SNI Violations in E-Commerce: Avoid IDR 5 Billion Fines with 5 Compliance Steps for Foreign Companies
Table of Contents
- What is SNI and Why Does It Matter for E-Commerce?
- SNI Violations: IDR 5 Billion Fines for Non-Compliant Foreign Companies
- 5 Steps to Ensure SNI Compliance for E-Commerce Products
- Case Study: How a Foreign Retailer Faced IDR 3.2 Billion in Fines
- Legal Implications and Enforcement by Indonesian Authorities
- Tools and Resources for SNI Certification
- How Documenta.id Simplifies SNI Compliance for Foreign Businesses
- Final Takeaways to Avoid Costly Penalties
1. What is SNI and Why Does It Matter for E-Commerce?
The Indonesian National Standard (SNI) is a mandatory certification ensuring products meet safety, quality, and environmental requirements. Governed by the National Standardization Agency (BSN), SNI applies to 127 product categories, including electronics, toys, and construction materials.
For e-commerce, SNI compliance is critical because:
- Consumer Protection: Ensures products sold online are safe for Indonesian users.
- Market Access: Non-compliant goods can be banned from platforms like Tokopedia, Shopee, or Lazada.
- Legal Requirement: Violators face fines up to IDR 5 billion (approx. $320,000) under Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 50/2020.
Alt text: SNI Compliance for E-Commerce Products in Indonesia
2. SNI Violations: IDR 5 Billion Fines for Non-Compliant Foreign Companies
Foreign companies selling non-SNI-certified products in Indonesia’s e-commerce market risk:
- Fines of IDR 1–5 billion per violation.
- Product confiscation and destruction.
- Blacklisting from major e-commerce platforms.
Recent Enforcement: In 2023, Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade blocked 1,200 non-compliant foreign products on Shopee and Tokopedia, emphasizing stricter SNI enforcement.
3. 5 Steps to Ensure SNI Compliance for E-Commerce Products
Step 1: Identify SNI Requirements for Your Product
Check the BSN Product Certification List to see if your product category requires SNI.
Step 2: Partner with a Local Representative
Foreign companies must appoint an Indonesian Authorized Representative (IPFR) to handle SNI certification.
Step 3: Submit Product Samples for Testing
Work with BSN-accredited labs (e.g., Sucofindo, Surveyor Indonesia) to test product safety and quality.
Step 4: Obtain SNI Certification
Submit test results and factory audit reports to BSN. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.
Step 5: Label Products Correctly
Affix the SNI mark and QR code to packaging before listing on e-commerce platforms.
4. Case Study: How a Foreign Retailer Faced IDR 3.2 Billion in Fines
A Chinese electronics seller on Shopee was fined IDR 3.2 billion in 2023 for:
- Selling uncertified power banks without SNI marks.
- Failing to appoint an IPFR for compliance.
- Ignoring warnings from the Ministry of Trade.
Outcome: Products were removed, and the seller was banned from Indonesian e-commerce for 2 years.
5. Legal Implications and Enforcement by Indonesian Authorities
- Ministry of Trade: Conducts market surveillance and issues fines.
- BSN: Manages certification and updates SNI standards.
- Customs: Blocks non-compliant imports at ports.
Pro Tip: Use the Inatrade portal to verify SNI requirements before importing goods.
6. Tools and Resources for SNI Certification
- BSN’s Layanan Informasi SNI: Free online database for SNI standards.
- Sucofindo: Accredited testing and certification services.
- Documenta.id’s Compliance Checklist: Step-by-step SNI guide for foreign businesses.
7. How Documenta.id Simplifies SNI Compliance for Foreign Businesses
Avoid fines and operational delays with Documenta.id’s tailored solutions:
- IPFR Representation: Act as your local liaison for SNI certification.
- Product Testing Coordination: Partner with accredited labs for fast approvals.
- Customs Clearance Support: Ensure smooth entry of SNI-compliant goods.
👉 Ensure SNI Compliance—Partner with Documenta.id Now
8. Final Takeaways to Avoid Costly Penalties
- SNI compliance is non-negotiable for e-commerce success in Indonesia.
- Proactive certification prevents fines, bans, and reputational damage.
- Collaborate with experts like Documenta.id to navigate complex regulations.
Need Assistance?
📞 Call +62 851-8322-7997 or 📧halo@documenta.id for a free consultation
Still confused about SNI?
Click the Button on the right to Ask the Documenta Team
