A comprehensive law concerning foodstuff that controls domestic production, import of foodstuff, processing and distribution was signed in 1996.
The food safety control system in Indonesia requires elements of pre-market and post-market control. Pre-market control is conducted by evaluating the food safety of products to ensure the compliance with safety and quality requirements. If a product is found to meet to necessary requirements, the product is provided with registration approval number and it become eligible for the retail market. Postmarket control is conducted for food products which have been distributed in the market. The National Agency for Drug and Food Control (BPOM) considers it necessary for Indonesia to maintain this system due to the wide area of coverage, the sheer geographical nature of Indonesia, and the limited availability of food.
The most difficult problem for exporters shipping packaged products for retail may be the requirement that all imported products be registered through BPOM. Additionally, some products require additional approvals from other Government of Indonesia (GOI) regulatory agencies. For example, an import permit (SPP) is also required for food products containing animal-based ingredients from the Director General of Livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as from BPOM. Imports of meat, poultry, dairy and fresh fruit can be subject to shifting regulation and requirements. Food additives require approval from BPOM, and special labeling requirements may apply.
Food labels are to be in the Indonesian language and must be easily understood by consumers. Mandatory information includes the product name, weight or volume in metric units, composition or a list of ingredients, use by date, production code, BPOM registration number, and the name and address of the manufacturer or importer.
Nutritional labeling guidelines were issued in January 2005. The law requires the industry to include nutritional content information on the label. Misleading information is forbidden and breaches are subject to criminal proceedings.
