Importing Pet Food into Indonesia: A Complete Guide

Indonesia’s pet care market is booming, valued at over USD 1.2 billion in 2024, with pet food a major driver of this growth. This presents a significant opportunity for international pet food brands and distributors.

However, bringing pet food into Indonesia involves navigating a detailed set of regulations from the Indonesian government. The process for importers and foreign suppliers can be lengthy and requires careful attention to compliance.

This guide outlines the essential steps and requirements for successfully importing pet food into Indonesia in 2025.

Before You Import: Setting Up Your Business in Indonesia

To import and distribute pet food in Indonesia legally, you will generally need to establish a local business entity, typically a PT PMA (Foreign Investment Company). 

A PT PMA allows up to 100% foreign ownership for pet food import and distribution, giving you control over your operations. It also enables you to obtain the necessary business licenses and import permits. 

It is important to note that your company must also be registered under the correct Indonesian Standard Business Classification (KBLI) code for pet food import and distribution and have a physical office address in Indonesia.

Emerhub can guide you through the entire PT PMA establishment process, from reserving your company name to obtaining your Deed of Establishment, tax card (NPWP), and Business Identification Number (NIB), which also serves as your import ID.

Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Pet Food

Once your legal entity is prepared, here are the specific steps for the pet food import process:

1. Gaining Country and Manufacturer Approval (Foreign Business Unit Registration)

Before any product can enter Indonesia, Foreign Business Unit (FBU) must be approved and listed by the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan). This approval is mandatory to ensure that imported animal-based feed ingredients meet Indonesia’s safety, quality, and hygiene standards. 

The process starts by completing a country and manufacturer questionnaire. This documentation is submitted through the embassy of the country of origin to Indonesian authorities. If accepted, the manufacturer must then undergo a desk review and on-site audit, where government officials inspect the facility’s compliance with safety and hygiene standards.

The entire approval process typically takes between 1 to 3 years and would cost approximately IDR 15,650,000 (around USD 1,000). This excludes travel costs for auditors who conduct the on-site inspections.

As of 2025, over 50 business units (manufacturers and distributors) from countries such as the USA, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and South Korea have already received approval from the Ministry of Agriculture. These include both large multinational corporations and specialized premium brands. 

International Brands	Local Brands
– Nestlé Purina (Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Friskies) – Mars Inc (Royal Canin, Whiskas, Pedigree, IAMS, Eukanuba) – Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Science Diet, Prescription Diet) – Other brands: Farmina, Wellness Pet Company (e.g., Wellness, Holistic Select), Nutro Choice/Nutro Source, Black Hawk, Acana/Orijen (Champion Petfoods), Kit Cat, Me-OSmartHeart	– Bolt – Pawprints – Feli Cat – Vittamax – My DearCPPETINDO (Cleo, Catties Care, Chester, Kitchen Flavor, Nature Bridge, Rocco) – PT Realpower Nutrition Indonesia (Real Nature Well-Balanced) – Godoggie Indonesia – Wuffpack  – Nutricell Petcare Indonesia

2. Obtaining the Veterinary Control Number (NKV)

To import and store pet food in Indonesia, you must secure a Veterinary Control Number (Nomor Kontrol Veteriner – NKV). This certification confirms that the storage facilities meet national standards for hygiene, sanitation, biosecurity, and animal welfare.

The audit process may take up to 2–3 months. The NKV is a prerequisite for submitting future importation documents, including recommendations and licenses. Here’s what you need to obtain an NKV: 

• Administrative Requirements:
  • Submission of identification documents of the business owner or company.
  • Valid business licenses related to animal product handling.
  • A recommendation letter from the local government authority.
• Technical Requirements:
  • Physical infrastructure that meets hygiene and sanitation standards.
  • Adequate veterinary staffing and qualified personnel.
  • Implementation of proper sanitation, biosecurity measures, and animal welfare protocols within the facility. 

3. Applying for a Pet Food Import Recommendation

Once the importer has secured NKV certification, the next step is to apply for a Recommendation of Pet Food Importation from Kementan. This document verifies that the importer has met all the conditions necessary for entry into Indonesia. It is valid for 6 months and processed via the SIMREK portal with the following documents: 

• Company business license 
• Tax ID (NPWP)
• Veterinary Certificate
• Halal Certificate (if applicable)
• Product images and labeling
• Lab analysis reports and certificate of origin
• Storage facility certificate (NKV)

Documents must be verified in person by presenting original versions at the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health. Processing time for NKV is approximately 14 business days from the date of complete submission. You would also need to pay a IDR 200,000 per recommendation document. Once approved, you would need to pay IDR 200  per kilogram of imported pet food.

4. Import Approval from the Ministry of Trade

With the import recommendation in hand, the importer can now apply for a formal Import Approval (Persetujuan Impor) from the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag). This document is the final approval needed before goods can legally enter Indonesian territory and is essential for customs clearance. 

Applications are submitted to the INATRADE platform and requires the following: 

• Valid Importer Identification Number (NIB) with API-U (general importer) or API-P (producer importer) status.
• Import Declaration detailing the goods to be imported.
• Evidence of registered storage facilities suitable for the imported product’s characteristics (such as NKV certification for pet food storage).
• Relevant recommendations or permits from other ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture or Ministry of Environment and Forestry, if applicable.
• Other supporting documents as specified by the Ministry of Trade depending on the product category.

If all documents are in order, approval is typically issued within 2 business days.

Additional Compliance and Operational Requirements

Labeling and Packaging Standards

All imported pet food must be labeled in Bahasa Indonesia and English. Labels should include key product details such as origin, manufacturer name, batch number, expiration date, halal status, and the statement: “Only for Pet Food Use.”

Packaging must be sealed at the country of origin and made from safe, non-toxic materials. This ensures both safety during transport and compliance with Indonesian packaging regulations.

Storage and Logistics

Pet food must be stored in facilities that have received NKV certification. Depending on the product type (e.g., wet food, raw ingredients), cold storage might be required. Transport must comply with quarantine and halal segregation rules, meaning halal and non-halal products cannot be transported in the same container. Logistics operations should preserve product integrity, controlling temperature and preventing exposure to pests or contaminants during transport and warehousing.

Disease Control and Quarantine

Pet food must originate from countries and facilities recognized by Indonesian authorities as free from infectious diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Avian Influenza, and African Swine Fever. Documentation must confirm this status. Upon arrival, pet food will undergo quarantine inspections to ensure compliance with these health standards. Packages must be sealed by authorized officials in the country of origin and inspected by Indonesian animal quarantine officers upon arrival to prevent introduction of animal diseases. 

Monthly Reporting Requirements

Importers must report their import realization every month to the Ministry of Agriculture. This includes sending a copy of their Import Declaration (PIB). These reports support ongoing monitoring of imported pet food products and help authorities ensure continuous compliance with Indonesian standards. Failure to comply may result in revocation of import rights.

How Long Does the Full Import Process Take?

Be prepared for a lengthy process. From beginning to end, successfully setting up to import pet food into Indonesia can take 12 to 36 months. The initial approval of the country and manufacturing facility (FBU) is the most time-consuming part.

Given the long timeline and complexity of pet food import approval process in Indonesia, you may consider outsourcing your product manufacturing (OEM) with either: 

1. An already registered FBU in Indonesia:  allows you to begin importing while your own facility and business unit process the full approval and registration process
2. Indonesian Pet Food Manufacturing Company

With our extensive network, Emerhub can help you connect with Indonesian OEM pet food manufacturers. We can help vet and identify suitable partners that comply with Indonesian standards.

To discuss your needs and plans with our experts, fill out the form below. We will reach out to discuss your needs and how we can help you set up your import operations in Indonesia.