BPOM's Illegal Cosmetics Crackdown
Indonesia’s drug regulator BPOM’s Illegal Cosmetics Crackdown has seized Rp 31.7 billion ($1.9 million) worth of unapproved beauty products. The raids, carried out from Feb. 10 to 18, targeted viral items circulating on social media without proper approval. Many, including expired goods, had already reached consumers before authorities intervened.
The country’s beauty industry is booming. Social media influencers fuel trends, promoting skincare and makeup products to millions. But not all endorsed products are safe. Some are unregistered, contain harmful substances, or make false claims. The National Drug and Food Monitoring Agency (BPOM) aims to curb the spread of these illegal cosmetics before they cause harm.
BPOM’s Illegal Cosmetics Crackdown:Thousands of Products Seized
BPOM’s chief Taruna Ikrar shared the findings in a press briefing on Friday. Officials confiscated 4,334 product variants, totaling 205,133 pieces from 91 different brands. Many had gained popularity through viral marketing online.
“We have been watching the viral cosmetics on social media like a hawk,” Taruna said. He added that 17.4 percent of the seized products contained hazardous substances, including mercury, a chemical linked to skin cancer. Some were prescription skincare items sold illegally.
The majority – 60 percent – were imported, mostly from China, Indonesia’s top trading partner. Officials also found that 2.6 percent of the seized items had expired.
Yogyakarta and Jakarta See the Largest Raids
Among the regions affected, Yogyakarta had the highest number of illegal products seized, valued at Rp 11.2 billion. Jakarta followed closely at Rp 10.3 billion. Other cities also saw crackdowns, with BPOM coordinating efforts across multiple provinces.
Authorities noted a sharp rise in the value of seized goods compared to last year. In 2023, BPOM confiscated illegal cosmetics worth Rp 2.8 billion. This year’s figure is more than ten times higher.
“This shows that we [BPOM] are still working hard despite the budget efficiency measures,” Taruna said.
Government Spending Cuts and BPOM’s Budget
BPOM’s operations come at a time when government agencies face budget cuts. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered ministries and institutions to reduce spending by Rp 307 trillion this year.
BPOM’s budget, originally close to Rp 2.6 trillion, has been trimmed to Rp 1.4 trillion. Despite these financial limitations, the agency continues its monitoring efforts.
Authorities have not disclosed whether they will take legal action against sellers or influencers who promoted these illegal products. However, BPOM has repeatedly warned the public against purchasing unverified beauty products, urging consumers to check for official registration before making a purchase.
The rise of social media-driven beauty trends has created opportunities for businesses but also challenges for regulators. BPOM’s latest crackdown highlights the growing concerns over product safety in the industry. As authorities work to remove harmful cosmetics from the market, consumers are reminded to stay cautious about what they apply to their skin.
Industry experts suggest that stricter enforcement and higher penalties may be needed to deter illegal cosmetic sales. They also emphasize the importance of consumer awareness in reducing demand for unregistered products. Without stronger regulations and public vigilance, unsafe beauty products may continue to flood the market.
