Importing Indonesian Food Products into the UK: An Importer's Guide

Since leaving the EU, the United Kingdom runs its own import controls and tariff schedule, although much of the food law still follows the same principles. Indonesian products are a natural fit for the UK's large South-East Asian and South Asian food sector. This guide covers what a UK importer needs before ordering raw crackers, vegetarian noodles, or spice powder from Indonesia.

1. Check Whether the Product Needs Pre-Notification

Products of animal origin and certain high-risk foods of non-animal origin must be pre-notified on IPAFFS (the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System) and enter through a border control post. Prawn crackers contain a processed fishery product, so check with your port health authority whether they are treated as a composite product needing certification and checks. Plant-based products such as cassava and onion crackers, vegetarian noodles, and spice powders usually follow the general import route, but confirm this for each HS code.

2. UK Food Labelling

Food sold in the UK must be labelled in English, with allergens emphasised in the ingredient list (prawn crackers must highlight crustaceans) and the name and address of a food business operator in the UK. If you previously imported into the EU, note that an EU address alone is not enough for Great Britain.

3. Contaminants and Testing

The UK sets maximum levels for contaminants and pesticide residues, and spices are routinely sampled. Ask your supplier for a batch Certificate of Analysis before shipping, especially for pepper powders.

4. Lower Duty under the DCTS

Indonesia is a beneficiary of the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) at the Standard Preferences tier, which cuts or removes tariffs on many products. To claim it you need valid proof of origin from your supplier. Check the preferential rate for your HS code on the UK Trade Tariff before you set your landed cost.

Pre-Order Checklist

• IPAFFS and border-post requirements checked for each product (especially prawn crackers)
• English label with emphasised allergens and a UK operator address
• Batch CoA for contaminants and pesticide residues
• DCTS preference and proof of origin confirmed for your HS code
• Price agreed FOB Belawan, with your forwarder booked from Belawan

PT Arisyafood Global Niaga exports raw crackers, vegetarian food, and spice powders to importers outside Indonesia, quoting FOB Belawan. See our raw crackers, the private-label noodle checklist, or send an export inquiry.