BPOM head Taruna Ikrar revealed that during operations carried out from October to November, a total of 235 types of cosmetics were seized in several cities, including Banten, West Java, Central Java, and East Java.
"The goods were confiscated for destruction. We also took legal action against distributors and business actors selling these products illegally," he said at a press conference on Monday.
According to Ikrar, the products were brought into Indonesia illegally, and most contained harmful ingredients such as mercury, Rhodamine B, hydroquinone, and tretinoin.
The cosmetics were sold under brand names, including Lameila, Aechun Beauty, Wnp'l, Mila Color, 2099, Xixi, Jiopoian, Svmy, Tanako, and Anylady.
Ikrar said that BPOM’s investigation revealed the products originated from China, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They were smuggled into Indonesia through illegal ports and promoted via social media.
"Most were imported products marketed through social media. Some were imported legally but sold illegally as they lacked official permits," he explained.
He noted that the discovery of illegal cosmetics was concentrated in Solo, Semarang, Bandung, and Cimahi, where products worth Rp4.9 billion were seized.
Ikrar emphasized BPOM’s commitment to dismantling the illegal cosmetics supply chain in collaboration with related ministries and the police.
These efforts aim to protect public health, ensure fair competition among producers, and prevent state revenue losses caused by illegal trade.
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Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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