Indonesia's BPOM calls for stop selling 415,000 illegally imported cosmetics

The Indonesian State Administration of Trade (BPOM) and the Ministry of Trade have taken measures to stop the distribution of about 415,000 illegal cosmetics, most of which are imported from China, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.

BPOM head Taruna Ikrar said on September 30 that the total value of these illegal products is capped at IDR 11.4 billion, although the impact or loss it may cause to people may exceed this amount. Ikrar pointed out that these products were found during the monitoring period from June to September 2024, including products without distribution licenses and products containing dangerous substances that have not been laboratory tested.

"Regarding these illegally imported cosmetics that have been (seized), they will be destroyed. This is our measure to protect people from the risks of illegal cosmetics," he said.

These products were found distributed in regions such as Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi and Papua, and some common brands are Lameila, Brilliant, Balle Meta, etc.

He pointed out that BPOM, the Ministry of Trade and other relevant agencies take collaborative measures to protect the people because it may harm small and medium-sized enterprises because it is unfair to domestic companies that comply with laws and regulations. In addition, these products endanger people's health, and when people use these products in pursuit of a better appearance, they may end up with skin damage and other health problems such as cancer.

Taking this opportunity, Ikrar reminded companies to comply with the law in the process of meeting market needs and consider the safety and quality of products, which is a way to reduce the import of illegal cosmetics. He also reminded people to be wise consumers by checking the packaging, labels, distribution licenses and expiration dates of cosmetics.