Indonesian FDA Revokes Permits for 21 Cosmetic Products Due to Labeling Discrepancies
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) announced today the cancellation of distribution permits for 21 cosmetic products after discovering notable discrepancies between the ingredients listed on packaging and the actual product composition. The action, revealed in a statement released Saturday, underscores a heightened focus on cosmetic safety and consumer protection within the country.
The BPOM, led by Head Taruna Ikrar, initiated intensified inspections of cosmetic manufacturing facilities and responded to growing public concerns regarding product authenticity. Investigations revealed variations in ingredient types, concentrations, or both across the affected products, with a disproportionate number of violations originating from facilities utilizing contract manufacturing arrangements.
“We’ve seen a concerning trend of cosmetics containing compositions that don’t align with their declared ingredients,” explained Ikrar. “This necessitates stricter oversight to safeguard public health.”
These discrepancies pose potential health risks to consumers, including allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to undeclared substances. Furthermore, the efficacy of the products may not match the claims made on their packaging, misleading consumers about expected results. The BPOM’s actions are rooted in a violation of BPOM Regulation No. 21 of 2022, which governs the procedures for cosmetic product notifications and ensures accurate labeling.
The 21 products affected by the permit revocation include items from brands ABC, XYZ, LMN, PQR, DEF, GHI, JKL, and MNO. The specific products are:
ABC Brightening Serum
ABC Glow Day Cream
ABC Glow Night Cream
ABC Sunscreen SPF 50
XYZ Whitening Facial Wash
XYZ Moisturizing Cream
XYZ Anti-Aging Serum
LMN Acne Treatment Gel
LMN Facial Scrub
LMN Body Lotion
PQR Lip Balm Strawberry
PQR Lip Balm cocoa
DEF Hair serum
DEF Hair Tonic
GHI Eye Cream
GHI Face Mask Charcoal
GHI Face Mask Green Tea
JKL Hand Cream Rose
JKL Hand Cream lavender
MNO Sunblock Lotion
MNO Whitening Body Lotion
The BPOM has mandated that the companies responsible for these products promptly withdraw them from the market and destroy existing stock. Business operators have been reminded to adhere to Good Cosmetic Manufacturing Practices (CPKB) guidelines and ensure rigorous quality control, verifying that each production batch aligns with the approved formula submitted during the notification process.
Understanding Indonesia’s Cosmetic Regulatory Landscape
Indonesia’s cosmetic industry is a significant economic driver, valued at approximately $4.5 billion USD in 2023, according to data from Statista. The BPOM plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and quality of these products,which are widely available through both traditional retail channels and increasingly,through online e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Tokopedia.
The agency’s authority stems from Law No. 36 of 2009 concerning Public Health, which provides the legal framework for regulating drugs, food, cosmetics, and medical devices. Cosmetic products sold in Indonesia must* undergo a notification process with the BPOM, requiring detailed information about ingredients, manufacturing processes, and safety data.
Consumer Protection & Reporting Mechanisms
The BPOM encourages consumers to proactively verify product legitimacy before purchase.This can be done by checking packaging details, labels, distribution permits, and expiration dates using the cekklik platform (https://cekklik.bpom.go.id/).Suspected faulty or non-compliant products can be reported through the HALOBPOM Contact Center at 1500533 or directly to the local BPOM office. the BPOM maintains regional offices in major cities across Indonesia, including Medan, Surabaya, Makassar, and Denpasar, facilitating localized reporting and investigation.
This latest action by the BPOM builds on previous enforcement efforts, including a ban on 34 cosmetic products in 2023 due to concerns about allergies and potential carcinogenic substances. The agency is also collaborating with the BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal), Indonesia’s Halal Product Guarantee Agency, to develop guidelines for halal certification of cosmetics, reflecting a growing consumer demand for halal-certified products.
