Indonesia Tightens Food Packaging Standards with Updated Regulatory Framework
Indonesia replaced its 2019 food packaging regulation with new rules in June 2026 that establish stricter requirements for food contact substances and migration limits in packaging materials. The updated regulation maintains Indonesia's positive-list system for approved substances while introducing more structured, material-specific testing conditions for reusable and recycled packaging. Companies exporting or manufacturing food products in Indonesia must adjust compliance procedures to meet the new substance limits and testing protocols.
Indonesia's June 2026 regulatory update introduces a tiered approach to food packaging safety by establishing distinct limits for individual toxic metals rather than a blanket combined threshold. The revised framework is particularly stringent regarding products for young children, prohibiting bisphenol A entirely in polycarbonate items for infants under three and reducing melamine thresholds by 60 percent for pediatric articles. The new system also mandates repeated safety testing for reusable plastic containers to ensure continued compliance across multiple use cycles.
New applicants seeking approval for unlisted food contact substances now face substantially expanded documentation requirements, including detailed manufacturing specifics, intended usage scenarios, and safety literature comparisons with international regulatory standards. This intensified vetting process reflects Indonesia's effort to harmonize its standards with global best practices while maintaining independent authority over substance approval.
The regulatory shift could reshape supply chains for food manufacturers and packaging producers operating in or exporting to Indonesia, requiring investment in reformulated materials and upgraded testing protocols. Companies may face increased compliance costs, particularly smaller operations with limited regulatory resources. Consumer safety could potentially improve through stricter heavy metal controls and enhanced protections for vulnerable populations, though market competitiveness may be affected if compliance timelines prove challenging for international suppliers unfamiliar with Indonesia's updated standards.