Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormShelf-stable packaged
Industry PositionConsumer Packaged Goods (Confectionery)
Market
Chewing gum in Indonesia is a packaged confectionery product sold primarily through high-frequency retail channels, with traditional retailers and convenience stores playing a major role in grocery sales. Indonesia is a two-way trader in chewing gum (HS 170410); 2023 UN Comtrade data show both imports and exports, with exports slightly higher than imports by value. Market access for retail-packaged chewing gum is closely tied to BPOM processed-food registration (including BPOM RI MD/ML numbering) and Indonesian labeling/claim controls. Halal certification obligations entered an enforcement phase starting October 18, 2024 under Indonesia’s halal assurance framework, increasing compliance and documentation expectations for brands and importers.
Market RoleTwo-way trader (both importer and exporter); consumer market with domestic distribution and regional trade links
Domestic RoleMass-market confectionery item with strong impulse-purchase orientation in everyday retail channels
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighHalal certification obligations and BPOM processed-food registration/label compliance are potential trade blockers for chewing gum in Indonesia; products circulating without required approvals/appropriate labeling can face surveillance actions, market withdrawal, and commercial disruption, especially after the halal-obligation enforcement phase beginning October 18, 2024.Confirm BPJPH halal pathway for the specific product/origin, secure BPOM distribution authorization (MD/ML) before retail circulation, and lock formulation/label artwork to the registered dossier; implement a pre-shipment compliance checklist for Indonesia-specific labeling and documentation.
Regulatory Compliance MediumProduct variations (flavor variants, pack sizes, label designs, composition changes, importer/distributor changes) can require separate BPOM registration submissions; mismatch between shipped goods and registered dossiers can trigger holds, rejection, or post-market findings.Map the full SKU/variant portfolio and register each required variant; run periodic label/dossier audits and control change management with Indonesia-specific regulatory review.
Documentation Gap MediumImport clearance can be delayed if PIB submissions and supporting documents (invoice, packing list, transport documents, and required import-condition documents) are incomplete or inconsistent with product classification and declared values.Use an Indonesia-experienced customs broker, pre-validate HS classification and supporting documents, and reconcile commercial terms/values (FOB/CIF) across paperwork before vessel arrival.
Market Integrity LowBPOM periodically reports significant findings of processed foods sold without distribution authorization (TIE/illegal), expired, or damaged in market surveillance; legitimate brands can face channel risk from parallel/illegal products and heightened enforcement periods.Restrict distribution to authorized channels, monitor marketplace listings, and deploy pack authentication/traceability (lot coding) to support enforcement and rapid takedown requests.
Standards- HACCP
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000
FAQ
Is halal certification mandatory for chewing gum sold in Indonesia?Indonesia’s halal assurance framework has entered an enforcement phase for halal certification obligations starting October 18, 2024, as communicated by BPJPH, with implementing provisions referenced in Government Regulation (PP) No. 42 of 2024. For imported food products, BPJPH has also noted that additional determinations may apply tied to mutual recognition and ministerial decisions, with a timeline reference up to October 17, 2026 for certain foreign-product obligations.
What is the difference between BPOM RI MD and BPOM RI ML for processed foods?BPOM explains that BPOM RI MD is used for processed foods produced in Indonesia, while BPOM RI ML is used for imported processed foods produced outside Indonesia; both are tied to BPOM’s processed-food registration and distribution authorization system and are shown as part of the product’s valid registration identity.
Does Indonesia mainly import or export chewing gum?Based on 2023 UN Comtrade data presented via WITS for HS 170410 (chewing gum), Indonesia recorded both imports and exports; exports were higher than imports by value in that year, indicating net-export status for that HS line in 2023.