Imported Cosmetics in Indonesia: BPOM Notification, SKI Import Certificate & Halal Requirements 2026

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Imported Cosmetics in Indonesia: BPOM Notification, SKI & Halal Guide 2026 | INSIGHTOF

Short Answer: Imported Cosmetics Need a BPOM Notification
Who Must Notify Imported Cosmetics
The Notification Process at a Glance
Core Documents for Imported Cosmetics
Import Certificate (SKI) for Each Shipment
Halal Certification from October 17, 2026
Labeling and Post-Market Obligations
Practical Checklist for Importers
Frequently Asked Questions

Every imported cosmetic product sold in Indonesia must first receive a BPOM notification number (NA, also called NIE), and each import shipment may also need a import certificate (SKI) from BPOM (Indonesian Food and Drug Administration). From October 17, 2026, halal certification from BPJPH is also required for cosmetics, including imported ones. For foreign brands entering the Indonesian market, the timing matters: notification, shipment clearance, and halal certification now run on overlapping timelines. This guide explains what an importer needs to prepare and in what order.

1. Short Answer: Imported Cosmetics Need a BPOM Notification

In Indonesia, both domestically made and imported cosmetics must be notified to BPOM before they can be marketed. An approval in the country of origin does not allow a product to be sold in Indonesia. A foreign brand must hold a valid notification number, obtained through BPOM’s Notifkos portal, and must appoint an eligible Indonesian entity to act as the notification holder.

Key point: A foreign manufacturer cannot usually submit the notification in its own name. An Indonesian legal entity, such as an importer or distributor, normally acts as the local holder and is responsible for compliance after approval.

2. Who Must Notify Imported Cosmetics

The notification requirement covers imported cosmetics, locally manufactured cosmetics, contract-manufactured products, and licensed products. For imported products, the applicant typically needs to show a legal relationship with the overseas manufacturer, such as an agency appointment letter, a notarized contract, or a letter of authorization.

3. The Notification Process at a Glance

The general sequence for imported cosmetics is as follows. Exact steps vary by product type and classification, so confirm them with BPOM or a regulatory consultant before submission.

Create an account on Notifkos

Prepare the Product Information File (PIF)

Compile the formula, ingredient list, safety and quality information, and labeling drafts in line with ASEAN guidelines and BPOM requirements.

Submit the notification and pay the fee

Submit the dossier through the portal and pay the applicable fee. BPOM’s evaluation timeline begins after submission and payment.

Respond to BPOM queries

Answer follow-up questions on ingredients, claims, and documents. Incomplete responses commonly delay approval.

Receive the notification number

After approval, the product receives a BPOM notification number, which must appear on the packaging and be kept valid for ongoing sales.

4. Core Documents for Imported Cosmetics

Typical Document Set

Product Information File (PIF): formula, INCI names, specifications, safety data, and manufacturing description
Letter of authorization or notarized agreement: between the Indonesian applicant and the overseas manufacturer or brand owner
Certificate of Free Sale (CFS): required for imported cosmetics originating from non-ASEAN countries, issued by an authorized body in the country of origin
GMP certificate of the overseas manufacturer: confirming the facility meets good manufacturing practice requirements
Labeling drafts: in Bahasa Indonesia, consistent with the notified formula and claims
Additional documents: as requested by BPOM, depending on product type and classification

A Certificate of Free Sale and other foreign documents may need legalization or authentication. Check this requirement early, because it can add weeks to preparation.

5. Import Certificate (SKI) for Each Shipment

A notification number is not the end of the import process. Each import shipment of cosmetics may require a BPOM import certificate, known as the Surat Keterangan Impor (SKI). The SKI is needed before goods are cleared through customs. Importers should plan SKI applications into their shipment schedules, rather than treating them as a one-time step.

Plan for shipment timing: A product with an approved notification can still be held at the border if its SKI is not in place. Build SKI lead time into every purchase order and distribution plan.

6. Halal Certification from October 17, 2026

Under Law 33/2014 and Government Regulation 42/2024, halal certification for cosmetics becomes mandatory from October 17, 2026. Certification is issued by BPJPH and covers imported cosmetics as well as domestic products. Halal certification is separate from the BPOM notification, so a product with a notification number still needs its own halal certificate after the deadline.

Timing note: Halal phase-in dates have been subject to recent regulatory updates, and reports vary. Confirm the applicable date and category with BPJPH or a licensed halal body before relying on October 17, 2026 for planning.

For imported cosmetics, halal review usually focuses on ingredients of animal or microbial origin, alcohol and solvents, and the supply chain at the overseas facility. Preparing supplier declarations and ingredient specifications in advance will shorten the halal file.

7. Labeling and Post-Market Obligations

Cosmetic labels must generally be in Bahasa Indonesia and must not contain misleading claims. Claims should match the product’s approved safety and benefit profile. After approval, notification holders must keep product and distribution records, ensure imported products match the approved formula and label, monitor complaints, and support BPOM inspections.

8. Practical Checklist for Importers

Before Launch

Confirm an eligible Indonesian entity to act as notification holder
Secure a signed authorization or agreement with the overseas brand owner
Verify all formula ingredients against BPOM and ASEAN requirements
Obtain the Certificate of Free Sale and GMP documents, and arrange any legalization
Draft Indonesian-language labels consistent with the notified formula

Before Each Shipment

Confirm the notification number is valid for the product
Apply for the SKI in time for customs clearance
Check that the shipment matches the approved formula and label
Confirm the halal certificate status for the product, if the shipment falls after the applicable deadline

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I import cosmetics that are already approved in my home country?

A: Not on that basis alone. Imported cosmetics must hold a BPOM notification number before they can be sold in Indonesia, even when approved elsewhere.

Q: Do I need a new SKI for every shipment?

A: Each import shipment may require its own SKI. Confirm the requirement for your product and shipment type before dispatch.

Q: Is halal certification the same as the BPOM notification?

A: No. They are separate. The BPOM notification assesses safety, quality, and labeling. Halal certification from BPJPH assesses ingredients, processes, and the supply chain.

Q: Do I need an Indonesian company to import cosmetics?

A: In practice, yes. Foreign brands generally need an eligible Indonesian legal entity to hold the notification and handle compliance after approval.

Planning to Bring Imported Cosmetics into Indonesia?

INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia supports foreign cosmetic brands with BPOM notification, SKI import documents, and halal readiness. Established 2016, 1,000+ BPOM & halal filings.

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