Indonesia Import Compliance: VPTI Verification, Halal Certification and Food & Beverage Export Requirements

Expanding into the Indonesian market presents significant opportunities for international exporters. However, recent regulatory developments are introducing new compliance requirements that must be carefully addressed to ensure smooth market access.

Indonesia continues to strengthen its import control framework through a combination of Technical Verification of Imports (VPTI) procedures and mandatory Halal certification requirements for selected product categories. These requirements have a direct impact on exporters worldwide and make early preparation essential.

Mandatory Halal Certification: Key Deadline

One of the most significant regulatory changes is the full implementation of mandatory Halal certification for imported products effective from 18 October 2026.

This requirement applies in particular to:

• Food and beverages
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals and consumer goods
• Other regulated product categories distributed in Indonesia

For exporters, compliance with Halal regulations will become a mandatory prerequisite for entering the Indonesian market. Failure to meet these requirements may result in shipment delays, import restrictions, or rejection of goods.

Understanding VPTI: Import Verification Process

In addition to Halal certification, exporters must comply with Indonesia’s Verification or Technical Inspection of Imports (VPTI) system.

VPTI is designed to ensure that imported goods comply with Indonesian regulations and includes:

• Verification of declared documentation against actual goods
• Inspection of product specifications and classification
• Confirmation of quantity and volume
• Validation of origin, loading port and shipment details

The result of this process is the issuance of a Surveyor's Report (Laporan Surveyor), a mandatory document required for customs clearance in Indonesia.

The VPTI process helps:

• Ensure compliance with Indonesian regulations
• Improve transparency in international trade
• Reduce the risk of shipment delays or rejection at Indonesian ports

Baltic Control® Approval for Food & Beverage Exports to Indonesia

Baltic Control® has been officially approved by KSO SCISI (KSO Sucofindo-Surveyor Indonesia) to carry out verification and surveys of Food & Beverage products exported from Europe (excluding the Netherlands and Belgium) to the Republic of Indonesia.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade requires a wide range of imported products, including Food & Beverages, to undergo verification before export in order to demonstrate compliance with national regulations.

As part of this process, Baltic Control® verifies the eligibility of goods intended for import into Indonesia and issues the required Surveyor's Report (Laporan Surveyor), helping exporters minimise customs delays and reduce the risk of non-compliant shipments.

This approval has been effective since 1 February 2021 and represents Baltic Control®'s second approval under the KSO SCISI programme. Baltic Control® also holds approval covering verification and surveys of Non-B3 Waste Commodities originating from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Latin and South American region and exported to Indonesia.

Wide Range of Regulated Commodities

Indonesia's import verification framework applies to a broad range of product categories across multiple industries.

More than 40 commodity groups may be subject to verification requirements, including:

• Agricultural and food products
• Textiles and garments
• Electronics and industrial goods
• Chemicals and raw materials
• Cosmetics and household products
• Recyclable materials and selected waste streams
• Used machinery and capital goods
• Plastic products and packaging materials

This broad regulatory scope highlights the importance of assessing compliance requirements before shipment.

Why Compliance Matters

Meeting Indonesian import requirements is not only a legal obligation but also an important business safeguard.

Proper compliance helps exporters:

• Avoid shipment delays and additional costs
• Prevent rejection of goods at Indonesian ports
• Accelerate customs clearance procedures
• Maintain trust with Indonesian importers and authorities
• Reduce operational and commercial risks

As Indonesian regulations continue to evolve, proactive preparation is becoming increasingly important.

How Baltic Control® Supports Exporters

Working in cooperation with KSO SCISI, Baltic Control® supports exporters through:

• Inspection services supporting VPTI requirements
• Verification of product compliance prior to shipment
• Preparation and issuance of Surveyor Reports (Laporan Surveyor)
• Guidance on documentation and Indonesian import procedures
• Practical support related to Halal certification requirements
• Global support through an international network of inspectors and experts

Our services help exporters navigate Indonesian regulatory requirements efficiently while minimizing the risk of customs delays and compliance issues.

You can find more information about KSO SCISI and its services on their official website - LPPH | KSO SCISI.

Prepare Early – Stay Compliant

With the implementation deadline approaching, exporters are encouraged to:

• Review product eligibility for Halal certification
• Assess whether their goods are subject to VPTI requirements
• Ensure documentation complies with Indonesian regulations
• Evaluate supply chain readiness
• Engage inspection and certification partners early

Early preparation helps ensure uninterrupted exports and smooth access to the Indonesian market.

Get in Touch

If you would like to learn more about Indonesian import requirements or require support with VPTI verification, Surveyor Reports, Food & Beverage exports or Halal-related compliance, our team will be happy to assist.

Contact:

• br@balticcontrol.com
• psi@balticcontrol.com

Baltic Control® remains your trusted partner for inspection, verification and certification services supporting international trade and market access in Indonesia.