This, he said, because the export ban only applies to RBD Palm Olein products with three Harmonized System (HS) codes: 1511.90.36, 1511.90.37 and 1511.90.39. While CPO and RPO can still be exported as necessary.
“This policy is in line with the provision of Article XI GATT which stipulates that member countries of the World Trade Organization can apply temporary export bans or restrictions to prevent or reduce shortages of food ingredients or other essential products. The export ban on RBD Palm Olein applies to all producers that produce RBD Palm Olein products,” said Airlangga.
Read: Gov’t bans exports of CPO and cooking oil
Concern about the fate of oil palm farmers was raised by House Committee IV member Mohamad Hekal during a working meeting between the committee and Trade Minister on March 17, reported Detikcom.
At that time, the Gerindra Party politician advised against the policy harming oil palm farmers, who depend on the commodity for their livelihood.