Indonesian Food and Drug Authority Prepares Special Food Distribution Permit Process Outside the OSS System

Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (“BPOM”) is drafting regulations on a special process for issuing distribution permits to non-business-entity producers of processed foods. This pathway allows universities, schools, training institutions, and government agencies with food production units to obtain distribution permits without going through the Online Single Submission (“OSS”) system.

Elin Herlina, Deputy for Processed Food Supervision at BPOM, stated that the current licensing system integrated with OSS requires applicants to have a Business Identification Number (“NIB”). This requirement poses an obstacle for non-commercial entities that produce processed foods.

“They also need distribution permits,” said Elin.

According to Elin, this special pathway is necessary so that non-business entities can still obtain legal authorization to distribute their products without being hindered by licensing mechanisms intended for commercial business actors.

She noted that the BPOM has discussed this policy with the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Investment. Currently, the BPOM is still conducting a public review to refine the draft regulation.

“After that, we will move on to the harmonization phase; hopefully, it can be issued soon,” said Elin.