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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

BPOM uncovers Rp35.8 billion in illegal cosmetics sold online

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Indonesian authorities have uncovered thousands of illegal cosmetic sales links on digital platforms in the first half of 2026.
  • The estimated economic value of these non-compliant cosmetics reached Rp35.8 billion, a tenfold increase from the same period last year.
  • Consumers are urged to verify product permits, packaging, labels, and expiration dates, and to purchase from trusted sellers.

Indonesian authorities have cracked down on the rampant sale of illegal cosmetics across digital platforms, uncovering a significant increase in illicit trade. In the first six months of 2026, the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) identified 9,042 links promoting and selling non-compliant cosmetic products.

The economic value of these discovered illegal cosmetics amounted to approximately Rp35.8 billion. This figure represents a staggering tenfold increase compared to the same period in the previous year, highlighting a severe rise in the circulation of unauthorized products within the online marketplace.

The findings indicate the continued prevalence of illegal product circulation in the online market.

— BPOMDescribing the scale of the issue discovered.

BPOM reported that violations included products lacking distribution permits, those with exaggerated claims, and items containing hazardous ingredients or failing to meet safety standards. The agency emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance, urging shoppers to always check for distribution permit numbers, examine packaging, labels, and expiration dates, and ensure purchases are made from reputable sellers to guarantee product safety.

BPOM reminds consumers to always check the distribution permit number, packaging, label, expiration date, and to ensure the product is purchased from a trusted seller.

— BPOMAdvising consumers on how to avoid purchasing illegal cosmetics.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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