Indonesia Ministry of Industry clarifies water gallon sanitation standards

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has clarified the distinctions between branded reusable bottled water (AMDK) gallons and refillable water depot (DAMIU) gallons regarding sanitation and safety standards.

Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, Director of Beverage, Tobacco, and Refreshment Industries, stated that branded AMDK gallons are part of a controlled production system. These containers must undergo rigorous inspection, washing, sanitation, and quality control at the factory before reuse. Any gallon failing to meet standards is removed from circulation to be destroyed or recycled. Furthermore, AMDK products are subject to mandatory Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and regular surveillance audits.

In contrast, DAMIU gallons are typically brought by consumers to local depots, where they are rinsed or cleaned on-site. Because these containers are managed by consumers, their material history, age, and condition vary more widely. The Ministry emphasized that packaging materials for both types must comply with BPOM Regulation Number 20 of 2019 concerning food contact materials to ensure consumer safety.