1. Understanding the Indonesian Food and Beverage Market
Indonesia, with its population of over 278 million people, represents one of the largest consumer markets in Southeast Asia. For food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers, this archipelago offers immense potential. However, entering this market requires navigating strict safety regulations enforced by the National Agency of Drug and Food Control, locally known as BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan).
Unlike fresh produce which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, processed food and beverages must be registered with BPOM to obtain a Marketing Authorization number (Izin Edar). This ensures that every product on the shelf meets national safety, quality, and labeling standards.
Whether you are a foreign manufacturer looking to export to Indonesia or a local entrepreneur starting a factory, understanding the BPOM registration landscape is the first step toward commercial success.
INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia is your dedicated partner for regulatory compliance. We specialize in navigating the complexities of BPOM registration, Halal certification, and market entry strategies, ensuring your products reach Indonesian consumers legally and efficiently.
2. Why BPOM Registration is Mandatory
BPOM registration is not optional for processed foods. It is a legal requirement that serves to protect consumers from hazardous ingredients and misleading claims. Without a BPOM registration number (MD or ML), products cannot be sold in retail outlets, supermarkets, or e-commerce platforms.
Regulatory Authority: BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan)
Registration Portal: E-Registration Pangan Olahan (http://e-reg.pom.go.id/)
⚠️ Critical Requirement: Distribution of unregistered processed food is illegal and can result in product confiscation, market recall, and heavy fines.
3. Types of Registration Numbers: MD vs. ML
Before starting, you must identify which license applies to your product. BPOM distinguishes products based on their origin:
| Feature | BPOM MD (Makanan Dalam) | BPOM ML (Makanan Luar) |
| Definition | For processed foods manufactured domestically within Indonesia. | For processed foods imported from overseas manufacturers. |
| Registrant | The local manufacturing company. | The local importer/distributor (PT or PT PMA). |
| Requirement | Must have a local production facility. | Must have a Letter of Appointment (LoA) from the overseas manufacturer. |
| Code Format | MD + 12 digits | ML + 12 digits |
4. Prerequisites: What You Need Before Registration
Registration is not an immediate step; you must first establish the legal groundwork.
4.1. Corporate Establishment (PT / PT PMA)
Foreign entities cannot register products directly. You must either:
- Establish a local company (PT PMA).
- Appoint a local distributor who already holds the necessary licenses.
4.2. Warehouse Audit (SMKPO)
Before registering any product, your facility (warehouse for importers, factory for local producers) must pass an audit.
- For Importers: BPOM checks if your warehouse meets Good Distribution Practices (GDP), ensuring proper temperature control, pest control, and hygiene.
- For Manufacturers: BPOM checks for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP/CPPOB).
5. Risk Classification and Evaluation
BPOM categorizes food based on risk, which determines the evaluation timeline and fee.
| Risk Level | Description |
| Low | Minimal risk products (e.g., plain flour, oil, sugar). |
| Medium | Standard processed foods (e.g., biscuits, noodles, sterilized milk). |
| High | Products with specific health claims, GMOs, or for vulnerable groups (e.g., infant formula). |
6. The Halal Certification Factor (2026 Update)
Indonesia is transitioning from a voluntary to a mandatory Halal certification system.
- Previous Deadline: October 17, 2024.
- The government has extended the deadline for imported food and beverages and MSMEs. The new mandatory compliance date is October 17, 2026.
What this means: While you technically have more time, major retailers in Indonesia already prefer or demand Halal-certified products. Starting the Halal process alongside BPOM registration is highly recommended to ensure market competitiveness.
7. Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Administrative Registration: Register your company on the BPOM E-Reg portal using your NIB.
- Product Submission: Upload required documents:
- Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) (For imports).
- Ingredients List (100% composition).
- Process Flowchart.
- Product Specification.
- Shelf-Life Study.
- Production Code Explanation.
- Label Design (Must comply with BPOM regulations).
- Payment: Pay the Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) fee.
- Evaluation: BPOM evaluates safety, quality, and labeling. They may ask for additional data.
- Approval: Issuance of the Marketing Authorization (Izin Edar). It is valid for 5 years.
8. Common Challenges
- Label Compliance: Indonesian labeling rules are strict. All mandatory info must be in Bahasa Indonesia. Claims like “Healthy” or “Premium” require scientific proof.
- Shelf Life: You must prove your expiration date with a stability study (real-time or accelerated).
- Ingredients: Some additives allowed in other countries may be restricted in Indonesia.
9. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I register a product without a local company?
A: No. You must appoint a local distributor or establish a PT PMA in Indonesia to hold the license.
Q: Do I need to send samples to Indonesia?
A: Generally, no. BPOM evaluates based on documents (Lab Analysis, Specifications). However, for High-Risk products, testing in Indonesia might be requested.
Q: Is Halal mandatory right now?
A: For imported foods, the mandatory deadline has been extended to October 2026. However, having it gives you a massive competitive advantage immediately.
Q: Can I keep my English label?
A: You can keep the original label, but you must apply a sticker/label containing mandatory information in Bahasa Indonesia over it, or reprint the packaging.
10. How INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia Can Help
INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia streamlines your entry into the Indonesian F&B market. We handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on sales.
Our Services Include:
✅ Company Registration: Assisting with local entity setup or distributor matching.
✅ Warehouse Audit Support (PSB): Preparing your facility for BPOM inspection.
✅ Document Review: Pre-assessing ingredients and labels to prevent rejection.
✅ BPOM Submission: Managing the entire E-Reg process.
✅ Halal Certification: Guiding you through the BPJPH Halal assurance process.
With extensive experience in both Food and Medical Device regulation, we ensure your compliance strategy is robust and effective.
Conclusion
Registering food and beverage products in Indonesia is a structured process that demands attention to detail regarding ingredients, facility standards, and labeling. With the Halal mandate approaching in 2026, forward-thinking companies are acting now to secure their place in this massive market.
Don’t let regulatory hurdles slow you down. Partner with experts who understand the local landscape.
Ready to launch your food product in Indonesia?
Contact INSIGHTOF Consulting today for a free consultation on your product’s regulatory pathway.
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