20 Containers of Indonesian Shrimp Held at US Port Over Incomplete Papers
Reporter
January 10, 2026 | 04:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta — Indonesian seafood exporter PT Bumi Menara Internusa (BMI) has explained the delay in exporting 20 containers of frozen shrimp to the United States, saying the shipment was temporarily held due to incomplete documentation.
PT BMI’s Export and Import Manager, Clorinda, said the containers were detained at the Port of Chicago after U.S. authorities flagged documentation issues.
“At that time, our shipment of 20 containers of frozen shrimp was held at the Port of Chicago in the United States,” Clorinda said in a written statement on Friday, January 9, 2026.
She said the company later received a notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stating that certain required documents were missing.
In response, PT BMI submitted a Fishery Product Quality and Safety Certificate (SMKHP) issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.
“After the certificate was shown, the U.S. FDA immediately allowed the shrimp containers to enter,” Clorinda said.
The head of the Integrated Service Unit at the Surabaya Quality Control Agency, I Laode, said the total volume of the frozen shrimp shipment reached 263 tons, with an estimated value of Rp63.4 billion (around US$4.1 million).
Laode emphasized the importance of processing the SMKHP certificate to ensure the smooth entry of Indonesian fishery products into international markets. He noted that exporters can apply for the certificate online through the Siap Mutu system.
Separately, Ishartini, head of the Agency for Control and Supervision of Marine and Fishery Product Quality, said the SMKHP is a document commonly required by authorities in destination countries.
She explained that the certificate confirms fishery products have undergone a production process that complies with international standards for food safety, sanitation, and hygiene.
As a result, holding an SMKHP indicates that the products meet the appropriate level of protection required by importing countries, facilitating market access.
The case highlights the critical role of regulatory compliance and documentation in ensuring the smooth flow of Indonesian seafood exports to global markets.
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