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Cosmetic product registration for foreign brands: Step-by-step process

Indonesia’s beauty market continues to attract international skincare, makeup, fragrance, and personal care brands. However, cosmetic product registration in Indonesia is required before imported products can be commercially distributed.

Foreign brands must obtain a BPOM notification number (NA) through an eligible Indonesian notification holder. In 2026, BPOM Regulation No. 25 of 2025 introduced updated technical requirements for cosmetic ingredients, while Government Regulation No. 15 of 2026 revised BPOM’s official fees from May 26, 2026.

From October 18, 2026, cosmetics will also be subject to mandatory halal certification requirements under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024.

Preparing early can make your cosmetic product registration process less overwhelming and reduce last-minute issues and delays. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can support your smooth market entry.

Key Takeaways

  • Imported cosmetics require a valid BPOM notification number through an eligible Indonesian entity before market entry.
  • Foreign brands should align product classification, ingredients, claims, labelling, and supporting documents before submission.
  • Cosmetic notification numbers are valid for three years.
  • Timely renewal helps brands maintain continuous market presence without disruptions.
  • Foreign brands should align BPOM registration with import licensing, shipment clearance, and Indonesia’s halal requirements.

Cosmetic product registration in Indonesia at a glance

Area Key Requirement
Regulatory Authority Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM)
Product Approval BPOM cosmetic notification and NA number
Foreign Brand Requirement Use an eligible Indonesian notification holder
Main Preparation Areas Classification, formula, ingredients, claims, labelling, and supporting documents
BPOM Verification Generally, 14 working days; 3 working days for perfume, subject to applicable requirements
Notification Validity 3 years
Renewal Should be submitted before the notification expires
Imported Cosmetics Applicable business licensing and BPOM import clearance may also be required.
Halal Compliance Cosmetics enter the mandatory halal stage following the transition period ending 17 October 2026

The formal BPOM verification period doesn’t necessarily represent the full market-entry timeline. Formula assessment, document preparation, corrections, notification-holder readiness, halal preparation, and import arrangements can extend the overall process.

What foreign brands need to get right before cosmetic product registration

For foreign brands, BPOM notification requires alignment of the product, documentation, and business arrangements before submission.

Indonesia regulates cosmetic notification under BPOM Regulation No. 21 of 2022. Once the notification is accepted, the product receives a notification number commonly identified by its NA number.

Before filing, businesses should confirm that:

  • The product qualifies as a cosmetic under Indonesian regulations.
  • The formula complies with current cosmetic ingredient requirements.
  • Product claims remain within the permitted cosmetic scope.
  • Labels and packaging meet applicable Indonesian requirements.
  • An eligible Indonesian entity can hold and maintain the notification.

Ingredient compliance must also reflect BPOM Regulation No. 25 of 2025, while labelling, promotion, and advertising should align with BPOM Regulation No. 18 of 2024.

Getting these areas right before filing can reduce corrections and avoid modifying the formula, claims, or packaging close to launch.

Cosmetic product registration for foreign brands: Step-by-step process

Problems often arise when cosmetic product registration begins before the formula, claims, notification holder, and import model have been aligned. Foreign brands should therefore approach BPOM registration as part of the wider Indonesia market-entry plan.

Step Process Activity Estimated Timeline
Product Classification Confirm the product category Review the formula, intended use, application area, and claims to confirm the product falls under the cosmetic category in Indonesia. 3–5 working days
Notification-Holder Setup Appoint an eligible Indonesian entity Determine and appoint the local entity that will submit and maintain the BPOM notification for the foreign brand. 1–2 weeks
Formula and Claims Review Assess regulatory compliance Check the ingredients against applicable BPOM requirements and confirm that the proposed claims remain within the permitted cosmetic scope. 1–2 weeks
Document Preparation Prepare the registration dossier Compile the required manufacturer, product, formula, specification, testing, authorisation, and supporting documents for submission. 2–6 weeks
Label and Packaging Review Align product information Review mandatory label information, warnings, directions, manufacturer details, and notification-holder information before filing. 1–2 weeks
BPOM Submission File the notification application. Submit the application through the BPOM system and complete the applicable government payment. 3–5 working days
BPOM Verification Complete BPOM review BPOM reviews the submitted information and may request corrections or clarification where needed. 3 working days for perfume; generally 14 working days for other cosmetics
Notification Issuance Obtain the NA number Once the notification process is completed, the product receives its BPOM notification number. After successful verification
Import and Post-Approval Compliance Prepare for commercial distribution. Finalise applicable import clearance, maintain compliant product information and documentation, and manage future changes or renewals. Varies by shipment and activity
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What documents do you need to prepare for the BPOM submission?

Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can cause issues with your cosmetic product registration. Exact requirements depend on the applicant, manufacturer, and production arrangement, but foreign brands should generally prepare the following.

Indonesian applicant documents

  • Company and applicable business licensing documents
  • Information required for the BPOM applicant account
  • Applicable import-related licensing
  • Details of the Indonesian entity responsible for the notification

Foreign manufacturer and authorisation documents

  • Letter of Authorisation or applicable appointment document
  • Certificate of Free Sale, where required
  • Good Manufacturing Practice documentation
  • Manufacturing or contractual documents, where applicable

Product documents

  • Complete ingredient formula
  • Product specifications
  • Applicable safety information
  • Evidence supporting product claims
  • Label and packaging artwork
  • Product Information Document or supporting product dossier

The information should be consistent across the submission. Differences in product names, manufacturer details, addresses, ingredients, or labels can create unnecessary corrections.

BPOM notification, halal certification, and import approval: Key differences

Requirement Authority Main Purpose When It Matters
BPOM Cosmetic Notification BPOM Enables the cosmetic product to be notified for distribution in Indonesia Before commercial distribution
Halal Certification BPJPH Addresses compliance with Indonesia’s halal product assurance framework According to the applicable mandatory halal timeline
Business and Import Licensing OSS and relevant authorities Enables the Indonesian business to conduct applicable import activities Before conducting the relevant import activity
BPOM SKI (Surat Keterangan Impor) BPOM Provides import approval for applicable cosmetic shipments entering Indonesia For applicable commercial imports

A BPOM notification doesn’t replace halal certification, import licensing, or shipment clearance. Under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024, cosmetics are among the product categories affected by Indonesia’s mandatory halal framework following the transition period ending on October 17, 2026.

Brands should therefore prepare for BPOM and halal requirements in parallel to avoid delays.

InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can help assess your product requirements, prepare the BPOM notification, and coordinate the related halal and import compliance before market entry. Talk to our team ->

What should foreign brands do after BPOM approval?

Receiving an NA number doesn’t end the compliance process. The Indonesian notification holder should continue to:

  • Keep products consistent with the notified formula and information.
  • Maintain compliant claims, labels, and packaging.
  • Manage required documentation and import clearance.
  • Assess changes before implementation.
  • Renew the notification before expiry.

Cosmetic notifications are generally valid for three years. Changes to the formula, manufacturer, notification holder, packaging, or claims may require an update or new submission.

If businesses overlook these, they may face import delays, packaging corrections, disrupted distribution, or regulatory action.

Clear Paths to Product Registration in Indonesia

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InCorp can keep your cosmetic product registration on track

Foreign cosmetic brands often need to coordinate several requirements at once, including BPOM notification, local representation, product documentation, labelling, importing, halal compliance, and ongoing registration maintenance.

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InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can support businesses with:

Aligning these requirements before launching can help businesses avoid handling BPOM, import, and halal compliance as separate last-minute tasks.

Talk to our experts to assess your product, notification-holder, import, and halal requirements before submission. Fill out the form below for a free consultation. *

*T&C apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cosmetic product registration mandatory in Indonesia?

Yes. Cosmetics intended for commercial distribution in Indonesia generally require a valid BPOM cosmetic notification and NA number. Foreign brands should confirm their regulatory pathway before importing or launching products.

Can a foreign cosmetic company register directly with BPOM?

Foreign brands generally require an eligible Indonesian entity to act as the notification applicant and holder. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can help assess the appropriate local arrangement based on the intended market-entry and distribution model.

How long does cosmetic product registration in Indonesia take?

BPOM verification is generally 14 working days, or 3 working days for perfume, subject to applicable submission requirements. The overall timeline can be longer because document preparation, formula and label assessment, applicant readiness, and corrections occur outside the formal verification period.

How long is a BPOM cosmetic notification valid?

A cosmetic notification is generally valid for three years. Businesses planning to continue selling the product should prepare the renewal before the existing notification expires.

What changed for cosmetic registration in 2026?

Two significant developments are BPOM Regulation No. 25 of 2025, which updated technical ingredient requirements, and Government Regulation No. 15 of 2026, which introduced updated BPOM PNBP tariffs from May 26, 2026. The mandatory halal timeline for cosmetics also makes halal preparation increasingly important in 2026.

Does every cosmetic variant require a separate BPOM notification?

It depends on how the products differ. Changes in formulation, shade, product characteristics, or other notified information can affect the notification approach. A portfolio assessment before filing can help determine the appropriate registration strategy.

Is halal certification the same as BPOM cosmetic registration?

No. BPOM notification and halal certification address different regulatory requirements. Foreign brands should assess both requirements rather than assuming that obtaining an NA number completes halal compliance.

Do imported cosmetics require BPOM import clearance?

Applicable commercial imports of BPOM-regulated cosmetic products may also require BPOM import clearance in addition to the product notification and the importer's applicable business licensing.

Can cosmetics be sold while the BPOM notification is still being processed?

Cosmetics subject to BPOM notification should not be commercially distributed before the required notification has been obtained. Businesses should account for the registration timeline before committing to a launch or shipment schedule.

Can InCorp Indonesia support cosmetic registration without establishing a PT PMA?

Depending on the intended business model, establishing a PT PMA may not always be the only route for product registration. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can assess whether a local notification-holder arrangement or another appropriate market-entry structure fits the business's intended import and distribution model.

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Disclaimer

The information is provided by PT. Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind.

We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website.

    Verified by

    Hotdo Nauli

    Senior Legal & Delivery Manager at InCorp Indonesia

    Hotdo heads the Legal and Delivery team at InCorp Indonesia, managing Product Registration, Legal Advisory, and Business Licensing. With over 8 years of experience, she focuses on compliance and integrity, ensuring all client operations align with Indonesian laws and regulatory standards, including contract reviews and sector-specific licenses. She is also a licensed advocate and a member of the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI).

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