Cosmetic Product Registration in Indonesia for Foreign Brands

Indonesia offers significant opportunities for international skincare, makeup, fragrance, personal care, and beauty brands. However, completing cosmetic product registration in Indonesia is essential because imported cosmetics cannot be commercially distributed solely based on approval in their country of origin. 

Foreign brands must obtain a BPOM notification number and appoint an eligible Indonesian entity as the local holder. In 2026, BPOM Regulation No. 25 of 2025 updated ingredient requirements, while Government Regulation No. 15 of 2026 revised official fees from 26 May 2026. Halal certification also became mandatory for cosmetics on 17 October 2026. 

Early preparation and engaging with InCorp Indonesia can help brands avoid delays and enter the market more efficiently, ensuring a smoother registration process. 

Key Takeaways

• Imported cosmetics must obtain a BPOM notification number (NA) before they can be imported or sold in Indonesia. 
• Foreign manufacturers must appoint an eligible Indonesian entity to hold the notification and manage local regulatory responsibilities. 
• A cosmetic notification is valid for three years and should be renewed at least 30 days before expiry. 
• Each import shipment may also require a separate BPOM Import Certificate (SKI). 
• Halal certification for cosmetics becomes mandatory as of 17 October 2026 and is separate from the BPOM notification. 

Cosmetic Product Registration in Indonesia at a Glance 

Detail	Key Requirement
Regulatory authority	Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)
Approval type	Cosmetic notification resulting in an NA number
Local applicant	An eligible Indonesian company must submit and hold the notification
Main product review	Classification, ingredients, claims, safety documents, and labeling
BPOM evaluation period	Three working days for fragrances and 14 working days for other cosmetics
Notification validity	Three years
Renewal timing	Submit at least 30 days before expiry
Import requirement	A separate BPOM Import Certificate, or SKI, may be required for each shipment
Halal requirement	Mandatory halal certification applies to cosmetics from 17 October 2026

The BPOM evaluation timeline begins after submission and payment of the fee, emphasizing the importance of ongoing compliance for sustained market access. 

What is Cosmetic Product Registration in Indonesia? 

Cosmetic product registration in Indonesia uses a notification system managed by the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). Under BPOM Regulation No. 21 of 2022, cosmetic products must obtain a notification number (NA) before they can be distributed in Indonesia. 

Cosmetics generally include products used to clean, protect, perfume, or improve the appearance of the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and other external parts of the body. Common examples include skincare, makeup, shampoo, deodorant, perfume, toothpaste, sunscreen, and hair styling products. 

Product classification should be confirmed before filing. Products that claim to treat, cure, or prevent a disease may be regulated as medicines or other health products instead of cosmetics. 

READ MORE:

• Product Licensing in Indonesia: Distributor vs. Product License Holder 
• Why You Need a Product License Holder to Import and Distribute to Indonesia 
• Product License Holder in Indonesia: A Case Study in Seamless F&B Expansion 

Cosmetic Registration for Foreign Brands: Step-by-Step Process 

Understanding potential challenges in the registration process, such as document mismatches or delays, can help brands prepare better and avoid common pitfalls during BPOM approval and post-registration compliance. 

Step	Process	Activity	Estimated Timeline
Product classification	Review the product category	Assess the formula, intended use, application area, and claims to confirm that the product qualifies as a cosmetic in Indonesia.	3–5 working days
Notification-holder appointment	Appoint an eligible Indonesian entity	The foreign brand appoints a local company to submit and hold the BPOM notification, usually through a Letter of Authorization.	1–2 weeks
Ingredient and claims review	Check regulatory compliance	Review the formula against Indonesia’s permitted, restricted, and prohibited ingredients and confirm that the proposed claims are acceptable for cosmetics.	1–2 weeks
Document preparation	Compile the application documents	Prepare the Certificate of Free Sale, GMP certificate, formula, product specifications, test results, label artwork, and Product Information Document.	2–6 weeks
Label review	Check Indonesian packaging requirements	Ensure the label includes the required product information, ingredients, warnings, directions, manufacturer details, and notification-holder information.	1–2 weeks
BPOM submission	File and pay for the application	The Indonesian notification holder submits the product through BPOM’s electronic system and pays the applicable government fee.	3–5 working days
BPOM evaluation	Complete the regulatory review	BPOM reviews the submitted information and may request corrections or clarification if the application is incomplete or inconsistent.	3 working days for fragrances or 14 working days for other cosmetics
Notification issuance	Obtain the NA number	Once approved, the product receives its BPOM notification number and may proceed toward commercial distribution.	After successful evaluation
Import and post-approval compliance	Prepare for market entry	Finalize compliant packaging, arrange the BPOM Import Certificate or SKI where required, maintain product records, and manage renewals or changes.	Varies by shipment and activity

What Documents Are Needed for Cosmetic Product Registration? 

The required documents depend on the product, manufacturer, and Indonesian notification holder. In general, foreign cosmetic brands should prepare: 

Company Documents 

• Indonesian company registration and business licenses 
• Import-related licenses, where applicable 
• BPOM applicant information 

Manufacturer Documents 

• Letter of Authorization from the foreign manufacturer or brand owner 
• Certificate of Free Sale 
• Good Manufacturing Practice certificate 
• Manufacturing agreements, where applicable.

Product Documents 

• Product formula and ingredient list 
• Product specifications and test results 
• Safety and claims-supporting documents 
• Packaging artwork and Indonesian label 
• Product Information Document. 

All documents should use consistent product names, manufacturer details, formulas, and label information. Any mismatch may delay the BPOM notification process. 

BPOM Notification, Halal Certification, and Import Approval: What is the Difference? 

Requirement	Authority	Purpose	When It Is Needed
BPOM cosmetic notification	BPOM	Authorizes the product to be commercially distributed as a cosmetic in Indonesia	Before marketing or distribution
Halal certification	BPJPH	Confirms compliance with Indonesia’s halal product assurance requirements	According to the applicable mandatory halal implementation date
Import license	OSS and relevant authorities	Authorizes the Indonesian entity to conduct the relevant import activity	Before conducting commercial imports
BPOM SKI	BPOM	Provides BPOM clearance for the importation of regulated goods	Generally, for each applicable shipment

These requirements serve different purposes and should not be treated as substitutes for one another. 

What Happens After BPOM Cosmetic Notification is Approved? 

Compliance continues after the NA number is issued. The Indonesian notification holder must: 

• Keep product and distribution records 
• Ensure the imported product matches the approved formula and label 
• Manage SKI applications for applicable shipments 
• Monitor complaints and support BPOM inspections 
• Control advertising and product claims 
• Report relevant product changes 
• Renew the notification before expiry

Major changes to the product, manufacturer, holder, or packaging may require an update or a new notification. BPOM also conducts post-market surveillance and may take action against non-compliant products. 

InCorp Indonesia can support foreign brands with post-approval compliance, SKI applications, notification changes, and renewals. Talk to our team -> 

How InCorp Indonesia Helps Foreign Cosmetic Brands 

A cosmetic product launch requires alignment of BPOM notification, local licensing, labeling, import processes, and halal requirements from the start. 

InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can assist foreign cosmetic brands in preparing applications, addressing regulatory gaps, and coordinating the approvals needed for market entry. Our support covers: 

• BPOM Registration: Notification of submission, application monitoring, response coordination, and Product Information Document support. 
• Ongoing Regulatory Support: Notification of changes, renewals, halal certification, import licenses, SKI applications, and post-approval compliance. 
• Local License-Holder Service: InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can serve as the Indonesian license holder, allowing foreign brands to register products without immediately establishing a local company or tying approvals to a single distributor. 

Launch your cosmetic products in Indonesia with support from our Product Registration team by filling out the form below. 

Frequently Asked Questions