Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) is preparing changes to the rules governing imports of medicines, cosmetics, health supplements, processed food and other regulated products.
On June 3, 2026, BPOM published a draft amendment to BPOM Regulation No. 27 of 2022 on the Supervision of Imports of Drugs and Food into Indonesian Territory. The public consultation closed on June 19.
For businesses importing BPOM-regulated goods into Indonesia, the proposal is a reason to review documentation and supply-chain procedures now, rather than waiting until a shipment reaches customs.
What Could Change Under the Proposed BPOM Import Rules?
The draft amendment would revise several parts of Indonesia’s import supervision framework.
| Area | Current position | Proposed change |
| SKI items per application | Up to 20 items | Reduced to 10 items |
| Shelf life | Existing requirements | Stricter minimum remaining shelf life at import |
| Document matching | General consistency | Closer alignment of product names, quantities, HS codes and shipment details |
| Drug packaging evidence | Not expressly required | Additional packaging photographs and product evidence |
| Cosmetic documentation | Existing requirements | GMP certificates and Letters of Agreement (LoA) |
| Zone treatment | Limited clarity | More specific treatment for KPBPB, TPB and KEK zones |
| Administrative sanctions | Primarily product-level | Potentially broader restrictions affecting an importer’s registered portfolio |
The proposed changes should also be considered alongside Indonesia’s wider import framework, including Ministry of Trade Regulations, customs requirements and business licensing through OSS (Online Single Submission).
SKI Application Limit Could Be Reduced
One of the most notable proposals concerns the number of products that can be included in a single SKI application.
Under the current position outlined in the draft material, an application may cover up to 20 items. The proposed amendment would reduce this to 10 products per application.
For businesses importing large product ranges, this could increase the number of applications required for a shipment and potentially add administrative work to the import process.
Companies should therefore review their typical shipment volumes and SKI application patterns to determine how a lower item limit could affect their operations.
Shelf-Life Requirements Could Become a Greater Import Risk
The proposed rules could also place greater emphasis on the remaining shelf life of imported products when they arrive in Indonesia. Importers may need to consider the entire logistics timeline, including:
- Production and expiry dates
- Export customs clearance
- Sea or air freight
- Indonesian customs processing
- SKI approval and regulatory procedures
This could be particularly relevant to businesses sourcing products from Europe, the United States and East Asia, where longer supply chains can create additional timing risks.
Drug Imports May Require Additional Packaging Evidence
Packaging photographs and other product evidence would need to accompany the SKI application under the proposed framework.
For Indonesian importers, this could mean obtaining information from overseas manufacturers before a shipment is confirmed.
Businesses may therefore need a formal supplier documentation process covering packaging photographs, product specifications and other supporting evidence rather than relying on suppliers to provide documents after goods have been shipped.
Cosmetic Imports Could Face Additional Documentation
Cosmetic importers could also face tighter documentation requirements.
The proposed framework identifies additional supporting documents, including:
- GMP certificates from the country of manufacture
- Letters of Agreement (LoA) with the overseas principal
Before arranging a shipment, businesses should confirm that supplier documentation is current and that the Indonesian importer has access to the documents required for the relevant SKI application.
Accuracy Across Import Documents Will Matter
The proposed changes underline the importance of consistency between regulatory, commercial and customs documentation.
Product names, quantities, HS codes and shipment details should correspond across documents such as:
- SKI applications
- Commercial invoices
- Customs declarations
- Product documentation
- Supplier records
Correct HS code, or Harmonized System classification, is particularly important because classification can affect applicable duties, licensing requirements and the treatment of regulated products.
SKI Border vs SKI Post Border
Importers should also pay close attention to whether their products fall under SKI Border or SKI Post Border treatment.
Under the framework outlined in the draft material, SKI Border applies to categories including:
- Drugs
- Traditional medicines
- Quasi-drugs
- Health supplements
- Cosmetics
Processed food, meanwhile, is identified under the SKI Post Border mechanism, where the relevant process may be completed after customs release within the applicable timeframe.
The proposed amendment would also refine HS code-based classifications and provide greater clarity concerning certain imports into areas including KPBPB, TPB and KEK zones.
How BPOM Requirements Interact with Indonesia’s Import Framework
Depending on the nature of the activity, businesses may encounter different importer classifications, including API-U for general import activities and API-P for producer-importer activities.
The relevant NIB (Business Identification Number) and licensing information may be managed through OSS (Online Single Submission). A product may satisfy one regulatory requirement while still requiring additional approvals, verification or customs documentation before it can be imported.
The applicable MOT (Ministry of Trade) requirements should therefore be reviewed alongside BPOM requirements, particularly where a Minister of Trade Regulation applies to the relevant commodity.
Also read: How to Register an NIB in Indonesia
Which Importers Could Be Most Affected?
The impact of the proposed rules is likely to vary between businesses.
Importers Handling More Than 10 Products
Companies importing more than 10 regulated products in a shipment could face additional SKI applications if the proposed limit is adopted.
Businesses with Long Supply Chains
Importers sourcing from Europe, the United States and East Asia may need to pay closer attention to remaining shelf life and shipping schedules.
Cosmetic Importers
Businesses that rely on informal supplier arrangements could face additional work securing GMP certificates and LoAs.
Drug Importers
Companies without established packaging documentation procedures may need to introduce new processes for collecting product photographs and supporting evidence.
Businesses with Large BPOM Product Portfolios
The proposed approach to administrative sanctions could have wider consequences for businesses managing extensive BPOM-registered portfolios.
According to the draft material, non-compliance involving one product could potentially lead to electronic access restrictions affecting a broader portfolio. Importers with multiple registered products should therefore assess their overall compliance exposure.
What Should Importers Do Now?
Although the amendment has not yet been finalised as of August 2026, the consultation process has closed and businesses can use the draft as an indication of BPOM’s regulatory direction.
Importers should consider taking the following steps.
1. Review Your SKI Application Process
Assess how many products are normally included in each application and whether your team can accommodate a potential 10-item limit.
2. Review Shipment and Shelf-Life Planning
Map production, freight, customs and regulatory processing timelines against the remaining shelf life of your products.
3. Audit Overseas Supplier Documents
Confirm whether manufacturers can provide updated GMP certificates, LoAs, packaging photographs and other relevant product evidence.
4. Recheck Product and Customs Information
Ensure product names, quantities, HS codes and shipment details are consistent across SKI applications, invoices and customs declarations.
5. Review Your Product Portfolio
Businesses with a large number of BPOM-registered products should consider how a compliance issue involving one product could affect their wider regulatory access if the proposed sanctions are adopted.
Why Professional Support Can Help
Import compliance rarely involves a single document or government agency. For international businesses, the process can involve the Indonesian importer, overseas manufacturer, customs broker, logistics provider and regulatory authorities.
A mistake in one area can create consequences elsewhere. An incorrect HS code, an expired supplier certificate or insufficient remaining shelf life may be difficult to resolve once goods are already at the Indonesian border.
This makes early compliance planning particularly important for businesses entering Indonesia for the first time.
Professional support can help importers review product classifications, identify documentation gaps, coordinate requirements with overseas suppliers and understand how BPOM requirements interact with customs and wider Indonesian business regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Rules for Importing Textile Products?
Importers of textile products should check the applicable Ministry of Trade Regulations, import licensing requirements and commodity classification before importing goods into Indonesia. Depending on the product, requirements may include an API, or Importer Identification Number, as well as customs documentation and specific approvals.
What Is the Import Permit for Goods Carried by Passengers?
The requirements for goods carried by passengers depend on the type, quantity and value of the goods. Importers and travellers must comply with applicable customs and excise requirements, and goods may be subject to inspection when entering Indonesia.
What Are the Indonesian 2026 Import Duties?
Indonesian 2026 import duties depend on factors including the product’s HS code, country of origin and applicable trade agreements. Businesses should verify the latest tariff classification and requirements issued by the Minister of Trade and other relevant authorities before planning importations.
What Is an API and Why Do Importers Need It?
An API (Importer Identification Number) is an identification number used by businesses conducting importations in Indonesia. Importers must ensure their business and import licensing information is correctly registered, including through the OSS system where applicable.
How Are Import Goods Classified in Indonesia?
Import goods are classified according to their applicable HS code and commodity category. Correct classification can affect import duties, licensing requirements, restrictions, BPOM requirements and customs procedures.
Which Authorities Regulate Imports in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s import framework involves several government authorities. The Minister of Trade and Ministry of Trade Regulations govern many aspects of commercial imports, while Customs and Excise oversees customs clearance, duties and border controls. BPOM regulates products falling within its supervisory authority.
Have Indonesia’s Import Regulations Changed Since 2025?
Yes. Indonesia’s trade and import framework has continued to develop through regulatory changes introduced during 2025 and subsequent updates. Importers should check the latest requirements before arranging new importations rather than relying solely on rules applied to previous shipments.
What Should Importers Check Before Shipping Goods to Indonesia?
Importers must review the applicable import licence, API or identification number, commodity classification, HS code, required permits, customs documents and product-specific restrictions before shipment. Businesses should also confirm applicable requirements through OSS where relevant.
Can Imported Goods Be Inspected?
Yes. Imported goods may be subject to inspection by the relevant authorities, including Customs and Excise. Inspections may involve checking goods against submitted documentation, classification, quantity and applicable import requirements.
How LMI Consultancy Can Help
LMI Consultancy provides professional Immigration Consultation, Legal and Business Setup Consultation, and Tax Consultation in Indonesia and ASEAN, helping businesses and foreign investors navigate Indonesia’s regulatory environment.
For companies importing BPOM-regulated products, our consultants can help businesses understand applicable requirements, review documentation and identify potential compliance gaps before goods are shipped.
Whether you are establishing a new Indonesian operation, expanding an existing business or importing regulated products, professional consultation can provide a clearer route through Indonesia’s evolving regulatory requirements.
Important Notice
Importers should verify the final regulation and requirements applicable to their specific products and shipments before taking action. LMI Consultancy provides professional consultation and compliance guidance and does not provide or facilitate preferential access to government services.
With LMI Consultancy Business Expansion Services, every stage of registration is managed efficiently, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a smooth start to your business journey in Indonesia.
