Secure approvals for imported snacks in Indonesia without delays

Imported snacks must meet several requirements before they can be legally sold in Indonesia. Each Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) needs a BPOM Foreign Food Registration Number (ML), a valid API-U or API-P import license, Indonesian language labeling, and mandatory Halal certification starting 17 October 2026.

Since each requirement is checked separately, missing one can delay customs clearance or cause the shipment to be held indefinitely.

2026 compliance checklist for imported snacks in Indonesia

BPOM requirements for imported snacks in Indonesia

Imported snack products must meet BPOM requirements before they can legally enter and be distributed in Indonesia. The two main BPOM requirements are:

• BPOM Foreign Food Registration Number (ML): Required for every imported snack SKU before the product can be sold in Indonesia.
• Entry Permit (Surat Keterangan Impor / SKI): Required for each shipment before the product can enter Indonesia.

BPOM risk classification

The BPOM registration track depends on the product's risk classification:

• Low-risk products: Minimally processed snacks with standard additives
• Medium-risk products: Products processed through sterilization, pasteurization, irradiation, or similar methods
• High-risk products: Products marketed for infants, toddlers, pregnant women, or other sensitive consumer groups

Many packaged snack products may fall into the medium-risk category, depending on their ingredients, processing methods, and product claims.

Documents required for BPOM ML registration

Importers generally need to prepare the following documents for BPOM ML registration:

• Complete ingredient list
• Nutritional information
• Packaging or label samples
• Laboratory test results
• Product specification documents
• Manufacturer and importer details

A BPOM ML certificate is valid for five years. However, any new SKU, flavor variant, or formulation change may require a separate registration.

Labeling requirements for imported snacks

Imported snack labels must comply with BPOM labeling requirements before the products can be distributed in Indonesia. Labels generally need to include:

• Bahasa Indonesia product description
• Nutrition facts
• Allergen information
• Production and expiry dates
• Importer name and address
• Other mandatory product information required by BPOM

Read more: The halal industry: trends and future prospects in Indonesia

Snack brands should also monitor possible front-of-pack labeling updates, especially for high-sugar products. If new sugar or nutrition-grade labeling rules are introduced, affected brands may need to adjust their packaging before distribution.

Mandatory halal certification for imported snacks in Indonesia

From 17 October 2026, Halal certification becomes mandatory for all packaged food and beverages sold in Indonesia, under the Halal Product Assurance Law and BPJPH's implementing regulations. For imported snacks, this means:

• Brands already Halal-certified abroad may register their existing certificate through BPJPH's SIHALAL portal if their foreign certifier is recognized, avoiding a full local audit.
• Uncertified brands should start the BPJPH audit process immediately. Certification usually takes several months, and the demand for certifier slots is anticipated to rise sharply as the deadline approaches.
• Missing the 17 October 2026 deadline for Halal certification risks products being pulled from distribution, even if other import requirements are met.

Documents needed to import snacks into Indonesia

A company can only import snacks under its own name if it holds the correct import license. The two main API classifications are:

• Angka Pengenal Importir Umum (API-U): For companies importing goods for trading or resale.
• Angka Pengenal Importir Produsen (API-P): For companies importing goods as production inputs, not for direct resale.

Foreign companies cannot act as the Importer of Record directly in Indonesia. They must be handled through a locally registered PT or PT PMA with an NIB and the correct API classification.

Importers must also prepare the required shipment documents, which may include:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• HS code classification
• Certificate of analysis, where applicable
• Import approval, producer importer approval, or surveyor report under Permendag 23/2025, where required

Common challenges for snack importers in Indonesia

Snack brands often face import delays because of small compliance gaps that are only discovered during registration or customs clearance. Common issues include:

• Incorrect HS code classification: Misclassified products may face higher import duties, additional permit requirements, or rejection during customs clearance.
• Non-compliant product labeling: Minor issues with label format, wording, logo placement, or mandatory information can lead to inspection issues or rejection.
• Incomplete BPOM documents: Missing ingredient details, lab test results, packaging samples, or product specifications can extend the BPOM review timeline.
• Restricted or prohibited ingredients: Some snack ingredients may fall under Indonesia's list of restricted or prohibited goods, especially following regulatory updates.
• Late Halal certification preparation: Many brands underestimate how long Halal certification can take, especially as the 17 October 2026 deadline approaches.

Get your snack products market-ready in Indonesia

Ascentium Indonesia manages the full compliance process for packaged food and snack importers entering Indonesia. Our support includes:

• Product registration and entry permits: BPOM ML registration, SKI entry permits, and product risk classification review.
• Import licensing and customs readiness: NIB setup, API-U/API-P licensing, HS code review, and import approval coordination.
• Halal and labeling compliance: Halal certification pathway assessment, SIHALAL support for eligible foreign-certified brands, and Bahasa Indonesia label review.

Read more: 9 categories of Indonesia’s golden visa for investors

Frequently Asked Questions