Indonesia’s cosmetics market is thriving, offering substantial growth opportunities for both local and international brands. However, entering this lucrative market requires strict compliance with regulations set by the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).

What is the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)?

The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is a key component of the ASEAN Harmonised Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme (AHCRS). It was introduced to establish uniform safety and quality standards for cosmetics across ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, and Timor-Leste.

Since its implementation in 2008, the ACD allows cosmetic products approved in one ASEAN country to be marketed in other member states. However, businesses must meet the local notification requirements of each country, including Indonesia, to ensure compliance with individual regulations.

Main Regulations on Cosmetic Notification in Indonesia

In addition to the notification requirement, Indonesia has established a robust regulatory framework covering production, importation, GMP compliance, ingredient standards, labeling, claims, advertising, PIF documentation, and post-market supervision of cosmetics.

Notably, Halal certification is mandatory for cosmetics in Indonesia, aligning with consumer preferences in the predominantly Muslim population.

BPOM: Indonesia’s Competent Authority

In Indonesia, cosmetic products are regulated by the BPOM (BADAN POM, Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan), the National Agency of Drug and Food Control. BPOM ensures that cosmetic products meet the safety, quality, and efficacy standards required for sale in Indonesia. It is the agency to grant cosmetic production licenses and cosmetic notification before market entry.

Who Can Be a “Product License Holder” in Indonesia?

Indonesian regulations require that cosmetic notifications be submitted by an Indonesian company. Businesses outside Indonesia have three main options:

• Establishing a local subsidiary
• Partnering with a reliable local distributor
• Engaging a third-party consulting service, such as REACH24H

Steps to Notify Cosmetics in Indonesia

1. Document Preparation and Compliance Check

• Submit essential documents such as the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS, only for imported products from non-ASEAN countries) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certifications, which must be notarized and certified in the country of origin.
• Ensure the product’s formula and packaging comply with BPOM’s regulatory standards.

2. Notifkos Account Registration

• Companies without a Notifkos account must register one. The process includes submitting company details and a recommendation letter from UPT BPOM.
• Notifkos Account setup can take 2-3 months.

3. Cosmetic Product Notification and Payment

• Submit the product notification online. Once approved, a notification number will be issued.
• Fees: IDR 1,500,000 for non-ASEAN products; IDR 500,000 for ASEAN-made products.
• Processing time: The formula verification will be processed by NADFC. Officially it takes 14 working days after payment, but delays are common.

Notification Completion Time: The entire process typically takes 3 to 4 months, including the Notifkos account registration.

Validity: The issued notification number is valid for 3 years and is renewable.

Important Notes for Indonesia Cosmetic Notification

• Language Requirement: Product functions, usage instructions, and warnings/precautions must be written in Indonesian on the product label.
• Certification: Both the Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certificates need to be notarized and certified before being accepted in Indonesia.

To know your ingredient regulatory status, try our COSMETIC INGREDIENT SEARCH TOOL for a comprehensive search.

Documents Required for Indonesia Cosmetic Notification

• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) – Notarized and certified
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Notarized and certified
• Letter of Authorization (LoA) – From the owners of products authorized for the company who are responsible for putting products on the market in Indonesia
• Contract Manufacturing Agreement – Between the brand owner and the manufacturer
• Ingredient list
• Intended Use/Claims
• Product Information
• Additional documents as required by BPOM

Product Information File (PIF) Requirements in Indonesia

After completing the notification process, the Cosmetic Notification Holder is obligated to compile a Product Information File (PIF) for the product. This document must be readily available and accessible for review by the relevant authorities upon request.

How REACH24H Can Help with Indonesia Cosmetic Notification

At REACH24H, we offer expert regulatory support to navigate Indonesia’s BPOM cosmetic notification process, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks. Our services include:

• Product License Holder Service: Register your products under our Indonesian companies to have a more flexible local distribution strategy.
• Ingredient Compliance Reviews: Identifying restricted or banned ingredients in your formula.
• Labeling and Packaging Review: Ensuring all product labels meet Indonesia BPOM’s requirements, including the Indonesian language mandate.
• Document Preparation: Assisting with the submission of all necessary documents for BPOM notification.
• PIF Compilation: Preparing and maintaining a comprehensive Product Information File for inspections.
• Regulatory Updates: Keeping your business informed of the latest Indonesia BPOM regulations and changes.

Why Choose REACH24H for Your Cosmetic Regulatory Needs

With years of experience assisting over 1,000 global cosmetic companies, REACH24H provides effective regulatory solutions tailored to Indonesia’s cosmetic market. Our team ensures your products meet BPOM’s requirements and are ready for market entry without unnecessary delays.

For more information, contact us at customer@reach24h.com.

Read More:

• • Cosmetics Notification in ASEAN: A Comprehensive Guide to the Regulatory Process 
  • Singapore Cosmetic Products Notification – HAS – ASEAN
  • Vietnam Cosmetic Product Notification – DAS – ASEAN
  • Malaysia NPRA Cosmetic Notification: Requirements and Process – ASEAN