💼 The First Step: Discovering ICI
When Company K, a Korean skincare brand, planned to introduce its products in Indonesia, their team began researching how to register cosmetics with BPOM. During their search they found one of our articles that explained the registration process in detail — and reached out to us for guidance.
🧾 Understanding the Process Together
In our first discussions we helped Company K understand the key requirements for cosmetic registration — especially the Cosmetic Notification Recommendation. We explained that Cosmetic Notification Recommendation proves a company is legally qualified to apply for product notification — and that their facility must first pass a warehouse inspection known as PSB (Pemeriksaan Sarana Balai) or Warehouse Inspection.
Company K initially planned to use storage beside their Jakarta clinic for PSB. Before proceeding, we offered to check the zoning status of the facility — a step that proved crucial.
🛑 The Zoning Challenge
After reviewing the location, our team discovered the clinic was in an R5 zone (residential). According to Jakarta zoning regulations, cosmetic trading and warehousing are permitted only in K1 or K2 zones — areas for commercial or industrial use.
Impact: Although the facility met hygiene and safety standards, it could not be approved for PSB because of zoning classification — which meant the Cosmetic Notification Recommendation could not proceed and product registration was stalled.
“We were really surprised. Everything was ready — the place was clean and well-organized — but it turned out the zoning didn’t allow cosmetic storage.” — Founder of Company K
💡 Finding a Smart Alternative
Rather than letting zoning block the launch, we proposed a faster, practical solution: use an already-approved certified warehouse in the correct zoning class. ICI offered access to our certified facility and provided importer/distributor services so the PSB, Cosmetic Notification Recommendation, and BPOM processes could continue without delay.
At that stage, Company K’s main goal was to test the market and conduct product research in Indonesia — to understand customer preferences before setting up their own company. Recognizing this, ICI stepped in as the license holder so their products could legally enter the market while the brand prepared its long-term structure.
This arrangement allowed them to focus on market insight and sales strategy, while gradually preparing their own company setup and cosmetic warehouse — without disrupting their sales plans.
- ✅ Company K used ICI’s certified facility for the PSB process.
- ✅ ICI acted as official importer, distributor, and license holder.
- ✅ Company K continued market testing while preparing its own setup.
- ✅ Cosmetic Notification Recommendation and BPOM registration continued smoothly, avoiding delays.
🚀 Moving Forward with Product Registration
After deciding to proceed with ICI as their license holder, we began the next crucial step — product registration. Company K’s cosmetic line consisted of various skincare products such as Sun Cream, Barrier Cream, Gel Cleanser, and several others designed for sensitive and barrier-focused care.
Thanks to close coordination between our regulatory and documentation teams, we successfully completed the entire registration process in just two months — allowing Company K to stay on schedule for their Indonesia market launch. This efficiency reflected our commitment to helping international brands enter the market swiftly and confidently.
Within a few weeks, Company K successfully introduced their five cosmetic products into the Indonesian market —after completing the necessary regulatory procedures.
If Company K happens to see this story — we wish you continued success and growth in your journey within the Indonesian market. 🇮🇩✨
🏢 Our Reflection
At ICI, we believe every challenge has a solution. Understanding local regulations — like zoning — is essential for smooth market entry. What began as a zoning problem became a success story through collaboration, expertise, and trust. By offering flexible regulatory solutions, we gave Company K the space and time to establish their presence — from test market to full operation — without compromising their timeline.
For brands entering Indonesia: ICI is your trusted partner to ensure compliance and confidence at every stage — from facility checks and PSB, to Cosmetic Notification Recommendation, BPOM notifications, and temporary license holding for market testing.
Insightof Consulting Indonesia (ICI)
Helping international brands bring their innovations safely and legally to Indonesia.
