Is Unpasteurized Cheese Legal in Indonesia After the 2026 Law Changes?

No. Unpasteurized cheese is prohibited for sale or import in Indonesia under strict food safety regulations enforced by BPOM and the Ministry of Health. Exemptions exist only for registered dairy establishments with validated pasteurization processes and prior approval.

Key Regulations for Unpasteurized Cheese in Indonesia

  • BPOM Regulation No. 13 of 2019 bans the sale of raw milk cheeses unless processed under controlled pasteurization, with mandatory hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) certification.
  • Ministry of Health Decree No. 37 of 2016 classifies unpasteurized dairy as a high-risk food, requiring import permits from the Directorate General of Food and Drug Control (DGFDC) for any exceptions.
  • 2026 Compliance Shift: Draft revisions to the Food Safety Law (Law No. 18 of 2012) propose stricter penalties, including fines up to IDR 5 billion (≈USD 320,000) for violations, aligning with ASEAN harmonized standards.

Imported unpasteurized cheese faces additional scrutiny under Customs Regulation No. 1 of 2021, mandating pre-shipment inspections by accredited labs (e.g., PT Surveyor Carbon) to verify compliance. Domestic production remains illegal unless facilities meet ISO 22000 and Halal certification requirements.