The Association of Furniture and Craft Industries of Indonesia (HIMKI) stated that Indonesian furniture exporters are facing challenges due to the European Union's upcoming regulation on deforestation-free products, which requires certification to prove products originate from sustainable sources. Aware of the impending requirements, HIMKI noted, numerous business owners had begun to obtain certification for the wood they use, but the process was burdensome. The certification process is particularly expensive and difficult for small and medium businesses, which made up 85% of the industry. While Indonesia has its own verification system, it lacks international recognition. Artisanal businesses are particularly impacted due to the difficulty of obtaining certification, while many businesses would have to resort to using other exporters' certifications to bypass the cost. Additionally, not all Indonesian timber suppliers can guarantee legal wood sources, further complicating the process. HIMKI reported a decline in furniture exports by 21% to €2.3bn in 2023, attributing it to heightened shipment costs and lingering pandemic effects. A major local player suggests that Indonesia should diversify its export markets beyond the EU, which currently accounts for a quarter of Indonesia’s global furniture exports.Link di fonte: https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2024/03/09/indonesias-furniture-exporters-fear-eu-deforestation-rules.html (ICE GIACARTA)

Fonte notizia: The Jakarta Post, 9 March 2024