Exporting processed food products to Indonesia requires compliance with BPOM regulations and tax laws. Imported products must be registered to obtain a BPOM RI ML (Foreign Food) distribution permit. As part of the registration requirements, there are five essential documents that must be prepared by the exporter and local importer in Indonesia:
1. NPWP (Tax Identification Number)
NPWP is the taxpayer identification number in Indonesia. The local importer must include the NPWP in customs and import documentation. This number is used to calculate Value Added Tax (VAT) and Import Income Tax (PPh 22). Although foreign exporters do not have an Indonesian NPWP, the import documents must still include the NPWP of the responsible importer. Having an NPWP facilitates smoother customs clearance due to lower applicable tax rates compared to imports without it.
2. NIB (Business Identification Number) – Risk-Based Approach (RBA)
The NIB is an official business ID issued through the Risk-Based Online Single Submission (OSS) system. Every company operating in Indonesia must have an NIB before applying for any business licenses, including the BPOM distribution permit. The RBA NIB reflects the legal status and risk classification of your business. For processed food registration under the risk-based system, the NIB is used to determine further requirements (e.g., low-risk or high-risk category). In short, the NIB serves as the foundation for managing business and distribution licenses in Indonesia.
3. SMKPO Certificate (Processed Food Safety Management System)
SMKPO is a risk-based food safety standard mandated by BPOM. The SMKPO certificate demonstrates that the food distribution company complies with food safety protocols in the processed food supply chain. BPOM requires processed food businesses to apply for this certificate before registering imported products. In practice, the importer must apply for an audit and SMKPO verification with BPOM. Upon approval, BPOM issues the SMKPO Certificate as official proof that the food distribution facilities meet safety standards.
4. Letter of Authorization (LOA)
A Letter of Authorization (LOA) is an official document from the foreign manufacturer appointing a local importer/distributor as the exclusive representative for product registration and distribution. This document must be legalized by a notary, local trade association, or Indonesian representative office abroad to be legally recognized. When creating a company account on BPOM’s e-registration system, a valid LOA is required as proof of the business relationship. With the LOA, the local importer is fully authorized to handle BPOM distribution permits for foreign products.
5. GMP/HACCP/ISO 22000 Certificate
Certificates for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), or ISO 22000 are international standards for food quality and safety. BPOM requires international food safety standard certificates for every imported product registration. These documents prove that the products were produced according to globally recognized standards. For example, a HACCP certificate shows that critical risks are controlled during production. Providing GMP/HACCP/ISO 22000 certificates speeds up the BPOM distribution permit process by enhancing trust in product quality.
Conclusion
The five documents above — Importer’s NPWP, NIB RBA, SMKPO Certificate, LOA (Letter of Authorization), and GMP/HACCP/ISO 22000 Certificate — are sine qua non for importing processed food into Indonesia. Proper preparation in compliance with BPOM and relevant ministries ensures smooth product registration, customs clearance, and distribution licensing. By fulfilling these requirements, exporters and importers ensure regulatory compliance and seamless product distribution in the Indonesian market.
Source: Information obtained from the official BPOM website, related regulations (e.g., BPOM Regulation No. 27/2017), and the Directorate General of Customs and Excise.
