In pursuit of its longstanding objectives to ensure consumer protection, safeguard public health, and promote a safe trade environment, the Government of Indonesia—through the Ministry of Industry (Kementerian Perindustrian or “Kemenperin”)—has enacted a number of regulations requiring the mandatory application of the Indonesian National Standard (Standar Nasional Indonesia or “SNI”) for specific categories of consumer goods. Among the regulated product categories are two sectors of critical social and economic importance: baby clothing and children’s toys.

The implementation of mandatory SNI serves not only as a technical regulatory measure but also as a legal obligation, requiring producers and importers to ensure that their products meet minimum safety, chemical, physical, and quality standards before being introduced to the Indonesian market. The SNI certification system is aligned with both international safety benchmarks and Indonesia’s national interest in protecting vulnerable consumer groups, particularly infants and children, from exposure to hazardous substances and substandard goods.

The SNI mark, once obtained, acts as proof of conformity that the product has successfully passed safety evaluations conducted by accredited certification bodies (Lembaga Sertifikasi Produk or LSPro), and meets all statutory and technical requirements outlined in the applicable ministerial regulations. Without a valid SNI certification, regulated products are prohibited by law from being imported, sold, or distributed in Indonesia.

This article discusses the mandatory implementation of Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for baby clothing and children’s toys distributed within the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. The mandatory SNI regime, enacted by the Ministry of Industry, serves as a critical regulatory mechanism to ensure that products circulating in the domestic market meet established safety, chemical, and quality standards, particularly for consumer groups considered vulnerable, such as infants and children.

By outlining the legal basis and technical requirements as stipulated under the Minister of Industry Regulation No. 97/M-IND/PER/11/2015 (for baby clothing) and the Minister of Industry Regulation No. 29 of 2018 (for children’s toys), this article aims to provide both local manufacturers and foreign importers with a clear understanding of their compliance obligations prior to entering the Indonesian market.

Read More: SNI (Standar Nasional Indonesia)

Mandatory SNI Compliance for Baby Clothing Products

The Ministry of Industry, under Regulation No. 97/M-IND/PER/11/2015, has stipulated that all baby clothing products—whether manufactured locally or imported into the Indonesian market—must comply with the applicable Indonesian National Standard (SNI) prior to distribution, retail, or sale. This mandatory SNI requirement is a critical measure to ensure the chemical safety and textile integrity of garments intended for infants, a consumer group deemed highly vulnerable to toxic exposure and dermatological risk.

1. Technical Parameters Required for Compliance
   According to the regulation, baby clothing products must meet specific thresholds and restrictions relating to chemical composition and safety, which are evaluated under formal laboratory testing protocols accredited by the Ministry. The principal parameters include:
   • Azo Dye Content
     The use of dyes that release carcinogenic aromatic amines through reductive cleavage of azo bonds is strictly prohibited. Only dyes that are classified as non-carcinogenic and safe for infant skin contact may be used in textile processing.
     • Azo compounds banned under this regulation include, but are not limited to, benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and 2-naphthylamine.
     • Detection is performed through certified analytical methods aligned with international standards (e.g., ISO 14362-1 and ISO 14362-3).
     • The maximum permissible limit for banned azo dyes is not detectable (ND), indicating zero tolerance.

1. • Formaldehyde Content
     Baby clothing materials must fall within the acceptable limit of formaldehyde content, which is known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory sensitivity, especially in infants.
     • The permissible threshold for formaldehyde content is set at a maximum of 20 mg/kg for textiles intended for direct contact with baby skin.
     • Compliance is assessed through standardized extraction and spectrophotometric testing (e.g., ISO 14184-1).
     • Any level exceeding this threshold will be deemed non-compliant and subject to regulatory sanction.
   • Extractable Heavy Metals
     The fabric and accessories used in baby garments (including buttons, zippers, screen prints, and dyes) must be free from toxic extractable heavy metals, which may leach upon skin contact or ingestion.
     • The metals subject to regulation include lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg).
     • Maximum allowable limits are aligned with international textile safety guidelines such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and EN 71-3.
     • Extraction testing must confirm that the levels are below toxicological risk limits to ensure safe dermal exposure.
2. Scope of Application
   The mandatory SNI requirement under this regulation applies to a wide range of baby apparel and textile products intended for infants aged 0 to 36 months, including:
   • Bodysuits, rompers, and onesies
   • Shirts, pants, and baby shorts
   • Bibs, mittens, socks, and hats
   • Pajamas, sleepwear, and blankets made from textile materials
   • Any other clothing or accessory product intended for infant wear
     This obligation applies equally to:
   • Domestic manufacturers producing for domestic or export markets
   • Importers and distributors introducing foreign-manufactured baby clothing into Indonesia
   • Retailers (online and offline) who sell or advertise non-certified baby clothing
     
3. Certification Process and Legal Enforcement
   To legally distribute baby clothing products in the Indonesian market, both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers are required to obtain a valid SNI (Indonesian National Standard) certificate. This certification must be issued by a designated Product Certification Body (Lembaga Sertifikasi Produk – LSPro) that is duly accredited by the National Accreditation Committee (Komite Akreditasi Nasional – KAN).The certification process begins with the submission of product samples for laboratory testing at an accredited testing facility. The products are then evaluated against the applicable SNI parameters, particularly concerning chemical safety indicators such as azo dye content, formaldehyde levels, and extractable heavy metals. In parallel, the manufacturer’s production or sourcing processes may be subject to a conformity audit to ensure that the manufacturing practices support ongoing compliance with SNI standards.

   Upon successful completion of the testing and audit stages, the LSPro will issue an official SNI certificate, along with authorization for product labeling and distribution within Indonesian territory. Failure to obtain SNI certification prior to distribution constitutes a violation of mandatory technical regulations and may subject the responsible entity to various legal and administrative sanctions.

Read More: Mandatory and Voluntary SNI

Mandatory SNI for Children’s Toys

In the interest of protecting public health and ensuring consumer safety—particularly for vulnerable consumer groups such as children—the Government of Indonesia mandates that all children’s toys, whether manufactured domestically or imported, must be certified in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) prior to their distribution or sale within the country.

This obligation is established under the Minister of Industry Regulation No. 29 of 2018, which specifically requires all toy products distributed in Indonesia to undergo mandatory SNI certification. The regulation aligns with globally recognized toy safety frameworks and incorporates elements from both national and international standards.

1. Applicable Standards and Technical Parameters
   To comply with the mandatory SNI requirements, all children’s toys intended for distribution in Indonesia must undergo rigorous technical, mechanical, and chemical safety evaluations based on a combination of domestic and international standards. The key standards applicable to toy safety in Indonesia include both Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and selected parameters from the European toy safety framework (EN 71).
   
   First and foremost, the Indonesian government has adopted the SNI ISO 8124 series, which originates from the globally recognized ISO toy safety standards. This set of standards is divided into four main parts:
   • Part 1 focuses on the mechanical and physical properties of toys, addressing potential hazards such as sharp edges, small detachable parts that may present choking risks, and the general structural integrity of toys.
   • Part 2 covers flammability testing, ensuring that toys do not pose a fire hazard when exposed to heat or open flames.
   • Part 3 regulates the migration of toxic elements, including heavy metals such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)—all of which may cause severe health issues if ingested or absorbed by children.
   • Part 4 pertains specifically to chemistry sets and experimental kits, regulating substances used in toys designed to facilitate chemical reactions or scientific exploration. 

     In addition to the SNI ISO framework, toys must also meet selected chemical safety parameters from the European EN 71 standard, particularly those concerning phthalates. Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers in flexible plastic toys, but they are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity. For this reason, their content is strictly limited under Indonesian regulation, with concentration thresholds based on international health guidelines.Furthermore, Indonesian regulation incorporates SNI 7617:2010, which sets out chemical safety standards related to azo compounds and formaldehyde:

     • Concerning azo compounds, SNI 7617:2010 prohibits the use of any textile dyes or pigments that may release carcinogenic aromatic amines through reductive cleavage of azo bonds. These compounds are associated with long-term cancer risks and are categorically banned in products intended for children.
     • For formaldehyde, the regulation imposes stringent limits on its presence in toy materials. As formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound classified as a probable human carcinogen, its use must be carefully controlled to prevent risks associated with inhalation or prolonged skin contact.
       
       Each of these parameters must be tested in accredited laboratories prior to certification. The results of such testing form the technical foundation for the issuance of the SNI certificate, which is a legal prerequisite for both import clearance and domestic sale of toy products in Indonesia.Compliance with these requirements reflects not only a commitment to regulatory integrity but also a direct contribution to child safety and public health protection in one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets.
2. Scope of Application
   The scope of the mandatory SNI regime for children’s toys in Indonesia is deliberately broad, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting child safety across all segments of the toy industry. According to the Minister of Industry Regulation No. 29 of 2018, the SNI obligation extends to virtually all products designed or marketed for children aged fourteen (14) years and under.This encompasses an extensive range of items, including figurines and dolls, whether soft-bodied or articulated, and toy vehicles such as miniature cars, trains, and aircraft. Also included are building blocks and construction sets, whether made of plastic, wood, or hybrid materials, and battery-operated or electronic toys, especially those with interactive, musical, or motion-based features.

   Instruments of creative play—such as toy musical instruments and educational kits—are likewise covered, along with stuffed animals, plush figures, board games, puzzles, and science kits intended for home or school use. The regulation further captures all other recreational items that fall under the general classification of children’s toys, based on their intended function, packaging, or age labeling.

   The regulation imposes binding legal obligations on all business entities involved in the manufacture, importation, or distribution of children’s toys within the territory of Indonesia. These include:

   • Domestic manufacturers, who are required to certify compliance before goods reach the local market;
   • Foreign producers, whose products are intended for export to and sale within Indonesia;
   • Authorized importers and distributors, who bear responsibility for compliance upon entry into Indonesia;
   • As well as retailers, both physical and digital, including online sellers and e-commerce platforms offering toy products to Indonesian consumers.
     
     Given the breadth of this regulatory scope, businesses operating within or targeting the Indonesian toy market must take proactive steps to ensure their product portfolios are fully compliant with prevailing SNI standards. This includes obtaining valid certification, ensuring accurate product labeling, and maintaining thorough documentation of conformity, failure of which may result in administrative sanctions, customs rejection, or market recall.
3. Certification Process and Legal Enforcement
   In Indonesia, the lawful distribution of baby clothing products is strictly contingent upon full compliance with the mandatory SNI (Indonesian National Standard) framework. Both domestic manufacturers and foreign importers are required to obtain a valid SNI certificate prior to placing their products in the Indonesian market. This certification must be issued by an officially designated Product Certification Body (Lembaga Sertifikasi Produk – LSPro), which is accredited by the National Accreditation Committee (Komite Akreditasi Nasional – KAN).The certification procedure involves a structured and evidence-based assessment process. It begins with the submission of product samples to an accredited testing laboratory, where the products are analyzed against applicable SNI parameters. These parameters may include chemical safety indicators such as the presence of azo dyes, formaldehyde content, and extractable heavy metals, all of which must fall within nationally approved thresholds to ensure consumer safety, particularly for infants and young children.

   Following laboratory testing, the applicant’s production process or supply chain documentation may be subject to a conformity audit. This audit verifies that the methods used in the manufacture, handling, or packaging of baby clothing meet the quality assurance and regulatory benchmarks set forth under the SNI regime.

   Upon successful completion of both stages, the LSPro issues an official SNI certificate, which formally authorizes the applicant to affix the SNI mark to their products. Only products bearing this mark are legally permitted for importation, sale, and distribution within the Republic of Indonesia. Failure to comply with the SNI certification requirement may result in a range of legal and administrative sanctions.

   Accordingly, all stakeholders—manufacturers, brand owners, importers, and distributors—are strongly advised to undertake a comprehensive review of their product certification obligations before entering or expanding within the Indonesian baby clothing sector.

Read More: Understanding ISO

Conslusion

The enforcement of mandatory Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for baby clothing and children’s toys underscores the Indonesian government’s commitment to ensuring product safety, public health, and regulatory compliance across high-risk consumer categories. These regulations are not merely technical instruments but constitute binding legal obligations applicable to all business actors engaged in the production, importation, or distribution of such products in Indonesia.

Through the regulation for baby clothing children’s toys, both domestic and foreign enterprises are required to obtain formal SNI certification from accredited certification bodies prior to placing regulated products in the Indonesian market. These standards incorporate chemical, mechanical, and labeling parameters that are designed to minimize exposure to hazardous substances and ensure that every item sold—especially those targeting vulnerable populations such as infants and children—meets the highest safety benchmarks.

The SNI mark serves as formal proof of conformity and is a mandatory precondition for customs clearance, retail sale, and legal distribution across all channels within the Republic of Indonesia. Non-compliance, whether by omission or through negligence, exposes the offending party to serious legal consequences, including fines, product seizure, market withdrawal, and even revocation of business licenses.

Navigating Indonesia’s mandatory SNI regime can be highly technical and procedurally complex. At ET Consultant, we provide comprehensive legal and regulatory support for both local manufacturers and foreign investors seeking to ensure full compliance with Indonesian national standards. From SNI certification assistance, import/export advisory, and post-market compliance, our team is ready to support your expansion into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets.

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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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