ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has officially released technical guidelines for the Certificate of Admissible (CoA), a crucial document that now makes Indonesian crab exports to the United States significantly easier and fully compliant with US import requirements.
The CoA is an essential prerequisite for Indonesian seafood products to enter the US market under the stringent US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Director General of Capture Fisheries, Lotharia Latif, emphasized that the CoA ensures Indonesian crabs are harvested using environmentally friendly fishing gear, such as traps, and that fishing activities do not threaten marine mammals.
“This document is critical to ensuring that Indonesian crab products meet US standards and are accepted in the American market,” Lotharia said in an official statement in Jakarta quoted November 19, 2025
The complete procedures for issuing the CoA are regulated under the Director General of Capture Fisheries Decree Number 27/2025.
Clear Guidance for Exporters
With the issuance of these technical guidelines, Indonesian seafood businesses now have clear and practical instructions to fulfill export requirements to the United States. The regulation not only simplifies administrative processes but also strengthens Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
“KKP aims to ensure that Indonesian crab products remain competitive in the global market while supporting sustainable fishing practices,” Lotharia added.
The guidelines also enhance transparency and traceability, which are increasingly important in global seafood supply chains.
Industry Welcomes the Policy
Chairman of the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI), Kuncoro Catur Nugroho, praised KKP’s decision to formalize the CoA requirement.
He noted that the regulation is not merely an administrative obligation but a concrete step toward responsible fisheries governance.
“This ensures that every exported catch comes with traceability and compliance guarantees aligned with responsible fisheries management principles,” he stated.
US Crab Exports Continue to Grow
According to KKP statistics, Indonesia’s crab and crab-related exports to the US reached 6.68 thousand tons in the first semester of 2025, generating USD 161.89 million. The positive trend reflects strong demand and growing confidence in Indonesian seafood products.
Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, has repeatedly emphasized that high-value fisheries commodities—from crabs to tuna—are central to Indonesia’s blue food agenda. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable ocean-based food systems while supporting national economic growth.
With the implementation of the CoA guidelines, Indonesia strengthens its position as a leading supplier of sustainably harvested crab to the global market, particularly the United States. (AT Network)
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