In 2025, SNI certification is no longer optional for entering the Indonesian market—it’s a mandatory requirement. This year, Indonesia has added 26 new product categories to the mandatory SNI list, while tightening entry thresholds and compliance inspections. Many businesses spend months preparing, only to get stuck on R Mark applications or incorrect testing paths, missing out on orders.

1.Two Core Thresholds for 2025 SNI Certification

Many certification processes stall at the first step due to a lack of understanding of 2025’s mandatory entry requirements. Both are non-negotiable—prepare in advance:

A.Indonesian Registered Trademark (R Mark): TM Mark is No Longer Sufficient

Under 2025’s official rules, the core prerequisite for SNI certification is an R Mark certificate issued by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). A trademark application receipt (TM Mark) only allows initial document submission—final approval and certification require the official R Mark.

Recommendations for trademark registration:

·Start the application 6-9 months in advance. Indonesian trademark registration takes 5-8 months.

·Ensure the trademark class matches the certified product—cross-class applications are not accepted.

·Application materials must include Indonesian translations, notarized by a local Indonesian notary.

B.Indonesian Local Representative + Physical Warehouse: Both Are Mandatory

Foreign manufacturers must appoint a qualified Indonesian local company as their official representative, with a physical warehouse in Indonesia (virtual or affiliated addresses are rejected).

Key considerations when selecting a local representative:

·Request proof of the representative’s business license and warehouse rental contract.

·Clarify responsibilities in the agency agreement to avoid delays due to poor communication during audits.

  2.Core Benefit: 2025 China-Indonesia MRA—A “Fast Track” for Chinese Enterprises

This is the biggest change in 2025’s SNI certification—and a unique advantage for Chinese businesses. The outdated “must test in Indonesian labs” rule is obsolete: Using the China-Indonesia Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) path cuts time by 50% and costs by 30%.

A.Core Value of the MRA: Test in China, Accepted in Indonesia

The 2025 China-Indonesia MRA allows Chinese enterprises to complete testing at domestic accredited labs via officially authorized agencies like the China Quality Certification Center (CQC). Test reports are directly accepted by Indonesia’s BSN—no duplicate testing in Indonesia is required.

B.Step-by-Step MRA Path (CQC Example)

·Submit an application to CQC, specifying the product category and corresponding SNI standard (e.g., electrical products must comply with SNI IEC 62368-1:2024).

·Provide required materials: Product specifications, notarized Indonesian-translated business license, R Mark certificate, and local representative proof.

·Send samples to a domestic accredited lab for testing, focusing on new SNI test items (e.g., overcharge protection testing for batteries).

·Upon test completion, CQC issues an MRA test report and submits it to Indonesia’s BSN.

·BSN reviews the report and materials—no additional testing is required. The process proceeds directly to the factory audit.

  3.2025 SNI Certification Full Process: Avoid Rework with Attention to Details

Regardless of the path chosen, the core certification process consists of 4 steps. Success depends on mastering details to prevent delays:

Step 1:Document Preparation (3-5 Weeks) – Submit Complete Materials to Avoid Supplements

In addition to the R Mark and local representative proof, key materials include:

·Notarized Indonesian-translated business license.

·Product specifications (must include the latest corresponding SNI standard number).

·6 product photos (front, side, nameplate, laser-engraved model—sticker models are not accepted).

·Environmental compliance statement (new in 2025, issued by an Indonesian-accredited environmental agency).

·ISO 9001 or equivalent quality management system certificate.

Pro Tip: Have CQC or your agent pre-review materials to verify standard numbers and translation accuracy. Each material supplement delays the process by 3-5 days.

Step 2:Sample Testing (4-8 Weeks) – Pre-Testing is Critical

Test timeline variability depends on “whether samples pass on the first try”:

·Sample Quantity: One more sample than in 2024. For example, small household appliances require 3 samples (2 for testing, 1 for retention).

·Pre-Testing Recommendation: Request a pre-test checklist from the lab and adjust product parameters (e.g., battery overcharge protection thresholds) to reduce rework.

·Key Note: Test reports must explicitly state “complies with China-Indonesia MRA requirements”—otherwise, they will not be accepted by BSN.

Step 3:Factory Audit (2-3 Weeks) – Focus on Supply Chain Traceability

In 2025, audit focus has expanded to supply chain management. Auditors will verify:

·Raw Material Traceability: Purchase documents for raw materials from the past 3 months and upstream supplier qualifications.

·Quality Records: Factory inspection records for products from the past month, including specific test data (e.g., “1500V voltage resistance test, no breakdown for 30 seconds”).

·Production Processes: Compliance with SNI standards. Employees must be familiar with key test procedures.

Prepare 1 week before the audit: Organize traceability materials, train employees, and clean the production site. “Inadequate management” leads to rework (1-2 weeks).

Step 4: Approval & Certification Issuance (2-3 Weeks) – No Official Expedited Service, Avoid Holidays

BSN explicitly does not offer paid expedited approval. Timeline depends on:

·Document Completeness: Faster approval with no missing materials.

·Auditor Scheduling: Limited monthly audit resources—book 1 month in advance.

·Holiday Avoidance: Approval delays by 1 month around Eid al-Fitr—plan accordingly.

After certification issuance, the SNI mark and certificate number must be laser-engraved on the product nameplate—otherwise, customs inspections may reject the product.

  4.Certificate Maintenance: 3-4 Year “Dynamic Validity” – Annual Audits Are Mandatory

In 2025, SNI COC certificate validity is not a fixed 1 year—it ranges from 3-4 years by product category (e.g., 4 years for audio-visual equipment, 3 years for building materials). However, validity is maintained through annual surveillance audits:

A.Core Annual Audit Requirements

·Frequency: Once every 12 months after certification issuance.

·Audit Content: Product consistency, quality management system operation, and raw material traceability records.

·Consequences of Failure: Certificate suspension—products cannot be sold in Indonesia until rectification and re-audit are completed.

B.Annual Audit Preparation Strategy

·Organize annual quality records and raw material purchase documents 1 month in advance.

·Conduct self-inspections of production processes to ensure consistency with certification standards.

·Update time-sensitive materials (e.g., environmental compliance statements).

  5.2025 Pitfall Guide: Avoid These Mistakes

-Beware of “Paid Expedited” Scams: Claims of BSN expedited approval are fraudulent—do not fall for them.

-Do Not Use TM Marks for Final Application: Wait for the R Mark to avoid wasted effort.

-Choose MRA-Accredited Labs: Reports from non-accredited domestic labs are not accepted by BSN—this wastes time and money.

-Do Not Ignore Annual Audits: Missing an audit leads to immediate certificate suspension—reactivation costs are higher than maintenance fees.

Contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 for professional certification consulting.