Cosmetics importation - How to Import to Indonesia

BPOM Permit Registration and Why We Should Apply?

Companies that want to import and distribute cosmetic products to Indonesia must register the products with the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) based on Minister of Health Regulation (Permenkes) No. 1176/MENKES/PER/VIII/2010 of 2010 concerning Cosmetics Notification.

Companies that import and sell cosmetics in Indonesia are required to register each item including personal care items and toiletries based on the BPOM Regulation No. 3/2022 concerning Technical Requirements for Cosmetics.

According to the BPOM, companies must register each variant of a cosmetic product as a separate item. Thus, if you want to sell lipstick, for instance, you'll need to register each shade as a different product.

All beauty items, including cosmetics, must be registered before being put on the market in order to protect the safety of customers. The BPOM will grant distribution permission If the product is deemed safe and complies with the specifications.

The registration process for cosmetics will take between one and two months to complete.

Once the BPOM notice is issued, you must import all registered products within six months in order to maintain their validity.

Requirements - what you need to prepare for BPOM Registration

The permit, which will be issued in the form of a "Notice," is intended to verify that all cosmetics sold in Indonesia adhere to the standards specified by BPOM for product quality, safety, and functionality.

Only qualified applicants are eligible to receive notifications, and in order to comply, applicants must present specific documentation. Some important points that must be filled in by business actors in a cover letter are as follows:

• Company legal documents. Records proving the company's authority to import and distribute cosmetics are required. Additionally, the paper must attest to the company's technical expertise with knowledge of cosmetic safety.

• Warehouse. Starting in June 2020, the local BPOM will inspect your warehouse. This is to ensure that you have sufficient space to safely store and distribute your cosmetic products. After completing the test, you'll get a letter of recommendation from the BPOM. When registering a product, this recommendation letter is a necessary document.

• Statement of Responsibility. The statement gives details regarding the person in charge chosen by the business to oversee and/or submit an application for the registration procedure.

• Description of the composition and specifications. The product specifications must be mentioned in the description. Information on how to use or administer the product must be provided by business actors. The purpose of each ingredient must also be listed, along with all resources utilized in product production.

• Free Sales Certificate (CFS). This certificate must be issued by the principal's site regulatory organization. This document must also be legalized by the Indonesian Embassy in the nation of production.

• Good Manufacturing Process (GMP). The Indonesian Embassy in the producing country is required to legalize the certificate.

• Halal Certificate. As a country with a majority Muslim population, halal certification is crucial for cosmetic items to reach the local market in Indonesia. As stated on Indonesia’s Government Regulation 39 of 2021 (GR 39/2021) sets out the requirements for businesses to obtain Halal certification for their goods including cosmetics.

Labeling requirements for cosmetic products in Indonesia

In addition to import management documents and permits related to product ingredients, Businesses must also comply with Indonesian labeling requirements for cosmetic products. Product labels and packaging must include the following:

1. Product’s name
2. Product’s function
3. Application method
4. Composition
5. Factory name
6. The importer’s name and address
7. Batch number
8. Net weight Expiration date
9. Any warnings about the ingredients. For example, potential allergic reactions or safety Indications for children.

It may seem complicated and overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Zendease is here to support you with every step of the importation process, from licensing and registration to compliance and labeling.