1. Tteok (Topokki) as a Processed Food Product
Tteok (topokki), a traditional Korean cake that is gaining increasing popularity in Indonesia, is a processed food product that is supervised by BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control) and falls within food category 06.7 – Rice and Cereal-Based Products according to BPOM Regulation No. 13 of 2023 on Food Categories.
Tteok is traditionally made from cereals, especially rice or glutinous rice that undergo processing such as boiling, steaming, frying, and roasting, then shaped into cake or other forms.
Common types of tteok available in Indonesia include:
- Garaetteok (Straight Tteok)
- Tteokkochi (Skewered Tteok)
- Gyeongdan (Round Tteok)
- Mochi Style Tteok (Soft Tteok)
Tteok Product Classification
Category: 06.7 – Rice and Cereal-Based Products
Producer KBLI: 10792 – Wet Cake Industry; 10799 – Other Food Product Industry
Importer KBLI: 46339 – Wholesale Trade of Other Food and Beverage Products
⚠️ Critical Note: Tteok that is supplemented with filling, topping, or special sauces (such as soy sauce, spicy sauce, or specific fillings) must include all such ingredients in the product formulation for BPOM compliance and halal certification. Some tteok products may be categorized differently based on composition and additional ingredients used.
2. Why Tteok Must Be Registered with BPOM
Despite being a traditional Korean food, tteok sold in Indonesia must comply with Indonesian food safety regulations. All tteok products – whether imported from Korea, Japan, China, or produced locally – must be registered with BPOM to obtain a Marketing Authorization Number (MD for imported, ML for local) before distribution.
BPOM registration for tteok ensures:
- Food Safety Compliance: The production process meets hygiene standards and prevents harmful bacterial growth, especially important for products using organic fillings or wet toppings.
- Ingredient Verification: All raw materials, food additives, and accompanying sauces are safe and approved for use in Indonesia.
- Proper Labeling: Accurate ingredient listing, nutritional information, and allergen warnings in Indonesian language.
- Shelf Life Validation: Expiration dates are properly determined based on product stability testing.
- Traceability: Clear identification of manufacturer/importer responsible for product quality.
Important: Unregistered tteok products can be detained at customs, confiscated from retail stores, and result in administrative penalties including import bans and fines up to IDR 2 billion under BPOM regulations.
3. BPOM Registration Process for Tteok Products
The registration process for tteok follows BPOM’s standard processed food registration procedure through the e-Bpom system.
Step-by-Step Registration Process:
- Product Classification and Category Determination
- Confirm that tteok falls under Category 06.7 (Rice and Cereal-Based Products)
- Identify if the product contains food additives (preservatives, colorants, flavorings, etc.)
- Determine if the product has special claims (gluten-free, low sugar, high protein, etc.)
- Document Preparation
Required documents include:
- Product Formulation: Complete ingredient list with percentages
- Production Process: Detailed flowchart showing the tteok production, cooling, and packaging process
- Laboratory Testing: Microbiological and chemical analysis, including pathogenic bacteria growth tests if relevant
- Packaging and Label Design: Must include all mandatory information in Indonesian language
- Company Documents: NIB, NPWP, import license (if applicable)
- Online Submission via EREG RBA
- Create account at https://ereg-rba.pom.go.id/
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the PNBP fee (varies by product category)
- BPOM Evaluation Process
Evaluation typically takes 15-30 working days for complete applications.
- Marketing Authorization Issuance
- BPOM issues MD/ML number valid for 5 years
- Must be displayed prominently on product packaging
4. Halal Certification Requirements for Tteok
Under Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance (JPH), all food products must be halal-certified by October 17, 2026.
Tteok has unique halal challenges depending on ingredients and production processes:
| Ingredient/Aspect | Halal Concern | Halal Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Filling/Stuffing | May contain non-halal animal ingredients or be processed in non-halal ways | Halal-certified filling or plant-based filling |
| Accompanying Sauce | Soy sauce or fish sauce may contain non-halal processing aids | Halal-certified soy sauce or fish sauce |
| Food Additives | Colorants, preservatives, and flavorings may be derived from animal ingredients | Plant-based halal-certified food additives |
| Main Raw Material | Rice or glutinous rice are generally halal, but production process must be guaranteed halal | Ensure source and production process are halal-certified |
🌱 Market Opportunity: Many Korean tteok producers are now producing halal-certified tteok variants specifically for the Indonesian and Muslim markets, using environmentally-friendly ingredients and avoiding non-halal animal-derived materials that naturally comply with halal standards.
5. How INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia Can Help
INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia supports international and local food manufacturers in achieving full compliance with BPOM and Halal Certification requirements.
Our services include:
- ✅ BPOM registration for processed food products (tteok and other rice-based products)
- ✅ Halal certification guidance with BPJPH & LPH
- ✅ Document preparation, verification, and translation
- ✅ Label and packaging compliance review
- ✅ Importer and license holder registration assistance
With over 700 successful registrations and expertise in regulatory compliance for both food and cosmetic sectors, INSIGHTOF ensures your tteok products meet all Indonesian legal and halal standards.
Conclusion
Starting October 17, 2026, all tteok products – whether imported or locally manufactured – must:
✅ Obtain BPOM Marketing Authorization (MD/ML), and
✅ Be Halal Certified or labeled Non-Halal.
Proper BPOM registration and halal certification not only ensure legal market access but also enhance consumer trust in Indonesia’s growing health-conscious market.
Achieve regulatory success with INSIGHTOF
With our extensive experience in Indonesia’s regulatory environment, we provide the support you need to secure BPOM and Kemenkes approvals efficiently. Contact us today!
