BPOM Tightens BPA Limits 12x Lower, Reusable Gallon Containers Under Scrutiny
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) is strengthening consumer protection by tightening the migration limits of Bisphenol A (BPA) allowed to transfer from packaging to food or beverages. Under BPOM Regulation Number 11 of 2026, the BPA limit for polycarbonate plastic packaging—a type of hard plastic—has been set at 0.05 milligrams per kilogram, significantly stricter than the previous limit of 0.6 milligrams per kilogram.
This provision is particularly relevant to the public using reusable water gallons as daily drinking water containers, as BPA is a key ingredient used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate-based reusable gallons. Consequently, the migration of BPA from packaging has become a regulated aspect to ensure food and beverage safety. Migration refers to the transfer of chemical substances from packaging to food or drink. For reusable plastic packaging, such as water gallons, the new regulation also mandates that substance transfer testing be conducted three times.
Head of BPOM, Taruna Ikrar, stated that the regulatory change follows developments in food safety and global regulations. “BPOM is reviewing the maximum BPA migration limits in accordance with global safety and regulatory developments. The changes to the maximum BPA migration requirements are now established in BPOM Regulation Number 11 of 2026 concerning Food Packaging,” Taruna said in a written interview last week.
With the new limit, the amount of BPA permitted to migrate from packaging into water or food is much smaller. This change demonstrates that packaging safety standards are continuously updated alongside scientific progress. For consumers, the implementation of these standards is a vital part of ensuring that consumed food and beverages meet applicable safety requirements.
The Chairman of the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN), Muhammad Mufti Mubarok, appreciated BPOM’s move to tighten BPA regulations. According to him, regulations must continuously adapt to scientific advancements and the needs of public protection.
“This is a positive step,” said Mufti.
According to Mufti, the success of the new regulation is not determined solely by the BPA limit figure. Inspections and enforcement against violations in the field must also be carried out so that the benefits of the regulation are truly felt by consumers.
“BPKN identifies at least four aspects that need strengthening: periodic laboratory testing, transparency of supervision results, monitoring of circulating products, and mechanisms for handling complaints and product recalls if violations are found,” he added.
The new regulation also provides special protection for infants and children under the age of three. The use of BPA is prohibited in the production of bottles and plastic products that come into direct contact with food or beverages for this age group.
Responding to the plan for phased implementation until 1 July 2031, BPKN believes this period should be utilised by producers, testing laboratories, and regulators to prepare. “These five years must serve as an accelerated period for improvement,” said Mufti.
This change in BPA regulations demonstrates BPOM’s efforts to enhance the safety of food and beverage packaging. The implementation of stricter migration limits, accompanied by consistent testing and supervision, is a crucial part of ensuring effective consumer protection.