Apikri held an important capacity-building session through a Zoom meeting with a buyer from the United States on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The training took place at Apikri’s central hall from 19.00 to 21.30 WIB and was attended by board members, the General Manager, and staff. The session aimed to strengthen Apikri’s understanding of international export requirements and enhance readiness for global market compliance.

The training was led by Patrick Benz from Sourcing Indonesia, who presented the theme *“Safety Regulations & Protocols for Home Décor and Furniture Exports to the U.S. & Europe.”* Participants were introduced to key regulatory bodies such as the CPSC, EPA, and USDA in the U.S., and learned about critical standards related to consumer safety, chemical restrictions, labeling requirements, and documentation. The session highlighted the importance of compliance to avoid shipment rejections and to build long-term trust with international buyers.

During the presentation, Apikri representatives gained insights into ASTM standards, TSCA formaldehyde limits, Lacey Act timber sourcing, and FDA oversight for products that may come into contact with food. The detailed explanation helped participants understand how each regulation impacts product design, testing, and export documentation. Real examples and case studies were used to illustrate the consequences of non-compliance and the benefits of proactive certification.

The training also covered European Union requirements such as REACH chemical safety, the upcoming EUDR regulations on deforestation-free sourcing, GPSR safety standards, and CE marking procedures. Participants discussed challenges faced by Indonesian artisans and explored practical strategies to increase transparency, traceability, and eco-friendly packaging in alignment with buyer expectations in both markets.

By the end of the session, Apikri’s management reaffirmed their commitment to improving internal quality control and strengthening partnerships with global buyers. The training not only enhanced the team’s technical knowledge but also motivated Apikri to position itself as a responsible and competitive exporter in the international fair trade industry. Further follow-up sessions are planned to implement compliance protocols across member artisans and cooperatives.