If you’re a new business owner planning to import processed food into Indonesia, it’s essential to navigate the country’s strict food safety regulations. One critical requirement is securing a BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan) distribution permit, even if you’re not altering the original ingredients of your food products. This article will guide you through the steps involved, from establishing your business to obtaining the necessary permits, including the important role of SMKPO certification.

Do You Need a BPOM Distribution Permit?

Yes, you do. Even if you don’t change the composition of the imported products, you still need a BPOM distribution permit to sell them legally in Indonesia. This permit ensures that your imported processed food complies with Indonesian food safety standards, allowing it to be safely distributed in the local market. The BPOM permit is a legal requirement for any food product sold in the country, ensuring that consumers receive safe, high-quality goods.

Steps to Follow After Establishing Your Company

Once your company is legally registered in Indonesia, you can start the process of applying for the BPOM distribution permit. Here are the essential steps to follow:

1. Obtain a Business License (NIB)
   The first step is to ensure your company is legally established. You must obtain a Business License (Nomor Induk Berusaha or NIB), which is required for all businesses operating in Indonesia. This serves as the foundation for applying for various permits, including the BPOM distribution permit. 
2. Register for SMKPO Certification
   After securing your business license, the next step is to apply for SMKPO certification. SMKPO stands for Sertifikat Manajemen Keamanan Pangan Olahan (Processed Food Safety Management Certification), which is a mandatory requirement before obtaining the BPOM distribution permit. This certification ensures that your business follows the proper safety management procedures when handling processed food products.

What is SMKPO?

SMKPO, or the Processed Food Safety Management Certification, is a crucial certification issued by BPOM. It is designed to ensure that your company adheres to strict food safety standards, particularly when dealing with imported processed food products. This certification assesses the safety management practices of your business and verifies that the processes meet Indonesian food safety regulations.

SMKPO focuses on several key areas:

1. Food Safety Management: Ensuring your business has systems in place to maintain food safety during storage, handling, and distribution. 
2. Documentation: Proper documentation of the food import process, including labeling, product specifications, and food safety certificates from the country of origin. 
3. Compliance: Your business must comply with Indonesian food safety laws, including those related to hygiene, storage, and transport of food products.

How to Obtain SMKPO Certification

To obtain SMKPO certification, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Apply Through BPOM
   You can submit your application for SMKPO through the BPOM’s online portal. The application must include essential documents such as your company’s business license, product specifications, and safety certificates from the food’s country of origin. 
2. Production Facility Assessment
   Although your products are imported, BPOM may inspect your local or overseas production facility to ensure that food safety practices meet Indonesian standards. This includes assessing the cleanliness of the facility, the workflow of production, and how food products are handled. 
3. Compliance Review
   BPOM will review your company’s compliance with food safety management systems. This review ensures that your importation and handling processes align with Indonesian regulations, safeguarding consumer health. 
4. Certification Issuance
   If your business passes the review and inspection stages, BPOM will issue the SMKPO certification. This certification allows you to move forward with applying for a BPOM distribution permit.

Next Steps to Obtain a BPOM Distribution Permit

Once you have secured your SMKPO certification, you can proceed with applying for the BPOM distribution permit. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Submit Documents
   Along with the SMKPO certification, you will need to submit product specifications, labeling information, and proof of importation. Accurate labeling is crucial, as BPOM requires specific details about ingredients, nutritional content, expiration dates, and origin. 
2. BPOM Inspection
   In some cases, BPOM may conduct an additional inspection of your import processes or food products. This inspection ensures that the products comply with Indonesian food safety regulations. 
3. Product Testing
   BPOM may request samples of your food products for laboratory testing. This testing confirms that the products meet national safety and quality standards before they are distributed in Indonesia. 
4. Issuance of Distribution Permit
   After your products have passed inspection and testing, BPOM will issue a distribution permit. This permit legally allows you to sell your processed food products in Indonesia. Without this permit, selling food products in the market would be illegal and could lead to fines or other penalties.

Conclusion

For new business owners in Indonesia’s food sector, understanding the regulatory requirements for importing processed food is critical. Obtaining SMKPO certification and a BPOM distribution permit ensures that your products comply with local food safety laws and can be legally sold in Indonesia. Following the correct procedures not only protects your business from legal risks but also builds consumer trust in your brand.

ET Consultant can assist you throughout this process, from obtaining SMKPO certification to securing your BPOM distribution permit. Our expertise helps streamline the application process, ensuring that your business complies with Indonesian regulations efficiently.

Contact ET Consultant today to learn how we can support your business in navigating BPOM requirements and succeeding in the Indonesian market.

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ET Consultant is a Business Consultant and Legal Consultant Expert that provides support for local and multinational clients to start and manage their business operations in Indonesia. ET Consultant specializes in Business Incorporation, Licensing & Legal, Accounting & Taxes, Immigration, and Advisory Services.

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