Food Certificate: PIRT And BPOM License

Written by Dea Amanta Azaria on 08/08/2024
The author’s views are entirely their own and may not always reflect the views of Putranto Alliance.

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Introduction

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) are rapidly growing, particularly in the food sector, which is a crucial pillar of the Indonesian economy. This article delves into the PIRT Certificate (Home Industry Food Certificate) and the BPOM License (Distribution License of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control), highlighting their differences and significance.

Definition

PIRT Certificate
The PIRT Certificate is a written guarantee issued by the Regent/Mayor to Home Industry Production Food within their jurisdiction. This certificate indicates that the food product has met the necessary requirements for distribution. The guidelines for granting this certificate are outlined in the Regulation of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control Number 22 of 2018. Products with a PIRT Certificate must include the label "P-IRT".

BPOM License
The BPOM License, officially referred to as the Distribution License, is the approval of processed food assessment results issued by the Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control. This license is necessary for the distribution of processed food. The guidelines for this license are detailed in the Regulation of The National Agency of Drug and Food Control Number 27 of 2017. The distribution permit number for domestically produced food is written as "BPOM RI MD", while for imported food, it is "BPOM RI ML."

The Importance

Regulatory Compliance
Both the PIRT Certificate and BPOM License are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance. These certifications are mandated by Indonesian law to ensure that food products meet safety, quality, and nutritional standards. Compliance with these regulations helps maintain public health and safety.
Market Access
Obtaining these certifications is crucial for market access. Without the PIRT Certificate or BPOM License, food products cannot be legally distributed in Indonesia. This restriction applies to both domestically produced and imported food items, ensuring that all products in the market adhere to the same standards.

The Best Time to Obtain PIRT Certificate and BPOM License

Before Market Entry
The optimal time to obtain a PIRT Certificate or BPOM License is before the product enters the market. This ensures that the product complies with all regulatory requirements from the outset, avoiding any legal complications or penalties.
Product Development Stage
Securing these certifications during the product development stage is advisable. This allows for any necessary adjustments to be made to the production process or ingredients to meet the certification standards, thereby streamlining the approval process.
Business Expansion
For businesses looking to expand their market reach, obtaining these certifications is crucial. Whether expanding domestically or internationally, having the necessary certifications can facilitate smoother entry into new markets and enhance the product's credibility.

Benefits For Using Professional Services

The benefits of obtaining PIRT Certificate and BPOM License are:

Enhanced Product Credibility
Certified products are perceived as safer and of higher quality, which can significantly enhance consumer trust and brand reputation. This credibility can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
Market Competitiveness
Certification can improve the competitiveness of food products. Certified products are more likely to be preferred by consumers and retailers, giving them an edge over non-certified alternatives.
Market Expansion
With these certifications, businesses can expand their market reach both domestically and internationally. Certified products are more likely to be accepted in various markets, facilitating business growth.
Increased Sales
Certified products can be marketed more effectively, leading to increased sales. The assurance of quality and safety provided by the certifications can attract more customers and boost revenue.

How To Obtain Food Certificates

Below is a detailed outline of the procedures for acquiring these essential documents:

How to Obtain a PIRT Certificate

Application Submission
Submit the PIRT Certificate application to the Regent/Mayor through the One Stop Integrated Service Unit or via the Online Single Submission System.
Training Participation
The applicant must participate in training on the implementation of food safety counseling.
Facility Inspection
The District/City Health Office inspects the food production facilities. If the facilities meet the requirements, the Health Office will issue a recommendation for the issuance of the PIRT Certificate.
Certificate Issuance
The Regent/Mayor, through the OSS, issues the PIRT Certificate to the owner/person in charge of the Food Home Industry who has met all the requirements.

How to Obtain a BPOM License

Application Submission
Applicants can submit their BPOM License application through the electronic/web-based Processed Food Registration (e-Registration) system on the BPOM website or manually if the electronic system is unavailable.
Risk Level Determination
The registration is differentiated based on the level of risk (high, medium, low, or very low). The risk level is determined based on product risk criteria, target consumers, claims, use of food additives, production processes, and raw materials.
Payment and Submission
Complete the registration application with proof of payment of the evaluation fee from the bank and submit it to the Head of BPOM through the Director for further assessment.
Data Completeness
If further assessment requires additional data, a letter requesting completeness of data will be issued. The applicant must provide the necessary data within the stipulated time frame.
Approval or Refusal
If the registration data and supporting documents are complete and correct, a registration approval will be issued, and the BPOM License will be granted. If the data is incomplete or incorrect, a registration refusal letter will be issued, and the registration data will be destroyed.

How We Can Help

Comprehensive AnalysisPutranto Alliance offers a thorough analysis to determine which type of license—PIRT or BPOM—is most suitable for your business. This initial step ensures that the licensing process is tailored to meet your specific needs and regulatory requirements.

Assistance with Documentation Our team assists in gathering and completing all necessary documentation for the application process. This includes helping you obtain certificates, business licenses, and other required documents to ensure a smooth application process.

Coordination with Authorities: We coordinate with relevant agencies, such as the District/City Health Office and the National Agency of Drug and Food Control, to facilitate inspections and assessments. This coordination helps expedite the approval process and ensures compliance with all regulatory standards.

Guidance and Support Our experienced professionals provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the entire licensing process. We help you navigate through the system, address any issues that arise, and brainstorm solutions to meet the license requirements.

Efficient Processing With our expertise and established relationships with regulatory bodies, we aim to expedite the licensing process, ensuring that your business objectives are achieved quickly, precisely, and efficiently.

FAQs

Can beverage products get a PIRT Certificate?

According to Appendix II of the Regulation of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control Number 22 of 2018, beverage products are not eligible for a PIRT Certificate. Instead, they must obtain a BPOM MD (for local products) or BPOM ML (for imported products) distribution permit.

Is BPOM License sufficient for all types of foods?

While the BPOM License is generally required for all processed foods, there are specific exemptions. For instance, certain types of processed foods, such as those with a shelf life of less than seven days, are exempt from needing a BPOM License. Additionally, some processed foods produced by Micro and Small Businesses (UMKM) may also be exempt from certain licensing requirements.

What types of foods are eligible for PIRT Certificate?

The PIRT Certificate is limited to specific types of processed foods, including dried meat, fish, and poultry products, processed vegetables, coconut, flour and its derivatives, oils and fats, jams, jellies, sugar, confectionery, honey, dried coffee and tea, seasonings, herbs and spices, powdered drinks, processed fruits, and refined grains, nuts, and tubers. Foods that require commercial sterilization, pasteurization, or freezing, as well as special diet foods and foods for medical needs, are not eligible for a PIRT Certificate.

Is there a need to renew the PIRT Certificate & BPOM License?

Both the PIRT Certificate and BPOM License are valid for five years. The PIRT Certificate must be renewed no later than six months before its expiration, while the BPOM License must be renewed no later than ten days before its expiration. If the BPOM License is in the process of being re-registered or has obtained an extension, the product can still be distributed for up to six months after the license’s expiration.

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