Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Sesame seed in Indonesia is primarily a domestic consumption and food-ingredient market supplied largely by imports, with limited local cultivation. Indonesia’s imports of sesame seeds (HS 120740) in 2022 were about USD 21.1 million (about 11.17 thousand tonnes), with India as the dominant supplier and smaller volumes from China, Mexico, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Domestic sesame cultivation is described as seasonal and commonly grown as an intercrop, with development centers reported in parts of Java, Nusa Tenggara, and South Sulawesi. Quality expectations for traded sesame seed can reference Indonesia’s SNI for sesame seed (SNI 01-3176-1992) alongside buyer specifications.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer/ingredient market)
Domestic RoleIngredient and garnish for bakery, snack, confectionery, and household cooking; limited domestic cultivation
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Specification
Primary VarietyWhite sesame seed (wijen putih)
Secondary Variety- Black sesame seed (wijen hitam)
Physical Attributes- Clean, uniform seed color (white/black as specified)
- Low foreign matter and extraneous material
- Free from live insects and off-odors
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content control is critical for storage stability in Indonesia’s humid logistics environment
- Oil content may be used as a commercial quality indicator for some buyers
Grades- Indonesia has an applicable national standard for sesame seed (SNI 01-3176-1992, 'Biji wijen'); importers may also apply proprietary purity/moisture/foreign-matter specifications.
Packaging- Moisture-protective packaging and handling that prevents humidity ingress is commonly specified for bulk sesame seed movements into Indonesia (confirm importer program requirements).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic: farm (often intercrop) → drying → cleaning/sorting → aggregation → local traders/wholesalers → food processors/retail
- Imports: origin cleaning/conditioning → bagging/containerization → sea freight → port entry → quarantine/customs processes → importer warehousing → food manufacturers/wholesale distribution
Temperature- Ambient handling is typical (no cold chain); protect from heat spikes and direct sun during port and warehouse dwell time
Atmosphere Control- Humidity control and ventilation are important to prevent condensation, mold growth, and quality deterioration
Shelf Life- Shelf-life and quality retention depend strongly on moisture control and clean storage; tropical humidity increases risk of mold and rancidity if packaging is compromised
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighQuarantine and import-document non-compliance (e.g., missing/invalid phytosanitary documentation when required, incorrect classification between food-use vs seed-quality categories, or failing designated entry/hand-over procedures) can trigger detention, treatment costs, delays, or rejection by Indonesian authorities.Confirm HS classification and end-use (food vs seed-quality) before shipment; align documentation (PIB package, certificate set, and quarantine requirements) with importer/broker checklists and port-of-entry procedures.
Food Safety MediumIndonesia’s humid storage and port/warehouse dwell times increase risk of quality deterioration (mold growth, off-odors, rancidity) if moisture control and packaging integrity fail, potentially leading to commercial claims or disposal.Use moisture-protective packaging, monitor humidity and container conditions, and require COA and pre-shipment inspection focused on moisture/foreign matter and storage stability.
Logistics MediumSea-freight and port congestion volatility can raise landed cost and extend transit/dwell times, increasing working-capital burden and exposure to quality degradation in tropical conditions.Build buffer lead times, diversify origins/carriers where feasible, and prioritize sealed packaging and rapid inland evacuation from ports.
Sustainability- Moisture-management and storage integrity are critical in Indonesia’s humid environment to reduce waste and quality loss
- Supplier screening for residue/contaminant compliance (as required by buyer programs) is relevant given multi-origin import sourcing
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
FAQ
What trade classification is typically used for sesame seeds in Indonesia trade statistics?Sesame seeds are commonly tracked under HS 1207.40 (Sesamum/sesame seeds). Indonesia’s sesame seed import figures in this record reference HS 120740 data from UN Comtrade via WITS.
Which documents are commonly needed to clear sesame seed imports into Indonesia?Common documentation includes an import declaration (PIB) with supporting commercial documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill). Plant quarantine documentation such as a phytosanitary certificate may be required depending on the quarantine category (notably for seed/benih and often for plant products), and a certificate of origin may be needed if claiming preferential tariffs.
Is halal certification required for raw sesame seeds in Indonesia?BPJPH has stated that not all materials must be halal-certified, including materials derived from plants from nature without processing. However, requirements can still be conditional based on downstream use and buyer/channel policies, so importers typically confirm case-by-case with BPJPH guidance and customer requirements.