The majority of problematic cosmetics are sold online, BPOM strengthens cyber intelligence

Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar. (Teddy VOI)

JAKARTA - The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency has tightened supervision of the sale of cosmetics online. This step was taken because most of the products that violated the provisions were found to be circulating through online channels.

Head of BPOM Taruna Ikrar said supervision was no longer solely relying on product inspections in the field. BPOM also increased intelligence work and cyber security capabilities to track problematic cosmetic trade.

"We will increase intelligence and cyber security to monitor everything that is done, including those sold online," said Taruna at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 15.

According to Taruna, online sales are the main channel for the circulation of products that do not meet the provisions.

"Indeed, the majority of those who violate this are selling online," he said.

BPOM also increased education to the public and took action against business actors who sold dangerous products.

Taruna said his agency had made decisions on a number of problematic cosmetics in accordance with standards and provisions. However, he did not specify the number of products, brands, or business actors who had been taken action.

"BPOM has made a decision in accordance with existing standards and we have implemented it so far," he said.

Online surveillance is more complicated because sellers can switch accounts, change product names, or open new stores in a short time. Therefore, increased cyber capabilities are needed so that enforcement is not always behind the sales pattern.

Taruna emphasized that supervision would be carried out through three channels at once, namely education, enforcement, and digital monitoring.

BPOM also asked the public to be more careful when buying cosmetics through the internet, especially products that do not have a clear distribution permit.