Indonesia BPOM Certification: Purpose & Application Procedure

Indonesia is one of the emerging markets with a large base population and growing disposable income, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs to incorporate companies. Aside from the F&B industry, which has been commonplace for foreign and local investors, the medicine and cosmetics industries are now also gaining traction.

For any companies selling products in any of these 3 industries, they are required to get the Indonesia BPOM certification before commercial distribution. This is also known as Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan in the local language – Bahasa Indonesia. The certificate is issued by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (NA-DFC).

There are multiple purposes for the BPOM certification in Indonesia:

Here is the list of products that require a BPOM certificate:

Aside from the BPOM certificate, in order to distribute your products in the market, you will also need to apply for the distribution permit (Izin Edar).

Before you can register for a BPOM certificate in Indonesia, you are required to open a BPOM account online.

Step 1: Complete the BPOM registration form through the website.

For cosmetic products: https://notifkos.pom.go.id
For food products: https://e-reg.pom.go.id

Step 2: Prepare all required documents (see below) for the type of BPOM certifcate you are applying for.

Step 3: Submit all documents to NADFC (for cosmetic products) or BPOM officer (for food products). The relevant government bodies will conduct an audit and assessment before evaluating your product if it is deemed fit for distribution in Indonesia.

Step 4: Wait for your application to be reviewed. Your account will be activated upon approval.

The documents required to set up your BPOM account are listed below.

Product registrations to obtain the BPOM certificate can be done by the following groups:

If you are a foreign manufacturer looking to distribute in Indonesia, there is a requirement for you to setup a foreign entity, which is owned as the PT PMA, before you are allowed to apply for the BPOM certificate in Indonesia.

An alternative to setting up a company in Indonesia is to engage a local distributor or importer. This means that they can apply for the BPOM certificate for your products and they will help with your distribution.

There are 3 different codes that are used to distinguish the products registered in the market under the BPOM certification.

While it is a requirement for all companies that distribute their products in the market to apply for the BPOM certificate, there are also some companies who take the risk. However, there are plenty of benefits when you have secured the BPOM certificate.