"If the regulation calls for a ban, then we will comply," she said on Thursday.
Hafid ensured that the measures taken by her office would align with government regulations.
Regarding the mechanism for banning thrifting on social media, the minister said that further regulations regarding supervision in the digital realm, including implementation stages, will be provided.
Earlier, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and several e-commerce platforms agreed to selectively regulate the sale of imported used clothing.
MSMEs Minister Maman Abdurrahman has closed trading activities or shops selling imported used clothing on e-commerce platforms or marketplaces to reduce thrifting activities.
This measure is part of the MSME Ministry’s strategy to curb the widespread online sale of illegally imported clothing. The practice is considered not only a regulatory violation but also harmful to the local clothing industry.
E-commerce platforms are asked to comply with existing regulations, specifically Minister of Trade Regulation Number 31 of 2023 concerning business licensing, advertising, and the development and supervision of business actors in electronic commerce.
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Budi Santoso also met with Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to discuss increased oversight of illegal thrift imports.
Santoso said the ban on used clothing imports is stipulated in Minister of Trade Regulation Number 40 of 2022, concerning Amendments to Minister of Trade Regulation Number 18 of 2021 on Prohibited Export and Prohibited Import Goods.
The MSMEs Ministry is also preparing the rebranding of several markets previously known as centers for thrifted clothing, such as Senen Market in Jakarta and Gedebage Market in Bandung.
The ministry is collaborating with local brand associations to ensure business continuity for former thrift sellers by helping them transition to selling local products instead of imported used goods.
Related news: Addressing the dilemma of thrifting
Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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