Revolutionizing Food Safety: Indonesia’s Major Upgrade in Food Packaging Standards

As awareness about food safety increases worldwide, Indonesia is taking important steps to regulate materials that come into contact with food. This effort aims to protect consumers, meet international standards, and enhance public health and trade.

The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has joined forces with the Ministry of Industry to reshape the food packaging landscape. In November 2024, BPOM informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) about its new regulations on food contact materials (FCMs). These rules cover a wide range of materials used in food packaging, such as plastics, metals, glass, ceramics, paper, and cardboard.

At the heart of this regulation are specific migration limits (SMLs) and overall migration limits (OMLs). These limits gauge how much of any substance can move from packaging into food. This scientific approach helps mitigate potential health risks from chemical exposure.

One notable feature is a positive list of approved substances for FCM production. If a material isn’t on this list, it cannot be used unless new safety data supports its inclusion. Furthermore, substances known to be hazardous are banned outright. This move aligns with systems in the European Union, helping to synchronize Indonesia’s standards with global practices.

Businesses have up to 12 months after the regulation takes effect to adapt. This time allows them to reformulate products and ensure all documentation is accurate. Companies must also prepare to meet new safety documentation and testing requirements, promoting transparency and accountability in food packaging.

In addition to BPOM’s regulations, the Ministry of Industry introduced Regulation No. 6 of 2025. This mandates the updated Indonesian National Standard (SNI 8218:2024) for paper and cardboard used in food packaging. This new standard improves upon the previous version from 2015, taking into account advances in material science and global best practices.

According to a recent survey by the World Health Organization, about 600 million people worldwide fall ill from food contaminated with unsafe packaging each year. These regulatory updates in Indonesia aim to reduce such risks by enforcing strict performance criteria for paper and cardboard packaging, ensuring materials are safe for use with dry, wet, or greasy foods.

The new regulations not only raise compliance standards but also create opportunities for manufacturers. Companies may need to reformulate materials and implement rigorous testing. However, these efforts can lead to safer products, less liability, and increased consumer trust—particularly in a time when sustainability is becoming more vital.

Exporters can benefit from aligning with international standards. This can simplify access to global markets and reduce the hurdles of dual testing for exports. Smooth compliance means businesses can cater to both domestic and foreign markets, enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global food sector.

Consumers will ultimately enjoy safer food packaging, which means less risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. By requiring that all materials used in food packaging pass scientific evaluation, Indonesia is making significant strides in safeguarding public health.

From an environmental standpoint, there’s potential for innovation in eco-friendly packaging. The rising demand for recyclable and compostable materials could inspire investments in safer and greener alternatives, addressing both safety and sustainability.

In summary, Indonesia’s new food contact material laws signify a crucial step toward improving food safety. By establishing comprehensive standards for both chemical safety and quality assurance, Indonesia is aligning itself with international norms while responding to local health concerns. As this regulatory landscape evolves, it will be essential for all stakeholders—manufacturers, exporters, and regulators—to ensure effective implementation, ultimately benefiting the country’s food supply chain for years to come.

To learn more about the global implications of food packaging safety, visit the World Health Organization’s food safety page.

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