In recent years, Indonesia's cosmetics market has continued to boom, with a market size of US$1.94 billion in 2024 and an annual growth rate of 4.86%, showing enormous potential! However, Indonesia has strict regulations and complex certification processes, and many companies have fallen into pitfalls due to a lack of understanding of the policies, resulting in goods being detained, fines, or even returns.
How can you successfully enter the Indonesian market? This article will comprehensively analyze the certification requirements, customs clearance pitfalls, and logistics solutions for exporting cosmetics to Indonesia, helping you comply with regulations and expand into the market!
I. Indonesia Cosmetics Market Access Requirements
1. BPOM Mandatory Certification (Top Priority!)
The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) requires all cosmetics to be registered, with key regulations including:
Ingredient and Production Process Documentation: Detailed formulas, production processes, and other relevant documents must be submitted.
Local laboratory testing: Samples must be sent to an Indonesian-accredited laboratory for testing.
Indonesian-language labels: Information such as ingredients and expiration dates must be labeled in Indonesian, and the remaining shelf life must be ≥2/3.
Products that have not passed BPOM certification cannot be sold in Indonesia!
2. SNI Certification (Applies to Cosmetic Accessories)
If the product includes lighting or electrical accessories (such as beauty devices, makeup mirrors, etc.), it must obtain Indonesian National Standard (SNI) certification:
Local Laboratory Testing: Only designated Indonesian institutions can issue reports.
SNI Marking: The SNI mark must be directly printed on a prominent part of the packaging.
3. Halal Certification (mandatory from 2026)
Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country. From 2026, all cosmetics must obtain Halal certification. It is recommended to prepare in advance during the transition period to avoid disruptions to sales due to policy changes.
4. Form E Certificate of Origin (mandatory for tariff preferences)
Under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, eligible products may qualify for tariff reductions, but note:
Form E information must match the bill of lading exactly; otherwise, the preference cannot be applied.
Tariffs on certain cosmetics may be reduced by over 30%; proper declaration can significantly reduce costs.
II. Customs Clearance Pitfalls: Red Light Period + Mixed Loading Risks
1. Customs Red Light Period (December–March)
Indonesian customs enters a “red light period” from December to March each year, with inspection rates as high as 90%. Common issues include:
Inflated declared value: Fines can reach 300% of the declared amount.
Incomplete documentation: Missing certifications such as BPOM or SNI can result in cargo detention.
2. Mixed Loading Risks (Cosmetics Must Be Shipped Separately!)
Mixing food with cosmetics: May result in the entire container being detained.
Liquid/powder products: Special transportation permits are required; otherwise, goods may be destroyed by customs.
III. Logistics Solutions: How to Safely and Efficiently Enter Indonesia?
Guangzhou Smart International Logistics has been deeply rooted in Indonesia for 18 years, offering dedicated cosmetics clearance door-to-door services to help you avoid all pitfalls!
Core Advantages
1. Localized customs clearance team: Own customs clearance centers in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali, with over 100 professionals monitoring in real-time to avoid peak inspection periods during red light periods.
2. Categorized transportation to prevent cross-contamination: Cosmetics are transported in separate containers, strictly isolated from general cargo and food. Damage-resistant packaging and temperature-controlled transportation ensure safety.
3. Full-chain insurance coverage: 130 million yuan in cargo insurance (underwritten by PICC), 0 major cargo losses, and compensation for lost goods.
4. Stable delivery times and cost optimization:
Sea freight dedicated line: 20-30 days for delivery, 3 direct flights per week, with guaranteed舱位.
Air freight dedicated line: 15 days to Jakarta, double clearance with tax included, and rapid shelf placement.
Form E precise declaration: reduces tariff costs by over 30%.
Service Process
China factory/warehouse pickup → 2. Container loading (cosmetics in dedicated containers) → 3. Export customs clearance + Form E processing → 4. Indonesia local customs clearance → 5. BPOM/SNI document review → 6. Nationwide delivery (including unloading).
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
