Halal Registration: Your Guide to Product Registration

Regarding the world’s most popular and profitable investment destinations, Indonesia will likely be at the top, especially when your business involves distributing and selling products. To be able to distribute and sell products in Indonesia, you need to familiarize yourself with what is called product halal registration in Indonesia.

But before we discuss how to register a product in Indonesia, it would be helpful to understand why engaging in the distribution and selling of products in Indonesia is worthwhile.

Indonesia takes pride in being the 10th largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power, not to mention that the archipelagic country is the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the government also boasts a growing middle-class population, with the majority fond of imported products.

Now that you are intrigued about whether you can be the next successful foreign entrepreneur in Indonesia, you can. As long as you are on the right track, starting a business by registering your products in Indonesia is seamless and hassle-free.

Our product registration specialists have prepared a handy guide that contains all the essentials you need to know, all in one place.

Product Registration in Indonesia: The Shortcuts

In Indonesia, the products that can be registered include the following:

Cosmetics

To ensure a seamless product registration process in Indonesia, it would be best to learn about the procedure, mistakes commonly made by foreign entrepreneurs, regulations of cosmetic import into Indonesia, contamination limits, and QR codes, among others.

• Process for cosmetic product registration in Indonesia
• Four mistakes frequently made during cosmetic product registration
• The latest regulation on importing cosmetics into Indonesia
• Everything to know about contamination in cosmetic products in Indonesia
• QR codes in cosmetic products

Food and Beverages

Here are the articles that will help you understand more about the halal registration process for food and beverage products:

• Registering food and beverages in Indonesia
• Newest regulation update on food packaging
• How to import raw materials of food and beverages into Indonesia
• QR code in food and beverage products

Medicines and Health Supplements

If you are interested in distributing and selling medicines or health supplements in Indonesia, the following articles will answer your questions:

• Registering supplements in Indonesia
• Contamination limit in health supplements

Household Products

You can also import, distribute, and sell household products besides cosmetics, food and beverages, medicines, and health supplements. Read the following articles to know more:

• Registering household products in Indonesia
• Imported household product registration in Indonesia

Medical Devices

Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in Asia. The pharmaceutical market is claimed to reach USD 10.11 billion by 2021. Players in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly exporters of medical devices, are recommended to gain insights through reading these articles:

• An overview of the pharmaceutical sector in Indonesia
• Registering medical devices in Indonesia

READ MORE:

• Securing an import license in Indonesia via the Online Single Submission (OSS) system
• SNI license and product registration in Indonesia
• Halal Indonesia: Certification, Regulation, and Market Insights for Businesses

Setting up a PT PMA for Product Registration in Indonesia

Before you can proceed with registering any product and securing an import license in Indonesia, you must establish a legal entity. Only after a company is set up can it continue to the next stage, product registration.

As a foreign investor, the best legal entity to establish is a foreign-owned company, also known as PT PMA in Indonesia. The foreign ownership of a PT PMA ranges from 1 to 100%, depending on the business classification. Incorporating a PT PMA takes about 1 to 1.5 months, and it requires a minimum investment of IDR 10 billion (with a minimum paid-up capital of IDR 10 billion as well).

If You Do Not Want to Establish a PT PMA

To some foreign entrepreneurs, one month may seem like a long time to start a business. Therefore, they are looking for options other than establishing a PT PMA.

In Indonesia, foreign investors can start business operations immediately without setting up a PT PMA. Without the establishment of a PT PMA, there is no need to secure an import license either.

Product License Holder

Foreign entrepreneurs unwilling to incorporate a company in Indonesia can register their products via a legally registered product license holder.

Importer of Record

With an Importer of Record (IOR) or Undername Importer, you would not have to worry about obtaining an import license in Indonesia. Required documents and other requirements for importing goods into Indonesia will be managed and handled by this legally registered agent with an import license.

Halal Certification after Product Registration in Indonesia

The halal industry in Indonesia has been seen as a gold mine for many investors. Approximately 14 percent of the total Muslim population in the world can be found in Indonesia. Furthermore, roughly 88 percent of Indonesian citizens are Muslims.

It would be a loss if you did not consider getting your products halal certified. According to Indonesian Law No. 6 Year 2023, halal certification is valid as long as there’s no change in the ingredient or process.

The following guidance will give you insights into the halal registration landscape and certification in Indonesia:

• Halal industry: the future of Indonesia’s economy
• It is not too late to secure halal certification in Indonesia
• Latest regulations on halal products
• Further update on the procedure for securing halal certificates in Indonesia

Fast-Track Product Registration via BPOM & PKRT

BPOM registration for imported products typically involves:

• Appointing a local distributor or registration holder, such as InCorp Indonesia
• Preparing mandatory documentation: GMP certificate, CoA, product label in Bahasa Indonesia, import license (API), and certificate of free sale
• Submitting an online application via BPOM’s e-registration portal
• Waiting for safety and content evaluations

For PKRT product registration, the process may be shorter but still requires full documentation and adherence to chemical safety standards.

Domestic vs Imported Product Registration: What’s Different?

While the overall goal of product registration in Indonesia is the same—ensuring product safety, compliance, and legality—the process differs significantly depending on whether your product is locally manufactured or imported.

Understanding these differences can help you avoid delays, rejection, or regulatory penalties.

Imported Products: Higher Documentation & Foreign Source Validation

Imported products face stricter scrutiny from Indonesian regulatory bodies, particularly BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan) and PKRT authorities.

Key additional requirements for imported goods include:

• Import License (API):
  An Angka Pengenal Importir (API) is mandatory for companies that wish to import goods into Indonesia. Without it, you cannot legally bring products across the border. You’ll also need an importer registered in the OSS (Online Single Submission) system.
• Letter of Authorization (LoA):
  If you are acting as a distributor or agent, you must present a formal Letter of Authorization from the product’s overseas manufacturer. This document proves you are legally allowed to register and distribute the product in Indonesia.
• Certificate of Free Sale (CFS):
  This certificate is issued by the country of origin and confirms that the product is already approved for sale in its home market. It is used by Indonesian authorities to verify product legitimacy and safety.
• Document Translation & Label Compliance:
  All product-related documents must be translated into Bahasa Indonesia, and product labels must follow Indonesia’s labeling regulations, including halal registration labeling if applicable.

Domestic Products: Factory Checks & Local Compliance

For products manufactured inside Indonesia, the process may seem simpler but still involves several layers of regulation:

• Local Factory Certification:
  Domestic manufacturers may be subject to on-site audits by BPOM or the Ministry of Industry. These audits assess cleanliness, safety protocols, and consistency in production standards.
• Halal Certification (if applicable):
  While this applies to both local and imported goods, Indonesian producers must register through BPJPH and coordinate with LPPOM MUI (for audits) directly.
• Easier Control Over Documentation:
  Since production is domestic, obtaining technical documents (like formulas, lab test results, and manufacturing licenses) is often faster and easier.

Product Registration in Indonesia with InCorp Indonesia

As a leading consulting company in Indonesia, InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) provides one-stop services to make it easy and convenient for you. Whether you need help with product registration, halal certification, or company establishment in Indonesia, we provide professional guidance and assistance.

Please fill in the form below to discuss your business needs with our experts. They will respond to your message shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions