Indonesia Amends Limitations for Chemical Contamination in Cosmetics

On November 9, 2023, Indonesia released an amended draft of the Regulation Concerning Limitations for Contamination in Cosmetics for public consultation. ¹ Subsequently, on September 18, 2024, the finalized version was published, set to take effect on September 18, 2025. ²

This Regulation aims to clarify the definitions and scope of microbial, heavy metal, and chemical contamination in cosmetics, and outline administrative sanctions for non-compliance.

Key amendments compared to the existing Regulation No. 12 of 2019 Concerning Limitations for Contamination in Cosmetics include the following (revised and added contents are highlighted in red).

1. Further clarifying the application scope

The Regulation mandates that businesses shall ensure all cosmetics produced in or imported for distribution into Indonesia meet safety and quality standards. The relevant business actors include:

a. Cosmetics enterprises located in Indonesia;

b. Individual businesses and entities in the cosmetics sector that contract production with Indonesian enterprises;

c. Importers in the cosmetics sector.

2. Broadening the range of institutions authorized to conduct cosmetic contaminant testing