Household Health Supplies (PKRT) is a category of products regulated by Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. According to official guidelines, PKRT refers to “tools, materials, or a mixture of materials used for the maintenance and care of human health, intended for household and public facility use.” This means products such as cleaners, disinfectants, or health care materials for household use fall under the PKRT category. The registration and supervision process for PKRT is governed through a product notification system issued by the Ministry of Health.
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Does Soap Fall Under PKRT?
Yes, household-use soap counts as PKRT. Here are some examples:
- Laundry or dishwashing soap (bar, cream, or liquid)
- Handwashing soap designed specifically to clean hands
🔎 Note: Bath or body soaps do not fall under PKRT. BPOM (Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority) regulates them as cosmetic products. PKRT rules mainly cover detergents, disinfectants, and household cleaning products.
How the Ministry Classifies and Registers PKRT Products
Ministry of Health Regulation No. 62/2017 classifies PKRT based on risk level:
- Class I (low risk): e.g., cotton pads, cosmetic tissues
- Class II (medium risk): e.g., hand soaps, dishwashing liquids These products may cause mild irritation and need more documentation and testing.
To sell soap in Indonesia, the manufacturer or authorized distributor must get a distribution permit (izin edar). This applies before the product enters the Indonesian market. Companies must register their products online through the Ministry’s Regalkes (e-Infoalkes) system. After reviewing the submission, the Ministry evaluates the safety, quality, and benefits. If the product meets all criteria, they issue a registration number (PKD for local, PKL for imported). This number must appear on the packaging to confirm compliance with health standards.
What Documents Do You Need?
To register your soap (such as hand soap or dish detergent) under the PKRT category, prepare these key documents:
1. Administrative Documents
- Power of attorney for your local distributor or agent
- Company tax number (NPWP)
- Business license (SIUP) of the importer
2. Trade Documents
- Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) from the country of origin
- ISO or GMP certificate from the manufacturer
3. Technical Product Documents
- Full formula (with ingredient functions and concentrations)
- Summary of the production process
- Raw material specifications
4. Testing & Labeling Documents
- Lab test results (COA) for raw materials and final product
- Product stability test (for shelf life)
- Product label draft in Bahasa Indonesia with instructions and warnings
⚠️ Depending on the product, you might need additional documents—like efficacy test results for disinfectants. These requirements ensure your soap is safe, effective, and high-quality.
Don’t Skip the Permit – Here’s Why
Selling PKRT products without a proper permit is a serious violation. Indonesian Health Law No. 36/2009 (Article 197) states that manufacturing or distributing health supplies without a permit can lead to 15 years of jail time and/or fines up to IDR 1.5 billion. The Ministry can also revoke your permit or recall your product if they find violations. Aside from legal risks, distributing unregistered products can damage your brand and reduce consumer trust.
Final Tip
Before exporting soap to Indonesia, register it as a PKRT product with the Ministry of Health. Know the product category, prepare the required documents, and follow the correct steps to avoid legal problems and ensure smooth market entry.
