goods is focused on consumer goods commodities, including children’s toys, electronics, footwear, cosmetics, textile goods, traditional medicines, health supplements, ready-made clothing and bags.”
Previously, textile import verification was regulated through the Minister of Industry (MOI) Regulation No. 36 of 2022 concerning Procedures for Verifying Industrial Capabilities in the Context of Needs and Supply of Textiles and Textile Products as Raw Materials and/or Industrial Auxiliary Materials. This regulation no longer applies after the issuance of MOI Regulation No. 5 of 2024.
“The new regulation requires importers to submit trademark certificates for the products to be imported,” she said. “This requirement is a significant issue for importers of affected products that have not obtained a trademark registration in Indonesia, as they can no longer rely on letters of appointment to import from the trademark owners or authorized representatives. Importers need to discuss with brand owners early so that they can provide the proper trademark registration, which usually takes one to two years to obtain. This lead time will need to be factored in before obtaining the import permit.”
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
