Why an AKD Distribution Permit Number Matters Before Buying a Medical Mask

Medical mask packaging usually lists a brand, quantity, filtration claim, expiration date, and a distribution permit number. Of all that information, the permit number is often overlooked because it doesn't stand out as much as "BFE 99%" or the layer count. Yet for consumers, clinics, companies, pharmacies, resellers, and procurement teams, that number is one of the first checkpoints before a product is bought.

An AKD distribution permit for a mask shows that a domestically produced medical device has been registered with the Ministry of Health's system for distribution in Indonesia. An AKD number isn't just packaging decoration, and it isn't a guarantee that every variant under a brand is automatically covered. Buyers need to match the number, product name, type, registrant, manufacturer, and permit status. This article covers what AKD means, how it differs from AKL, how to verify it, and the red flags to avoid.

What Is an AKD Distribution Permit Number?

AKD is the permit code for a domestically produced medical device (Alat Kesehatan Dalam Negeri). The Directorate General of Pharmacy and Medical Devices explains that a medical device distribution permit number consists of a prefix code and a string of digits. Domestically produced medical devices use the AKD prefix, while imported products use AKL.

The Ministry of Health provides an official database through e-Info Alkes dan PKRT to help the public check products, manufacturers, registrants, distributors, and the recorded permit status.

What the AKD prefix means

In practical terms:

• AK marks the medical device category;
• D marks a domestic product;
• the string of digits that follows is the product's specific permit identity.

The official FAQ from the Directorate General of Pharmacy and Medical Devices states that medical device and PKRT distribution permits use an 11-digit number with an AKD or PKD prefix for domestic products, and AKL or PKL for imported products. That's explained on the Ditjen Farmalkes FAQ page.

Are medical masks classified as medical devices?

A mask marketed as a medical mask falls under the medical device category and needs to follow the applicable registration requirements. Because of that, the product should carry a traceable permit identity.

This is different from a fashion mask or a non-medical face covering. Claims like "medical," "surgical," "BFE," or use in healthcare facilities need to be backed by the product's actual status and matching documentation.

"An AKD number isn't just a sign that a brand once registered something. Buyers need to confirm that number genuinely matches the name, type, manufacturer, and mask variant they're actually buying." — Fit-U Team

What's the Difference Between AKD and AKL?

AKD and AKL both relate to medical device distribution permits, but they mark a different production origin.

The domestic medical device list can be viewed on the official Domestic Medical Device Distribution Permit List page, while imported products are listed on the Foreign Medical Device Distribution Permit List.

AKD doesn't mean lower quality than AKL

The D and L prefixes mark production origin, not a quality ranking. An AKD product isn't automatically lower or higher quality than an AKL product.

Actual mask quality still needs to be assessed through:

• technical specification;
• test results;
• material quality;
• design and fit;
• consistency across batches;
• shelf life;
• packaging;
• the manufacturer's ability to maintain quality.

AKD tells you about distribution legality; performance needs to be read through other technical parameters.

Why Does a Distribution Permit Matter Before Buying a Mask?

It helps confirm the product is traceable

A distribution permit number links a product to official information about the product name, registrant, manufacturer, type, and permit status.

Traceability matters when there's:

• a quality complaint;
• a mismatch between the product and its packaging;
• a suspected counterfeit product;
• a need for a product recall;
• an internal inspection;
• a procurement audit;
• supplier verification.

A product with no clear identity is harder to trace when a problem comes up.

It reduces the risk of a false claim

The mask market is full of terms like medical grade, surgical, 3 ply, 4 ply, BFE 99%, KN95, or KF94. A distribution permit number helps buyers check whether the product is registered under a matching name and type.

That number doesn't automatically prove every piece of marketing material, but it's a solid starting point for further verification.

To understand filtration claims, read what BFE 99% means on a mask.

It supports procurement compliance

Clinics, hospitals, companies, schools, and pharmacies often need documentation before adding a product to their vendor list.

Documents that can be requested include:

• a copy of the distribution permit;
• a technical data sheet;
• test results;
• a certificate of analysis, if available;
• batch information;
• expiration date;
• manufacturer identity;
• distribution documents;
• an invoice or delivery note.

Verifying the distribution permit helps procurement teams avoid a product that only has a certificate photo with no matching data.

It helps consumers tell a legal medical device apart

The Ministry of Health calls e-Info Alkes the official platform for accessing registered products and monitoring permit status. That means consumers don't need to rely entirely on a seller's claim.

Checks can be run using the permit number, brand, product name, registrant, or manufacturer through the e-Info Alkes search page.

How to Check AKD With the Ministry of Health, Step by Step

1. Find the number on the packaging

Look for wording such as:

• Kemenkes RI AKD;
• Distribution permit number;
• NIE;
• Reg. No.;
• Registration number.

The number should be printed clearly and shouldn't be easily confused with a batch number, barcode, or production code.

2. Open the official e-Info Alkes site

Use the Ministry of Health's e-Info Alkes platform. Avoid checking through unofficial sites that just copy data without the latest status.

3. Enter the number or product name

You can search by:

• distribution permit number;
• product name;
• brand;
• registrant;
• manufacturer;
• distributor.

Searching by number usually gives the most specific result. If nothing comes up, try the product name and manufacturer.

4. Match every piece of information

Don't stop once a number shows up. Match:

• the distribution permit number;
• product name;
• type or variant;
• brand;
• registrant;
• manufacturer;
• permit status.

For example, a valid number for an adult earloop mask isn't necessarily valid for a children's duckbill or a KN95 from the same brand.

5. Check the permit status

The database can display a permit's status. Buyers need to confirm the permit is still current rather than relying on an old document photo alone.

For repeat purchases, verify periodically, since a product's status and registration data can change.

An Example of a Correct Check

Say a box shows an AKD number and claims "3-Ply Earloop Medical Mask."

A correct check doesn't stop at confirming the number exists — it compares:

If the search result shows a different product, a different variant, or a different manufacturer, pause the transaction and ask for clarification.

Red Flags for a Mask's Distribution Permit Number

Watch out for:

• the number isn't found on e-Info Alkes;
• the number is found, but under a different product name;
• the number belongs to a different brand;
• AKD is printed on an imported product with no explanation;
• the packaging only says "Kemenkes" with no number;
• the seller only provides a cropped screenshot;
• the number on the box differs from the document;
• one number is used for every variant;
• the manufacturer on the packaging doesn't match;
• the permit status was never checked;
• the number is hard to read or covered by a sticker;
• the seller refuses to provide a full packaging photo.

A red flag doesn't always mean a counterfeit product, but it needs to be verified before payment or distribution.

Does an AKD Number Guarantee a Mask Is Good Quality?

Not entirely. A distribution permit is an important part of a product's legality and registration, but actual quality is still shaped by production, storage, distribution, and how it's used.

A permitted product can still have issues if it's:

• stored under the wrong conditions;
• past its expiration date;
• in damaged packaging;
• exposed to moisture;
• counterfeited using a genuine number;
• degraded in quality through an unofficial source;
• mixed with a different batch.

Because of that, a distribution permit needs to be paired with a physical and document check.

Check the product's condition

Buyers need to check:

• the box seal;
• the sachet's condition;
• the straps;
• the nose wire;
• the layers;
• any unusual odor;
• the quantity;
• the batch number;
• the expiration date;
• consistency of the packaging print.

Buy through a traceable channel

Choose a supplier that provides company identity, an invoice, product documentation, and a complaints channel. A cheap price with no traceability can increase the buyer's risk.

How AKD Relates to Manufacturer and Distributor Certification

A distribution permit number applies to the product. Manufacturers and distributors, meanwhile, have their own facility requirements and quality-system standards.

The Ministry of Health provides a certification system for Good Manufacturing Practice and Good Distribution Practice for medical devices through the Medical Device Production and Distribution Facility Licensing portal.

B2B buyers can check:

• the product's distribution permit;
• manufacturer identity;
• the relevant manufacturing-practice certificate;
• the distributor's license;
• a good-distribution-practice certificate;
• warehouse suitability;
• traceability capability.

A product's permit and a facility's certification complement each other, but they aren't the same document.

How Procurement Can Manage AKD Data

Build a product master record

Store data on:

• product name;
• brand;
• AKD or AKL number;
• model;
• manufacturer;
• registrant;
• validity period or status;
• date last checked;
• supporting documents;
• approved suppliers.

Match on arrival

The receiving team needs to compare the goods against the purchase order and the master record. Don't just check the carton count.

Apply change control

Ask the supplier to notify you of any change to:

• the permit number;
• the manufacturer;
• materials;
• design;
• pack quantity;
• production location;
• test results;
• labeling;
• registration status.

A significant change needs to be evaluated before the product is distributed again.

Fit-U Product Links Worth Checking

Every product has its own identity and documentation. Because of that, buyers need to check the registration number for the exact variant being ordered.

Product pages worth using as a reference:

• Fit-U KF94 mask;
• Fit-U KN95 mask;
• Fit-U earloop medical mask;
• Fit-U duckbill mask;
• contact PT Mitra Blessindo Perkasa.

The actual distribution permit number should be matched against the packaging and the Ministry of Health's database, not just relied on from an article's information.

Checklist Before Buying a Medical Mask

Use the following checklist:

• The product lists an AKD or AKL number.
• The number is found on e-Info Alkes.
• The product name matches.
• The brand matches.
• The type or model matches.
• The manufacturer and registrant are traceable.
• The permit status has been checked.
• Technical documentation is available.
• Test results match the product model.
• A batch number is printed.
• The expiration date has adequate time left.
• The packaging is intact.
• The supplier provides an invoice.
• A complaints channel is available.
• The product received matches the purchase order.

FAQ About AKD Mask Distribution Permits

What does AKD mean on mask packaging?

AKD indicates a domestic medical device distribution permit registered with the Ministry of Health.

How do I check AKD with the Ministry of Health?

Enter the permit number or product name on the official e-Info Alkes platform, then match the product, manufacturer, type, and status.

What's the difference between AKD and AKL?

AKD is used for domestically produced medical devices, while AKL is used for medical devices produced abroad.

Does one AKD number cover every mask under a single brand?

Not necessarily. Each product or variant needs to be matched against its own registration data.

Does an AKD number guarantee the product isn't counterfeit?

Not entirely. A counterfeit product can misuse a genuine number. Check the packaging, supplier, batch, and whether the data actually matches.

Conclusion

An AKD distribution permit number is one of the most practical tools for assessing the initial legality of a domestically produced medical mask. That number helps connect a product to the name, type, registrant, manufacturer, and status recorded in the Ministry of Health's system.

For consumers, checking AKD reduces reliance on a seller's claims. For procurement, that number becomes part of traceability, vendor approval, goods receiving, and audit readiness. But a distribution permit isn't the only measure of quality. Buyers still need to check technical specifications, test results, packaging condition, batch, expiration, and supplier credibility.

To request a registration number, specifications, samples, or a quote on Fit-U medical masks with verifiable product documentation, contact the Fit-U team over WhatsApp.