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I. REGISTERING YOUR PRODUCT
A. Find A Local Agent/Distributor
U.S. exporters who are serious about supplying the Indonesian market choose an agent/or distributor that registers the product(s). Almost all consumer-ready food products are imported by companies listed by the GOI as licensed general importers (IU=Importir Umum ). Large entities, such as supermarket chains, have their own importing and distribution affiliates, although they also buy from independent importers. Hotels and up market independent restaurants source supplies from many different importers and/or local producers.
Most imported products on the supermarket shelves are not registered and enter the country illegally, usually through mixed container loads. This method of entry has several negative ramifications. This cause problems for the supermarkets when GOI officials patrol the shelves to check on registered products. Supermarkets complain about inconsistent supplies. With no agent, no one provides essential support in marketing the product. In addition, the quality questionable if no one is responsible for checking to make sure the products on the shelves are fresh and undamaged. Unregistered products usually have no expiration date which is very important in a country where storage facilities may be harsh and products may not turn over as quickly as in the United States.
The Indonesian major food importer are listed. Most of them have already become agents of U.S., Australian, or New Zealand food products and some own cold storage facilities. Please feel free to contact them directly.
B. Local Agent/Distributor Registers Product
Food must be registered by the importer with the GOI's Department of Health prior to importing under the following procedures. Your importer will be able to give you the best estimate on the time and cost involved since it varies. Please note that Indonesia's first food law was signed into effect on November 4, 1996. As the regulations are written, some of these procedures may change.
1. The registration application includes submitting or sending to the Department of Health:
A registration application form
A sample of food
A label and brochure
A letter of certification from the foreign factory
A Certificate of Health
2. An approval by the Minister of Health must be obtained before importing of food Approval is given for the food that:
Is in compliance with the quality standard or requirements laid down by the Minister;
Is not prohibited for distribution in the country of origin;
Is not harmful or will not negatively affect people's health; and
Is free from diseases which are contagious to people, animals or plants.
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