As global awareness of food safety grows, Indonesia has introduced landmark regulations governing materials that come into contact with food.
These changes are designed to strengthen consumer protection, align with international standards, and offer long-term benefits for public health and trade.
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With the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and Ministry of Industry working in tandem, businesses involved in food packaging face a new regulatory landscape that demands attention and adaptation.
Stricter food contact material rules aim to boost consumer safety
In November 2024, BPOM notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its new regulation covering food contact materials (FCMs). This regulation spans all major material groups used in food packaging, including plastics, metals, glass, ceramics, paper, and cardboard.
Central to the regulation are specific migration limits (SMLs) and overall migration limits (OMLs), which control the amount of substances that can transfer from packaging into food.
These limits are based on scientific risk assessments and aim to prevent potential health hazards from chemical exposure.
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By GlobalDataA cornerstone of the regulation is the introduction of a positive list of approved substances that are permitted for use in the production of food contact materials.
Any material not on this list is effectively prohibited unless future safety data justifies inclusion. In addition, a list of banned substances highlights materials known to pose health risks, which are now strictly forbidden.
This approach mirrors established systems in the EU and helps harmonise Indonesia’s standards with global norms.
Manufacturers and importers are granted a compliance window of up to 12 months following the regulation’s promulgation, allowing them time to reformulate products, adjust supply chains, and ensure documentation is in order.
During this period, businesses must also prepare to meet new requirements for safety documentation and testing, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the sector.
New national standard for paper and cardboard packaging takes effect in 2025
While BPOM’s regulation covers all food contact materials, a separate but complementary move was made by the Ministry of Industry.
On 24 January 2025, it enacted Regulation No. 6 of 2025, which mandates the adoption of SNI 8218:2024—a revised Indonesian National Standard for paper and cardboard used in primary food packaging.
This new SNI updates the earlier 2015 version, integrating advances in material science and international best practices.
The updated standard outlines stringent physical and chemical performance criteria for paper-based packaging materials. It includes migration testing, structural integrity evaluations, and new hygiene requirements.
These measures are intended to reduce contamination risks and maintain the safety of dry, wet, or greasy food products that come into direct contact with paper or cardboard packaging.
In alignment with global quality assurance practices, the regulation references ISO 9001 quality management systems, reinforcing the need for consistent production processes and traceability.
It also introduces a formal requirement for a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), similar to European Union protocols. This declaration, provided by the manufacturer, certifies that a product complies with relevant safety standards and has passed necessary inspections.
Businesses have until 24 July 2025 to fully implement these standards. Compliance is not just a legal necessity; it also opens doors to international markets where regulatory equivalence is a prerequisite for trade.
What this means for manufacturers, exporters, and consumers
For food manufacturers and packaging producers, these regulatory updates represent both a challenge and an opportunity.
On one hand, companies must reassess their supply chains, reformulate materials, and perform rigorous testing to meet the new requirements.
On the other hand, compliance will improve product safety, reduce liability, and enhance consumer trust—particularly at a time when sustainability and transparency are under scrutiny.
Exporters stand to benefit from alignment with international standards. By mirroring European and ISO frameworks, Indonesian products can gain easier access to markets abroad, reducing the regulatory burden of dual testing or reformulation for exports.
Businesses operating across borders will find it easier to meet both domestic and foreign requirements, facilitating smoother trade and boosting Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global food industry.
Consumers, too, are set to benefit significantly. Safer packaging means reduced exposure to harmful chemicals and a lower risk of food contamination. By demanding that all materials used in packaging pass scientific scrutiny, the government is taking a decisive step toward safeguarding public health.
From an environmental perspective, these changes may also encourage the development of eco-friendly packaging materials that meet both safety and sustainability standards.
As global demand for recyclable and compostable materials rises, the new regulations could spur innovation and investment in safer, greener alternatives.
A turning point for food packaging regulation in southeast Asia
Indonesia’s new food contact material laws mark a significant evolution in food safety governance. By adopting comprehensive standards for both chemical safety and quality assurance, the country is aligning itself more closely with international norms while addressing domestic health concerns.
For manufacturers, exporters, and regulators alike, the coming year will be critical in ensuring that implementation is smooth, effective, and beneficial for all stakeholders.
As the global food packaging industry continues to evolve, Indonesia’s approach provides a model for how developing economies can modernise regulations in a way that supports both local health outcomes and international trade.
By prioritising transparency, science, and consumer safety, these reforms are poised to have a lasting impact on the nation’s food supply chain for years to come.
