InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — Indonesia has taken a major step toward strengthening sustainability oversight in downstream palm oil industries with the issuance of Minister of Industry Regulation No. 38/2025. Signed on 3 November by Minister Agus Gumiwang, the new rule requires all licensed downstream palm oil companies—from cooking oil producers to oleochemical manufacturers—to obtain ISPO certification.

Under the regulation, ISPO certificates are valid for five years and must include company identity, geo-location of production sites, supply chain models, product lists, and an electronic mark linked to certification data. Companies must also display the ISPO logo and electronic code on product packaging.

Administrative sanctions range from written warnings to fines and temporary business suspension.

Appeals, Complaints, and Special Audits

The regulation details procedures for appeals and complaints, which must be processed by ISPO certification bodies within 30 working days. Special audits may be conducted on request from government officials or in response to public complaints, especially when significant changes occur in production capacity or supply chain systems.

According to Lila Harsyah Bakhtiar, Director of the Downstream Chemistry, Oleochemicals, and Feed Industry, these mechanisms are vital to ensuring certification integrity.

“This process ensures transparency and accountability at every stage,” Lila said during a public consultation in Pekanbaru.

The government believes the new regulation will enhance traceability and competitiveness as global markets demand higher sustainability standards. (T2)