SNI certification is a designation that confirms a product complies with the Indonesian National Standard (Standar Nasional Indonesia: SNI). When importing and selling products in Indonesia, certain product categories require SNI certification.

Japan also has certification systems, such as the JIS mark, to ensure compliance with domestic standards. However, Indonesia’s procedures differ significantly, so it is important to understand the application process in advance.

This article outlines the steps required to obtain SNI certification in Indonesia. It also explains which products require the certification and important considerations when handling the SNI mark. We hope this will serve as a helpful reference.

Overview of SNI Certification in Indonesia

Indonesia has a certification system based on the Indonesian National Standard (Standar Nasional Indonesia: SNI), as defined by the National Standardization Agency of Indonesia. SNI is the national standard of Indonesia, and this system verifies that products conform to the required standards for sale in the Indonesian market.

Although obtaining SNI certification is generally voluntary, it is mandatory for certain products. Therefore, for any product that legally requires SNI certification, importers must obtain certification before importation and affix the Certificate of SNI Mark Usage (SPPT-SNI) to the product in order to complete customs clearance.

Products Requiring SNI Certification

In practice, it is unrealistic for all products distributed in the Indonesian market to obtain SNI certification. Therefore, certification is generally optional. However, for products related to human health, animal and plant safety, national security, or environmental protection, SNI certification is mandatory.

Examples of products that require SNI certification include:

• Tires
• Bottled drinking water
• Helmets
• Safety shoes
• Batteries
• Bicycles
• Switches
• Incandescent light bulbs
• Table salt
• Cooking palm oil
• Canned tuna

The number of regulated items has increased significantly in recent years. As of 2019, 205 product categories required SNI certification.

Since SNI certifications are divided by category and assigned to designated LPKs (Conformity Assessment Bodies), it is essential to select the appropriate LPK when applying.

Reference: PT DIMULTI PILAR NARMADI, “List of SNI Mandatory Products”

Process for Obtaining SNI Certification

Below is an overview of the process leading to the issuance of the Certificate of SNI Mark Usage.

Reference: JETRO, “About Indonesian National Standards (SNI)” — pp.11–27

Step 1: Confirm the Product’s SNI Code and Designated LPK

First, verify the SNI code and certification requirements for the product to be imported through the official websites of the Badan Standardisasi Nasional (BSN) or the Komite Akreditasi Nasional (KAN):

• BSN: https://bsn.go.id/
• KAN: https://kan.or.id/index.php

The LPK (Conformity Assessment Body) you must apply to depends on the product category. For example:

• LSPro handles general product certification
• LSO handles organic food certification
• LSSMM handles quality management system certification

Applicants must contact the appropriate LPK directly and proceed with the application. A full list of LPKs is available on the KAN official website.

For a detailed explanation of how to check SNI and LPK information, refer to the following JETRO document:
https://www.jetro.go.jp/ext_images/_Reports/02/2020/ed0ed9c92752c4cd/sni-indqa202003.pdf

Step 2: Application to the LPK

When applying to an LPK, the following documents and data must be submitted:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Articles of incorporation amendments (if any)
• Approval documents listed above
• Business license (SIUP)
• Company registration certificate (TDP)
• Taxpayer identification number (NPWP)
• Trademark registration certificate from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property
• Organizational chart of the company
• Appointment letter for the head of the company’s management division
• Importer Identification Number (API), if the applicant is not the manufacturer
• Copy of quality management system certification (if applicable)

Depending on the product, technical documents such as quality manuals and production flowcharts may also be required. For specific document requirements, it is advisable to consult directly with the LPK.

Step 3: On-site Audit and Sample Collection

After reviewing the submitted documents, the LPK will schedule and organize an on-site audit if everything is in order. The audit is conducted at the factory of the applicant.

During the audit, not only is the product’s compliance with SNI standards examined, but the entire factory’s operations are reviewed, including:

• Whether the production process and quality control are properly managed
• Whether a quality management system is in place
• Compliance with applicable standards in actual operations

At this stage, product samples will also be collected for further evaluation.

For factories located outside Indonesia, an audit team will be dispatched from Indonesia. If needed, arrangements should be made for interpretation support. It is also advisable to confirm with the LPK in advance regarding who will bear the travel and accommodation costs for the audit team.

Step 4: Issuance of Certificate of SNI Mark Usage

Based on the submitted documents, on-site audit, and collected samples, the LPK will evaluate the product. If it is determined that the product meets SNI standards, a Certificate of SNI Mark Usage will be issued.

Obtaining SNI certification involves several costs, including:

• Application fee: IDR 1,350,000 (approx. USD 85)
• First-stage audit fee for general products: IDR 1,800,000 (approx. USD 113)
• Audit fee for special products (e.g., steel materials): IDR 3,600,000 (approx. USD 225)

(USD conversions are based on a rate of IDR 16,000 per USD for illustrative purposes. Please verify with current rates.)

Displaying the SNI Certification Mark

Once the SNI certification mark is issued, businesses may begin importing the certified product into Indonesia by affixing the required label to the product.

Important labeling guidelines include:

• The mark must be displayed clearly and visibly on an easily noticeable part of the product.
• The mark must be applied using methods that are durable and resistant to damage, such as stickers, embossing, stitching, or printing, so that it does not fade or disappear during product use.

If the product is too small to accommodate a label, or if the nature of the product makes it impractical to apply the label directly, the mark may be affixed to the packaging instead.

For some products, the position and method of labeling are strictly regulated. It is advisable to check with the relevant LPK before customs clearance to ensure compliance.

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Important Notes Regarding SNI Certification

When the SNI certification mark is used properly, major issues or complications are unlikely to occur. However, even if unintentional, improper labeling or misinterpretation of display requirements can lead to customs clearance being denied—or, in some cases, result in penalties or fines.

Check the Expiration Date

The validity period for SNI certification is typically 3 to 4 years. In principle, the validity is determined by shipment lot, and extensions are generally not permitted.

Products with expired SNI certification cannot be imported into Indonesia. Be sure to confirm expiration dates thoroughly. In cases where the use of the certification has been temporarily suspended for any reason, imports are also not permitted during the suspension period.

Confirm the Label Placement

For certain products, the exact location for label placement is clearly defined. Applying the label to a different product or packaging not specified in the certification may be considered a violation.

For Those Considering Imports into Indonesia

Although SNI certification is generally voluntary, it is mandatory for certain products depending on the category. Therefore, the first step should be to confirm whether your product requires SNI certification.

Obtaining SNI certification involves collecting numerous documents and accommodating on-site audits, so it is important to allow adequate time for preparation and processing.

Additionally, when selling goods in Indonesia, you may be required to obtain other types of certifications depending on the product category. For more information about other Indonesian certification systems and prohibited import items, please refer to the related articles below.