Chemical Regulations In Indonesia: 2025 Overview

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, is rapidly strengthening its chemical regulatory framework to align with global safety, environmental, and trade standards.

In 2025, regulatory focus is centered on:

• Hazardous and Toxic Substances (B3 chemicals) 
• Environmental protection and sustainability 
• Safe handling, distribution, and disposal 
• International trade compliance 

For manufacturers, importers, and distributors, understanding Indonesia’s evolving regulations is essential for market access, legal compliance, and risk management.

What are the chemical regulations in Indonesia for 2025?
Indonesia’s chemical regulations focus on hazardous (B3) chemicals, requiring registration, GHS labeling, import controls, and strict waste management under laws like Government Regulation No. 74/2001 and MoEF Regulation No. 36/2017.

Regulatory Framework: Key Laws and Authorities

Indonesia’s chemical regulation system is governed by multiple authorities, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Indonesia and the Ministry of Trade Indonesia.

Core Regulations

1. Government Regulation No. 74/2001 (B3 Regulation)

• Covers the entire lifecycle of hazardous chemicals (B3):  
  • Import 
  • Production 
  • Storage 
  • Transport 
  • Use 
  • Disposal 
• Classification based on: 
  • Toxicity 
  • Flammability 
  • Environmental hazards 

This is the foundation of chemical safety regulation in Indonesia.

2. Law No. 32/2009 (Environmental Protection Law)

• Govern environmental management and pollution control 
• Includes: 
  • Chemical risk management 
  • Waste handling obligations 
  • Environmental permits 

3. Government Regulation No. 22/2021

• Focuses on waste management, including: 
  • B3 and non-B3 waste classification 
  • Testing methods and disposal standards 

4. Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 07/2022

• Regulates distribution and trade of hazardous chemicals 
• Requires: 
  • Business permits 
  • Labeling compliance 
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 
  • Periodic reporting 

5. MoEF Regulation No. 36/2017

• Govern registration and notification of B3 chemicals 
• Requires submission via: 
  • Online PTSP (Integrated Licensing System) 

Ensures traceability and regulatory oversight.

Indonesia’s Regulatory Approach: Negative List System

Unlike the EU’s REACH framework, Indonesia follows a negative list system:

• Only listed hazardous chemicals (B3) are regulated 
• No comprehensive national chemical inventory yet 

Regulatory Approach Comparison

A risk-based regulatory system is expected in future reforms.

Registration, Notification & Import Requirements

1. B3 Chemical Registration

• Mandatory for manufacturers and importers 
• Submitted via MoEF online system 
• Includes: 
  • Chemical identity 
  • Hazard classification 
  • Intended use 

2. Import Regulations

Importers must be registered under:

• API-P (Producer Importer) 
• API-U (General Importer) 

Key Restrictions:

• Only authorized entities can import B3 chemicals 
• General importers often require special recommendation letters 

3. Labeling & Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Indonesia aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

Requirements include:

• Hazard classification 
• Standardized labels 
• 16-section Safety Data Sheets 

Ensures global consistency in hazard communication.

Sector-Specific Chemical Regulations

1. Household Health Products (PKRT)

• Includes disinfectants, detergents, and sanitizers 
• Regulated by Ministry of Health 
• Requires risk-based product registration 

2. Cosmetics

• Governed through Cosmetic Notification System 3.0 (2025)
• Simplifies: 
  • Product notification 
  • Ingredient compliance 
  • Market entry 

3. Industrial Chemicals

• Subject to: 
  • B3 classification 
  • Environmental permits 
  • Occupational safety standards 

Waste Management & Environmental Compliance

Companies handling chemicals must comply with strict B3 waste regulations.

Key Requirements

• Proper classification of waste 
• Licensing for: 
  • Storage 
  • Transport 
  • Treatment 
  • Disposal 
• Use of authorized waste handlers 

Waste Compliance Requirements

non-compliance can lead to severe penalties and operational shutdowns.

Enforcement & Compliance Mechanisms

Regulatory Controls

• Business permits and licensing 
• Mandatory reporting obligations 
• Labeling and documentation checks 

Inspections & Audits

• On-site inspections by authorities 
• Import verification processes 
• Compliance audits for manufacturers 

Increased enforcement is expected as regulations evolve.

Key Compliance Challenges

1. Lack of National Chemical Inventory

• Limited visibility on all chemicals in the market 

2. Regulatory Complexity

• Multiple agencies and overlapping rules 

3. Import Restrictions

• Administrative barriers for foreign companies 

4. Infrastructure Gaps

• Waste management challenges in certain regions 

Industry Impact

• Increased compliance costs 
• Need for local regulatory expertise 
• Stronger supply chain due diligence 
• Greater emphasis on sustainability 

Companies must adopt proactive compliance strategies.

Outlook: What to Expect

1. Risk-Based Chemical Regulation

• Shift from negative list to risk-based frameworks 

2. Digitalization of Compliance Systems

• Expansion of online registration and reporting 

3. Alignment with Global Standards

• Closer harmonization with: 
  • GHS 
  • International chemical safety frameworks 

4. Sustainability Focus

• Stricter rules on plastics and hazardous waste 
• Green chemistry initiatives 

Best Practices for Companies

• Conduct comprehensive chemical inventory assessments 
• Ensure full compliance with B3 registration requirements
• Maintain updated SDS and labeling 
• Strengthening supplier and import compliance 
• Monitor regulatory updates continuously 
• Engage local regulatory experts 

Conclusion

Indonesia’s chemical regulatory landscape in 2025 reflects a strong focus on hazardous chemical control, environmental protection, and trade compliance.

While the framework is robust for B3 substances, gaps remain in broader chemical inventory and harmonization.

Companies operating in Indonesia must:

• Stay informed of evolving regulations 
• Ensure compliance across the chemical lifecycle 
• Invest in robust regulatory and quality systems 

A proactive approach will enable safe operations, regulatory compliance, and sustainable market growth in Southeast Asia.

FAQs

1. What are B3 chemicals in Indonesia?
Hazardous and toxic substances regulated under Government Regulation No. 74/2001.

2. Is chemical registration mandatory in Indonesia?
Yes, for B3 chemicals via the MoEF online system.

3. Does Indonesia follow REACH?
No, it uses a negative list system instead.

4. What labeling system is used?
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

5. What is API-P and API-U?
Importer classifications for producers and general importers.

6. What are key compliance risks?
non-registration, improper labeling, and poor waste management.