Indonesia Amends Technical Requirements for Cosmetics Labeling

2D barcode is newly added as a mandatory labeling requirement in the draft regulation. Labeling claims related to therapeutic effect or medical efficacy are prohibited. The administrative sanctions imposed on enterprise using illegal labeling have been amended. Labeling guidelines for sunscreens, skin care products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid and teeth whitening products with or without Hydrogen Peroxide are newly added...

On Sep 20^th, 2019, Indonesia released the draft Technical Requirements for Cosmetics Labeling ^[1]. When finalized and implemented this draft will replace the requirements for labeling regulated in Technical Requirements for Cosmetics 2015 ^[2]. Public consultation will last until Sep 27, 2019. Any suggestions can be sent to [email protected].

The main amendments are as follows:

1. 2D barcode is newly added in the information that should be on the label. 2D barcode is used to verify legality and marketing authorization of cosmetics ^[3].

The information that should be on the label includes:

Cosmetics name

Functions

Instructions

List of ingredients

Name and country of producer

Name and full address of the notification applicant

Batch number

Size, content or net weight

Expiration date

Notification number

Warning/Attention and other details if required

2D barcodes

2. Prevention of disease claims are prohibited

Labels shall meet the following provisions:

complete and including all required information;
objective by providing information in accordance with reality and may not deviate standard cosmetics function;
not be misleading and must provide honest and accurate information, and may not take advantage of public concerns about a health problem;
does not state medical efficacy or efficacy in disease prevention.

3. Administrative sanctions imposed on enterprise using illegal labeling are changed

Illegal labels are subjected to administrative sanctions in the form of:

written warning;
temporary prohibition on distribution of cosmetics;
withdrawal of cosmetics that does not meet the safety, usefulness, quality, labeling or claims requirements;
destruction of products;
temporary suspension of production or import activities for a maximum of 1 year;
temporary closure of online access for submission of notification application for no less than 1 year;
revocation of notification number.

4. Labeling guidelines for sunscreens, skin care products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid and teeth whitening products with or without Hydrogen Peroxide are newly added.

Labeling requirements for sunscreens, skin care products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid and teeth whitening products with or without Hydrogen Peroxide shall respectively refer to Appendix II, III and IV in the amended regulation.

Please contact [email protected] if translations are needed.