Manufacturers must be aware of the importance of SNI exemption letters. This is one of the mandatory requirements for products that fall under the mandatory SNI classification but are outside the scope of mandatory SNI for trade in Indonesia.
Products that fall under the mandatory SNI classification must, of course, undergo the SNI certification process. However, not all types of products must be certified. There are types of products that fall outside the mandatory SNI scope. Therefore, guidance on the SNI exemption letter for marketing these products is very important.
The SNI exemption letter is a compliance instrument that must be adhered to by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. By understanding the complete guidelines for this process, your products can be legally marketed and used in Indonesia.
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What is an SNI Exemption Letter?
The Indonesian National Standard (SNI) exemption letter is regulated by the Ministry of Industry in Regulation of the Director General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics (ILMATE) No. 4 of 2025.
This regulation stipulates the provisions and procedures for issuing exemption letters from the application of Indonesian National Standards for electronic products.
Products under ILMATE covered by Dimulti Indonesia are audio-video, household electronic products, and primary batteries. These three product categories fall under the Directorate General of Electronics and Telecommunications Industry (IET).
The mandatory application of SNI for these products can be exempted if the products have their own standards and a scope that differs from SNI-mandatory products.
For example, inSNI certification for audio-video products, active speakers are classified as SNI-mandatory products. This means that all types of speaker products that are not classified as active speakers, such as passive speakers, can apply for an SNI exemption letter.
Exemption from SNI requirements is evidenced by the possession of an SNI exemption letter issued by the Ministry of Industry.
The Products Out of Scope of SNI Mandatory
Importers may apply for an SNI exemption letter if the audio-video products, household electronic products, and primary battery products to be imported are outside the scope of SNI mandatory products.
The following are several criteria for audio-video products, household electronic products, and primary batteries that have a different scope from SNI mandatory products.
Audio-video products
| Products | HS code | Description | Within the scope of the SNI mandatory | Out of the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| Active speaker | 8518.21.10 | Type of box speakers | Active speakers, stand alone and are not part of or a component of other products | Apart from active speakers, which are regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| 8518.21.90 | Others | |||
| 8518.22.10 | Type of box speakers | |||
| 8518.22.90 | Others | |||
| 8518.29.90 | Others | |||
| DVD and Blu-ray disc player | 8521.90.19 | Others | DVD players and Blu-ray disc players, including DVD combinations and combinations with Blu-ray players, which are stand-alone and are not part of or components of other products | Apart from DVD players and Blu-ray disc players that are regulated within the scope of SNI, mandatory Network video recorder (NVR), Digital video recorder (DVR) |
| 8521.90.99 | Others | |||
| Car head unit | 8527.21.00 | Combined with a sound recording or producing apparatus | Car head units include cassette players, optical discs, and other digital audio and video formats | Apart from car head units that are regulated within the scope of SNI mandatory, car head units installed in cars and imported as a whole car |
| 8527.29.00 | Others | |||
| Set-top box | 8528.71.11 | Operated by electricity | Set-top boxes for television sets include digital receivers for satellite, terrestrial, and cable | Apart from set-top boxes that are regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| Television | 8528.72.92 | Liquid crystal device (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), and other types of flat screen panels | Liquid crystal device (LCD) or cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions with screen sizes up to 55 inches | In accordance with the scope of the mandatory Indonesian National Standard (SNI), televisions must be of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED), quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), quantum nano light-emitting diode (QLED), and mini light-emitting diode (mini LED) types. |
| 8528.72.99 | Others |
Household electronic products
| Products | HS code | Description | Within the scope of the SNI mandatory | Out of the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| Air conditioner | 8415.10.20 | With a cooling capacity not exceeding 21.10 kW | Split air conditioners, including multisplit, window, and/or portable, with a cooling capacity of up to 3 PK (2700 BTU/h or 7913 Watts) and a rated electrical voltage of no more than 250 V | 1) Apart from air conditioners, which are regulated in the scope of the SNI mandatory 2) Evaporator air cooler 3) Floor-standing type air conditioner 4) Cassette, ducting, suspended-type air conditioner 5) Variable refrigerant flow |
| Refrigerator | 8418.10.31 | Household type, with a capacity not exceeding 230 l | Refrigerator and electric freezer with gross volume not more than 400 liters and electrical voltage not more than 250 V, including a vertical showcase | 1) Apart from refrigerators and electric freezers regulated in the scope of SNI mandatory 2) Showcases other than vertical types |
| 8418.10.32 | Household type, with a capacity not exceeding 230 l | |||
| 8418.10.91 | Display cases, display cases, and the like, equipped with a cooler with a capacity exceeding 200 l | |||
| 8418.10.99 | Others | |||
| 8418.21.10 | With a capacity not exceeding 230 l | |||
| 8418.21.90 | Others | |||
| 8418.30.10 | With a capacity not exceeding 200 l | |||
| 8418.30.90 | Others | |||
| 8418.40.10 | With a capacity not exceeding 200 l | |||
| 8418.40.90 | Others | |||
| 8418.50.19 | Others | |||
| 8418.50.99 | Others | |||
| Washing machine | 8450.11.10 | Has a dry linen capacity not exceeding 6 kg | Washing machine, either single tube or double tube, with a dry linen capacity of no more than 16 kg, with an electrical voltage of no more than 250 V | Apart from washing machines regulated in the scope of SNI, mandatory |
| 8450.11.90 | Others | |||
| 8450.12.10 | Has a dry linen capacity not exceeding 6 kg | |||
| 8450.12.90 | Others | |||
| 8450.19.11 | Has a dry linen capacity not exceeding 6 kg | |||
| 8450.19.19 | Others | |||
| 8450.20.00 | Machines with a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg | |||
| Electric blender, electric juicer, electric mixer, chopper, and food processor | 8509.40.00 | Food grinders and mixers, fruit or vegetable juice extractors | Electric blender, electric juicer, electric mixer, chopper, and food processor with an electrical voltage of no more than 250 V | 1) Apart from electric blenders, electric juicers, electric mixers, choppers, and food processorsare regulated in the scope of the SNI mandatory 2) Meat grinder 3) Coffee grinder |
| Water dispenser | 8516.10.11 | A water dispenser that is only equipped with a water heater, for household use | Water dispensers are only equipped with a water heating system, and water dispensers are equipped with a water heating and cooling system, including one that is integrated with a water purification unit with an electrical voltage of no more than 250 V. | 1) Apart from the water dispenser regulated in the scope of the SNI mandatory 2) Water heater |
| 8516.10.19 | Others | |||
| 8421.21.11 | Filtering machines and apparatus for household purposes | |||
| Immersion water heater | 8516.10.30 | Immersion water heater | Immersion water heater with electric voltage not more than 250 V | Apart from the immersion water heater regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| Submersible water pump | 8413.70.31 | With an inlet diameter not exceeding 200 mm | Submersible water pump for household and similar purposes, with an electrical voltage of no more than 250 V for a single phase, with an input electrical power of no more than 1500 watts, or a maximum pipe size of 1.5 inches | 1) Apart from submersible water pumps, regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory 2) Aquarium pumps 3) Garden pond pumps 4) Fountain push pumps 5) Mud pumps 6) Table fountain water pumps |
| Water pump | 8413.70.41 | With an inlet diameter not exceeding 200 mm, electrically operated | Water pumps with a liquid temperature not exceeding 90 C for household and similar purposes using an electrical voltage of no more than 250 V for a single phase with an electrical output power of no more than 1000 watts or a maximum depth of 50 meters, including vertical pumps and booster pumps. | Apart from water pumps regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| 8413.70.91 | With an inlet diameter not exceeding 200 mm | |||
| 8413.81.13 | Water pump with a flow rate not exceeding 8000 m3/hour, operated electrically | |||
| Electric and steam iron | 8516.40.90 | Others | Electric and steam irons, including those with a separate water reservoir or boiler with a capacity of not more than 5 liters, for household use with an electrical voltage of not more than 250 V using electrical power of not more than 100 watts. | 1) Apart from electric irons, which are regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory 2) Portable garment steamer (fabric steamer) |
| Rice cooker | 8516.60.10 | Rice cooker | Rice cookers with a volume of up to 3 liters or an input power of up to 100 watts, including rice cookers and warmers, and their combinations, which use the pressure working principle, including slow cookers | Apart from rice cookers regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| Electric kettle | 8516.79.10 | Kettle | Electric kettle with a rated capacity not exceeding 10 liters, including multi-purpose electric pans with an electric voltage of not more than 250 V | Apart from the electric kettle regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| 8516.79.90 | Others |
Primary battery products
| HS code | Description | Within the scope of the SNI mandatory | Out of the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| 8506.10.11 | Zinc-carbon | Primary batteries are included in SNI IEC 68006-1:2015 and SNI IEC 68006-2:2015 Category 1: R1, R03, R6P, R6S, R14P, R14S, R20P, R20S, LR8D425, LR1, LR03, LR6, LR14, LR20 Category 2: CR14250, CR15H270, CR17345, CR17450, BRI17335 Category 3: LR9, LR53, CR11108 Category 4: PR70, PR41, PR48, PR44, LR41, LR55, LR54, LR43, LR44, SR62, SR63, SR65, SR60, SR67, SR66, SR58, SR68, SR59, SR69, SR41, SR57, SR55, SR48, SR54, SR42, SR43, SR44, CR1025, CR1216, CR1220, CR1616, CR2012, CR1620, CR2016, CR2025, CR2320, CR2032, CR2330, CR2430, CR2354, CR3032, CR2450, BR1225, BR2016, BR2320, BR2325, BR3032 Category 5: R40, 4LR44, 2CR13252, 4SR44 Category 6: 3R12P, 3R12S, 3LR12, 4LR61, CR-P2, 2CR5, 2EP3863, 4R25X, 4LR25-2, 6AS4, 6AS6, 6F22, 6LR61, 6LP3146, 6F100 including primary batteries packaged together with other products other than primary batteries, and/or being part of other products other than primary batteries. | Apart from the primary battery, regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| 8506.10.12 | Alkaline | ||
| 8506.10.19 | Others | ||
| 8506.80.30 | Have an outer volume that does not exceed 300 cm3 | Primary batteries are included in SNI IEC 68006-1:2015 and SNI IEC 68006-2:2015 Category 1: R1, R03, R6P, R6S, R14P, R14S, R20P, R20S, LR8D425, LR1, LR03, LR6, LR14, LR20 Category 2: CR14250, CR15H270, CR17345, CR17450, BR17335 Category 3: LR9, LR53, CR11108 Category 4: PR70, PR41, PR48, PR44, LR41, LR55, LR54, LR43, LR44, SR62, SR63, SR65, SR60, SR67, SR66, SR58, SR68, SR59, SR69, SR41, SR57, SR55, SR48, SR54, SR42, SR43, SR44, CR1025, CR1216, CR1220, CR1616, CR2012, CR1620, CR2016, CR2025, CR2320, CR2032, CR2330, CR2430, CR2354, CR3032, CR2450, BR1225, BR2016, BR2016, BR2320, BR2325, BR3032 Category 5: R40, 4LR44, 2CR13252, 4SR44 Category 6: 3R12P, 3R12S, 3LR12, 4LR61, CR-P2, 2CR5, 2EP3863, 4R25X, 4LR25-2, 6AS4, 6AS6, 6F22, 6LR61, 6LP3146, 6F100 including primary batteries packaged together with other products other than primary batteries, and/or being part of other products other than primary batteries. | Apart from the primary battery, regulated within the scope of the SNI mandatory |
| 8506.80.90 | Others |
SNI Exemption Letter Process
Obtaining an SNI exemption letter involves a lengthy process. This process includes checking the HS Code, preparing a Product Certification Body (LSPro) assessment report, submitting documents through the National Industrial Information System (SIINas), and document verification by the authorities.
HS Code Checking
The first thing to do before applying for an SNI exemption letter is to check whether the product falls under the mandatory SNI category or the exemption category. This is an early screening of the product for which you want to apply for a permit.
If you use Dimulti Indonesia’s services, we will help you with this verification. Our team will conduct a basic verification based on the specifications and photos of the product you send us. Next, we will determine the LSPro for the SNI certification or exemption letter issuance process.
Preparation of the LSPro assessment report
LSPro will determine whether your audio-video, household electronic, or primary battery products are included in the SNI exemption. If the specification documents and product photos are deemed insufficient, LSPro will request samples for inspection. Although this rarely happens, it is still a possibility.
Once it is confirmed that the product falls under the specifications that require an SNI exemption letter, an LSPro assessment report will be prepared. The process of checking the product until the assessment report is issued takes about one week.
Based on regulations, there are several LSPro that can be used for audio-video products, household electronics, or primary batteries. The appointed LSPro can issue an LSPro assessment report for the purpose of applying for an SNI exemption letter.
LSPro for audio-video products
- Baristand Surabaya
- B4T Bandung
- BSPJI Jakarta
- Qualis Indonesia
- Vertex Global Indonesia
- UL International Indonesia
- TUV Rheinland Indonesia
- SUCOFINDO
LSPro for household electronic products
- Baristand Surabaya
- B4T Bandung
- BSPJI Jakarta
- LSPro PPMB
- Vertex Global Indonesia
- Qualis Indonesia
- SUCOFINDO
- TUV Rheinland Indonesia
LSPro for the primary battery product
- Domestically produced products: B4T Bandung, LSPro PPMB, SUCOFINDO, and Baristand Surabaya
- Imported products: BSPJI Jakarta
Submit document
After receiving the LSPro assessment report, you need to apply to the Ministry of Industry. The SNI exemption letter application is submitted electronically through the SIINas system. Of course, you will need to upload other required documents. You can visit https://siinas.kemenperin.go.id/ to upload all documents.
If you do not have a SIINas account, you need to create one first. However, if you already have an account, you only need to fill in the data and upload all the required documents.
Required data to be filled in:
- HS code number
- Type of products
- Brand of products
- Specification of products
- Purpose of use
- Import period or production period
- Port of origin and port of destination
Required documents
- Application letter for issuance of SNI exemption letter
- Business licensing documents
- Statement letter
- Product photos on at least 4 sides
- Product brochure for finished products
- Brand certificate
- LSPro assessment report
Issuance of SNI exemption letter
After all the required data and documents have been submitted, there will be a verification process carried out by the Ministry of Industry. The verification process until the certificate is issued takes approximately three to four weeks.
If the documents are complete, there should be no failure in this verification process. Therefore, it is important to ensure and prepare the required data and documents when submitting the SNI exemption letter application.
This letter is only valid until the end of the year in which it is issued. For example, if the letter is issued in March 2026, it will be valid for nine months until the end of December 2026. If the letter is issued in October 2026, it will still only be valid until December 2026.
The following is an example of an SNI exemption letter:
Reporting obligations
The issuance of an SNI exemption letter does not mean that the process is complete. You are required to report actual imports through the SIINas system. Actual import reports must be submitted at least once a month.
This reporting obligation is not without consequences. Foreign brands must report actual imports, and domestic brands must report actual production. Those who fail to report actual figures will be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of rejection of SNI exemption letter applications for the following year.
SNI Certification Management Services
Do you find SNI exemption letters for audio-video, household, and primary batteries difficult to manage? Perhaps, especially considering the lengthy process involved. However, this can be simplified by choosing the right SNI certification management service.
Dimulti Indonesia, as a provider of SNI certification services for audio-video and exemption letters for audio-video, household, and primary batteries, is ready to help meet your needs. We are ready to be a partner for local and foreign manufacturers who are unfamiliar with the SNI certification and exemption process.
We will assist you throughout the entire process. Starting from checking the HS code, determining and consulting with LSPro for the preparation of assessment reports, and submitting documents through SIINas. We will even provide guidance if you need assistance with reporting the results.
Thus, all issues related to the SNI exemption letter process for audio-video, household electronic, and primary battery products will be handled by our team of experts with over 15 years of experience. Our expertise in RF type approval ensures you can trust the quality of our work.
