Thinking About Importing Food to Indonesia? Here’s What You Should Know About the Import License

Corporate Secretary Service Indonesia – Indonesia’s appetite for imported products is growing, especially in the food, beverage, and healthcare sectors. But before you even think about bringing your goods in, you’ll want to get familiar with one crucial requirement: the import license for food products Indonesia expects every importer to have.

We’ve seen it time and time again, companies with great products, stuck in customs, simply because they didn’t prepare the proper documents or understand the process. And let’s be honest, the rules can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the Indonesian market. That’s why having the right guidance is key.

Step One: Set Up Your Business Legally

Before applying for any licenses, you’ll need to legally establish a business entity in Indonesia. If you’re a foreign company, that usually means forming a PT PMA (a foreign-owned company). Local investors can set up a standard PT (limited company).

Once that’s done, you register through Indonesia’s OSS (Online Single Submission) system. This step will get you your NIB (Business Identification Number), which acts as your general business license. It also functions as your Importer Identification Number (API), a key requirement for any kind of import activity.

Depending on your role in the supply chain, you’ll apply for either an API-U (for general importers) or an API-P (for manufacturers importing goods for their own use). Either way, you can’t proceed without it.

Now Let’s Talk Documents

When applying for the import license for food products Indonesia requires, you’ll need a fairly detailed set of documents. These typically include:

• Company legal paperwork – your NIB, NPWP (tax number), and API license. If you’re importing medical devices, you’ll also need an IPAK (distributor license).
• Certificates – this might include a Certificate of Free Sale, GMP, or ISO documentation from the product’s country of origin.
• Manufacturer info – sometimes you’ll need supporting documentation directly from the manufacturer, especially for food safety or technical details.

After your import license is approved, you’ll also need to register with the Indonesia National Single Window (INSW) platform to handle customs clearance.

Read Also: Import Consultancy Indonesia, Why It Matters for Your Business

Special Rules for Food & Beverage Imports

Importing packaged food and drinks? You’ll be working closely with BPOM, Indonesia’s food and drug regulatory agency. Here’s a rough breakdown of what’s required:

• Register your company on BPOM’s system
• Get your facility inspected and approved
• Register the manufacturer
• Submit product registrations

Each product gets a registration number that allows it to be legally sold in Indonesia. This number stays valid for five years.

Here’s the catch: different packaging materials or label designs usually need separate registrations. So if your cookie brand comes in a tin and a pouch, you’ll probably need to register both. But if the only difference is the size or weight, say 150g and 300g, you’re good with just one.

Some items don’t require full BPOM registration. For example, goods brought in for personal consumption, raw materials used by manufacturers, or fresh items with a shelf life under 7 days may be exempt.

Getting an import license for food products Indonesia is serious business, but it’s manageable if you take it step by step. Think of it less as a hurdle and more as a foundation. A proper license keeps your operation legal, avoids customs delays, and builds trust with authorities and clients alike. If you’re unsure where to start, that’s where we come in. At PortCorp, we help businesses navigate the licensing maze every day. Whether you’re importing gourmet chocolate or high-tech medical tools, we’ll walk you through every step, clearly and professionally.

So, don’t worry about developing your business by setting up a company in Indonesia, because Portcorp is here as a solution for your business, also when you need import license for food products Indonesia. Portcorp is your comprehensive corporate secretary service in Indonesia. With our presence, you can get a dedicated company secretary to support you to what you need. Our company secretaries will track deadlines and file paperwork so your business keeps running smoothly. Contact us now on +6221-5020-8090 for your business succeed in the future!