Mandatory SNI certification for children’s toys in Indonesia: Definition, Legal Basis, and Purpose

What Businesses Need to Know About Mandatory SNI for Children’s Toys

SNI certification for children’s toys in Indonesia

The Indonesian government has established strict regulations regarding children’s toys to ensure safety, consumer protection, and fair business practices. One of the most important requirements for businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or distributing children’s toys is compliance with Mandatory Indonesian National Standards (SNI). Understanding what qualifies as a children’s toy, the legal foundation behind mandatory SNI enforcement, and the objectives of this regulation is essential for any business entering or operating in the Indonesian market.

This article explains the definition of children’s toys, the legal basis for mandatory SNI, and the purpose of its enforcement, as regulated by the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia.

Definition of Children’s Toys

The definition of children’s toys in Indonesia is strictly regulated by the government. A product is categorized as a children’s toy if it is designed or clearly intended for use by children aged 14 years and under. This definition is not limited to conventional toys, but applies broadly to any product or material that is intended, functionally or visually, for children within this age range.

This provision is stipulated in Regulation of the Minister of Industry No. 111/M-IND/PER/12/2015, which clearly states that mandatory SNI requirements for children’s toys apply to products intended for children aged 14 and under. As a result, the determination of whether a product is classified as a children’s toy does not rely solely on written claims or labels, but also on the product’s design, intended use, appearance, and market positioning.

Because of this broad definition, manufacturers and importers must be cautious when determining product classification. Any product that falls under this category is subject to mandatory SNI certification before it can be legally distributed in Indonesia.

Legal Basis for Mandatory SNI Enforcement

The mandatory implementation of SNI for children’s toys is supported by a strong and well-established legal framework. The requirement is not based on a single regulation, but on a series of ministerial regulations that reinforce and refine the enforcement of SNI over time.

The key legal bases for mandatory SNI implementation for children’s toys include:

• Regulation of the Minister of Industry No. 55/M-IND/PER/11/2013, which governs the mandatory implementation of Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for toys.

• Regulation of the Minister of Industry No. 18/M-IND/PER/4/2014, which amends previous regulations related to the mandatory application of SNI.

• Ministerial Regulation No. 29/M-IND/PER/10/2018, which constitutes the third amendment to Regulation of the Minister of Industry No. 24/M-IND/PER/4/2013 concerning the mandatory implementation of SNI.

These regulations collectively form the legal backbone for enforcing SNI compliance. They demonstrate the government’s long-term commitment to regulating children’s toys and ensuring that products circulating in the market meet national safety and quality standards. As these regulations have been updated and amended multiple times, businesses cannot claim lack of awareness as a defense against non-compliance.

Purpose of Mandatory SNI Enforcement

The enforcement of mandatory SNI for children’s toys serves several critical objectives that go beyond product standardization. These objectives are designed to protect multiple stakeholders, including consumers, businesses, and the wider public.

The primary purposes of enforcing mandatory SNI for children’s toys are as follows:

• Providing protection for consumers, businesses, and the general public, particularly in terms of health, safety, security, and environmental sustainability. Children are considered a vulnerable consumer group, and toy safety is therefore a regulatory priority.

• Improving the efficiency and competitiveness of domestic industries, enabling Indonesian manufacturers to compete more effectively in both domestic and international markets by adhering to recognized quality and safety standards.

• Creating healthy and transparent business competition, ensuring that all market participants comply with the same technical and safety requirements. This helps prevent unfair competition caused by substandard or unsafe products.

• Encouraging innovation and increasing business certainty, as clear standards provide businesses with predictable regulatory requirements and reduce legal and operational risks.

Through mandatory SNI enforcement, the government aims to establish a safer marketplace, strengthen industry performance, and provide long-term certainty for businesses that comply with applicable regulations.

Mandatory SNI certification for children’s toys in Indonesia is not optional. It is a legal requirement grounded in clear definitions, supported by strong regulatory foundations, and enforced to achieve comprehensive safety, economic, and business objectives. Any company involved in the production, importation, or distribution of children’s toys must fully understand these requirements to ensure compliance and maintain uninterrupted access to the Indonesian market.

SNI Standards for Children's Toys >>

Contributor: Irwan Mardiansyah