Selling Food & Cosmetics? Get Your BPOM Certification Now to Avoid Fines and Build Trust

Selling Food & Cosmetics? Get Your BPOM Certification Now to Avoid Fines and Build Trust

Table of Contents

1. What is BPOM Certification and Why is it Mandatory?
2. Consequences of Selling Food/Cosmetics Without BPOM Certification
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain BPOM Certification
4. Required Documents for BPOM Registration
5. Common Mistakes That Delay BPOM Approval
6. How BPOM Certification Boosts Consumer Trust and Sales
7. Case Study: How a Local Skincare Brand Avoided IDR 500 Million in Fines
8. How Documenta.id Simplifies BPOM Certification
9. FAQs About BPOM Certification in Indonesia
10. Final Takeaways and Recommendations

1. What is BPOM Certification and Why is it Mandatory?

BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan) is Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control. It is responsible for overseeing the distribution of food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. BPOM certification not only guarantees that products meet strict safety, quality, and labeling standards but also plays a vital role in protecting consumer health.

Why It’s Mandatory:

• Legal Requirement: Under Regulation No. 28/2017, all food and cosmetic products must secure BPOM certification before entering the market.
• Consumer Safety: Through rigorous inspections and laboratory tests, BPOM ensures that products are free from harmful substances such as mercury and other illegal chemicals.
• Market Access: Products without BPOM certification are barred from major e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Tokopedia.
• Legal Risks: Non-compliance can result in fines up to IDR 2 billion and may even lead to complete business closure.

In addition, having BPOM certification helps manufacturers build a strong reputation and gain consumer trust, which is essential in today’s competitive market.

2. Consequences of Selling Food/Cosmetics Without BPOM Certification

Selling products without the required BPOM certification can lead to severe financial and reputational consequences, including:

• Fines: Violations can incur fines ranging from IDR 100 million to IDR 2 billion.
• Product Seizure: BPOM regularly conducts raids and confiscates non-certified goods.
• Business Closure: Repeat offenders may have their business permits revoked, resulting in forced shutdowns.
• Reputational Damage: Consumers are increasingly vigilant about product safety, and a lack of certification can lead to significant negative media attention and loss of trust.

According to the 2023 BPOM Report, over 12,000 non-compliant products were blocked, emphasizing the agency’s strict enforcement of regulations.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain BPOM Certification

To simplify the certification process, follow these steps:

Step 1: Product Categorization

• Food: Processed, packaged, or imported food items.
• Cosmetics: Products such as skincare, makeup, haircare, etc.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

• Business licenses (e.g., SIUP/NIB).
• Product formulations, labels, and laboratory test results for safety.

Step 3: Online Registration via BPOM Portal

• Create an account on BPOM’s e-Registration System.
• Upload the necessary documents and pay the administrative fee (IDR 500,000 to 5 million).

Step 4: Product Testing

• BPOM will test samples for contaminants like heavy metals and bacteria.

Step 5: Certification Issuance

• The approval process generally takes between 30 to 90 days, depending on product complexity.

Each step must be carefully completed to avoid errors that could delay the approval process.

4. Required Documents for BPOM Registration

For Food Products:

• Halal Certificate (if applicable).
• Nutritional information and ingredient list.
• Hygiene certificate for the production facility.

For Cosmetics:

• Safety data for ingredients from accredited laboratories.
• Label artwork in Bahasa Indonesia featuring the BPOM logo.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification.

Ensuring that all documents are complete and properly organized will help streamline the verification process.

5. Common Mistakes That Delay BPOM Approval

Several common errors often lead to delays in obtaining BPOM certification, such as:

• Incorrect Labeling: Missing the BPOM logo, expiration date, or net weight information.
• Unapproved Ingredients: Use of banned substances (for example, hydroquinone in cosmetics).
• Incomplete Forms: Errors or omissions in the online submission process.
• Poor Quality Control: Inadequate hygiene or safety standards that result in failing tests.

To help avoid these issues, Documenta.id provides a comprehensive BPOM Compliance Checklist designed to ensure that all requirements are met.

6. How BPOM Certification Boosts Consumer Trust and Sales

BPOM certification is far more than a regulatory formality—it is a strategic investment in your brand. Benefits include:

• Enhanced Consumer Trust: According to a Nielsen survey, 80% of Indonesian consumers verify BPOM certification before purchasing a product.
• Wider Market Access: Certified products are more easily listed on major e-commerce platforms and can even be exported to ASEAN markets.
• Competitive Advantage: A verified product stands out in a crowded marketplace, giving your brand an edge over competitors.

7. Case Study: How a Local Skincare Brand Avoided IDR 500 Million in Fines

GlowNatural, a Jakarta-based skincare brand, once faced the risk of fines up to IDR 500 million due to the sale of uncertified products. After partnering with Documenta.id, they achieved the following:

• Efficient Document Preparation: The formulation disclosure and laboratory tests were completed within two weeks.
• Expedited Submission: BPOM certification was granted within 45 days.
• Positive Sales Impact: Consumer confidence surged, resulting in a 70% increase in sales.

8. How Documenta.id Simplifies BPOM Certification

Documenta.id offers a complete solution to help you secure BPOM certification with ease. Our services include:

• Document Preparation: Assisting with product formulations, label design, and compiling laboratory test reports.
• Submission Management: Overseeing the entire online registration process to ensure that all documents are correctly submitted.
• Testing Coordination: Collaborating with BPOM-accredited laboratories to streamline the product testing phase.
• Renewal Reminders: Automated notifications to help you maintain certification without lapses.

By handling the regulatory process, Documenta.id allows you to focus on product development and marketing.

9. FAQs About BPOM Certification in Indonesia

Q1: How long is BPOM certification valid?
A: BPOM certification is valid for 5 years for cosmetics and 3 years for food products.

Q2: Can foreign companies apply for BPOM certification?
A: Yes, foreign companies can apply, provided they collaborate with a local importer or distributor.

Q3: What happens if my product fails BPOM testing?
A: Should your product fail the testing, it must be reformulated and resubmitted. Documenta.id offers expert guidance to help optimize the formulation and meet the required standards.

10. Final Takeaways and Recommendations

BPOM certification is a mandatory requirement that ensures your products are safe, high-quality, and compliant with local regulations. Beyond legal compliance, it offers significant advantages such as increased consumer trust, broader market access, and a competitive edge in the market. The risks of non-compliance include heavy fines, product seizures, and lasting damage to your brand’s reputation.

For a smooth and efficient certification process, partnering with a professional service provider like Documenta.id is highly recommended. If you need expert assistance with BPOM certification, contact Documenta.id at:
📞 +62 851-8322-7997 (DISA)
📧 halo@documenta.id

With Documenta.id’s expert support, you can ensure that your products not only meet regulatory standards but also earn the consumer trust necessary for success in a competitive market.