Indonesia’s Fertilizer Regulatory

In Indonesia, fertilizer regulations require registration for inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and soil amendments, along with specific quality and efficacy testing. These regulations aim to ensure the quality and safety of fertilizer products in the market. Key aspects include quality testing based on National Standards (SNI) and technical requirements, as well as efficacy testing using prescribed methods.

1. Legislative Foundation

Indonesia’s fertilizer sector operates under a dual regulatory framework:

• Law No. 22/2019 on Sustainable Agricultural Systems

• Law No. 11/2020 on Job Creation (amending 22/2019)

• MoA Regulation No. 1/2019 (technical implementation)

Key regulatory bodies:

• Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) – Primary oversight

• BPOM (Food & Drug Authority) – Product registration

• National Standardization Body (BSN) – SNI compliance

2. Mandatory Product Registration

2.1 Registration Categories

2.2 Documentation Requirements

• Company Credentials:

  • Notarized Deed of Establishment

  • Business Identification Number (NIB)

  • Tax Identification Number (NPWP)

  • Import License (API-U/API-P)

• Product Dossier:

  • BPOM e-Reg account credentials

  • Formulation details & manufacturing process

  • Certified laboratory test reports (ISO 17025 accredited)

  • Efficacy trial data (field performance)

  • Halal certification (where applicable)

3. Quality & Efficacy Testing

3.1 Key Parameters

3.2 Testing Protocol

1. Sample Collection: By MoA-appointed inspectors

2. Laboratory Analysis: At BSN-recognized facilities

3. Field Trials: 2+ locations, minimum 3 cropping cycles

4. Report Validation: MoA Technical Committee review

4. Labeling & Packaging Requirements

Mandatory label elements:

• Registration Number (BPOM & MoA)

• SNI Certification Mark

• Guaranteed Analysis (nutrient percentages)

• Batch Code & Production Date

• Usage Instructions (crop-specific dosage)

• Toxicological Statements (GHS-compliant)

• Importer/Distributor Details

Prohibited Claims: Unverified yield guarantees or disease control assertions

5. Import Compliance Procedure

Critical Timelines:

• SNI Certification: 60-90 days

• BPOM Registration: 45 working days

• MoA Approval: 30 days post-testing

6. Infrastructure Requirements

• Storage Facilities: Climate-controlled warehouses with ≤70% humidity

• Distribution Network: Segregated transport for organic/inorganic products

• Record Keeping: 5-year retention of:

  • Production batch records

  • Raw material safety data

  • Distribution manifests

7. Enforcement & Penalties

• Market Surveillance: Random sampling (3% of market volume quarterly)

• Non-Compliance Penalties:

  Violation	Sanction
  Unregistered sales	Product seizure + $15,000 fine
  Labeling non-compliance	Mandatory recall + $7,500 fine
  Efficacy failure	License suspension + retesting costs
  Toxic limit exceedance	Criminal prosecution (3 years imprisonment)

8. Strategic Compliance Recommendations

1. Pre-registration: Conduct gap analysis against SNI standards

2. Local Partnership: Engage Indonesian entity for API-P licensing

3. Trials Design: Validate efficacy on 5+ target crops

4. Halal Certification: Allocate 8 weeks for MUI accreditation

5. Post-Market: Implement batch-tracking through SIINAS (National Agricultural System)

Compliance requires rigorous documentation and strategic resource allocation. Engage accredited consultants early to navigate Indonesia’s evolving regulatory landscape, particularly for novel biofertilizers requiring MoA method validation.