Known as the world’s second largest Muslim population, Indonesia has made halal assurance a national priority.
To strengthen consumer trust and regulate products in line with Islamic law, the government introduced mandatory halal certification across various industries.
On those grounds, both local and foreign businesses operating in the nation must understand the requirements, timeline, and preparation steps to comply with mandatory halal certification Indonesia.
About Halal Certification Indonesia
Halal certification in Indonesia verifies that products and services meet Islamic requirements for permissible consumption and use.
The certification process is overseen by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal / BPJPH) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Those who need halal certification include:
- Food and beverage producers; restaurants, packaged food companies, caterers, and beverage manufacturers
- Cosmetics and personal care manufacturers; skincare, makeup, haircare, and personal hygiene products
- Pharmaceutical companies; medicines, supplements, and vaccines
- Chemical and raw material suppliers; ingredients and additives used in food, cosmetics, and medicines
- Slaughterhouses and meat processors; must implement halal slaughter procedures and obtain certification
Obtaining halal certification Indonesia involves several steps.
From document submission to laboratory tests if needed, all processes must be carried out in full compliance prior to receiving final approval from BPJPH after consultation with the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia / MUI).
Legal Basis of Halal Certification Indonesia
The obligation of halal certification in Indonesia is established under Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance.
The law emphasizes that all products entering, circulating, and traded in Indonesia must be certified halal, except those explicitly declared haram or forbidden for Muslim consumers.
Several key regulations support this framework, including:
- Government Regulation No. 31 of 2019 on Halal Product Assurance Implementation, detailing certification procedures
- Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation No. 26 of 2019, specifying technical guidelines for applications, audits, and labeling
Timeline of Implementation
The implementation of mandatory halal certification Indonesia is carried out in phases to give businesses time to adjust:
- 2019 – 17 October 2024; transition period for food, beverages, raw materials, and slaughter-related services
- 18 October 2024; mandatory halal certification takes effect for medium and large businesses in the above categories. Non-compliant products cannot legally be distributed.
- 17 October 2026; micro and small enterprises (MSEs) must comply with halal certification requirements for food and beverages
- 2026 – 2039; gradual deadlines for other products, including cosmetics, medicines, traditional remedies, medical devices, fashion items, and more
Recent updates under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 streamlined the process, including faster application confirmation within one working day and strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
Step-by-Step Halal Certification Process in Indonesia
Below is the step-by-step halal certification Indonesia procedure your business must follow through:
- Application Submission
Your business starts by applying online through the BPJPH system. The application requires:
- Business license and company documents
- A list of products to be certified
- Complete ingredient and raw material details
- A Halal Assurance System (HAS) manual that explains internal policies for maintaining halal integrity
- Document Verification by BPJPH
The above step ensures that BPJPH has full visibility of the business and its products before they review all submitted documents to check for accuracy and completeness. If any information is missing, your business will be asked to provide additional data before moving forward.
- Appointment of a Halal Inspection Agency (LPH)
Once the documents are verified, BPJPH assigns Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal (LPH) or an accredited Halal Inspection Agency to carry out inspections. Your business can propose a preferred LPH, but the final assignment is made by BPJPH.
- On-Site Audit by LPH
This is one of the most critical stages as it determines whether operations align with halal standards. The LPH conducts a comprehensive audit at the production site which includes:
- Verifying the raw material supply chain
- Inspecting production lines, storage, packaging, and distribution processes
- Ensuring hygiene standards and separation between halal and non-halal materials
- Reviewing the implementation of the company’s Halal Assurance System (HAS)
- Laboratory Testing (If Required)
If the LPH finds raw materials or products needing additional clarification, they may send samples to accredited laboratories. Testing verifies that the product does not contain haram (forbidden) or doubtful substances.
- Audit Report and Recommendation
After completing inspections and tests, the LPH prepares a detailed report with recommendations. This report is submitted to BPJPH and the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia / MUI).
- Halal Fatwa Session by MUI
The MUI convenes a halal fatwa session to review the audit results. They assess whether the product complies with Islamic law. If approved, the product is declared halal through an official decision.
- Issuance of Halal Certificate by BPJPH
Following MUI’s fatwa, BPJPH issues the official halal certification Indonesia. The certificate is valid for four years and must be renewed before expiration. Your business is also required to maintain the Halal Assurance System (HAS) and may undergo follow-up audits during the validity period.
- Labeling and Compliance Maintenance
Once certified, your business must:
- Place the halal label on the products
- Continue implementing the Halal Assurance System (HAS)
- Prepare for periodic surveillance audits to maintain certification
Preparation Tips for Businesses Seeking Halal Certification in Indonesia
Certification requires more than just paperwork. It demands strong systems, transparent processes, and consistent compliance.
Here are practical preparation tips to help your business succeed in obtaining halal certification Indonesia:
- Understand the Legal Framework
Before anything else, it is important to fully understand the laws governing halal certification Indonesia such as Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance and its supporting regulations.
Being aware of the products subject to certification and their compliance timelines allows your business to avoid unexpected challenges.
- Conduct a Raw Material Audit
Prior to submitting an application, you should carefully audit all ingredients, raw materials, and additives used in the products. Every input must be traced to ensure it is halal-compliant.
If doubtful or non-halal ingredients are found, they must be replaced with approved alternatives.
- Prepare a Halal Assurance System (HAS)
Developing and implementing a Halal Assurance System (HAS) is a must. This system acts as your internal guide to maintain halal integrity.
It should include procedures for procurement, production, storage, labeling, and employee responsibilities. A strong HAS not only ensures compliance but also makes the certification process faster.
- Train Employees on Halal Standards
Staff should be trained on halal requirements, from handling materials to operating equipment. Training should also cover hygiene practices, segregation of halal and non-halal products, and record-keeping.
- Keep Accurate Documentation
Your business should prepare production flowcharts, supplier certificates, purchasing records, and storage logs. During audits, inspectors will review these documents to verify that halal integrity is consistently maintained across operations.
- Engage with Suppliers
Since many businesses rely on third-party suppliers, it is essential to work closely with them to ensure their materials also comply with halal requirements. Meaning you should request halal certificates from suppliers or encourage them to apply for certification themselves.
- Plan Ahead for Certification Timeline
The halal certification process in Indonesia involves multiple steps. Since it can take weeks or months depending on complexity, you should apply well before mandatory deadlines. Preparing ahead of time reduces obstacles and keeps operations on track
- Maintain Continuous Compliance
Certification is not a one-time effort. Once obtaining halal certification Indonesia, your business must maintain compliance throughout the four-year validity period.
Therefore, it is required to perform internal audits, refresh employee training, and update documentation regularly. This ensures smooth renewal and avoids penalties for non-compliance.
The implementation of mandatory halal certification in Indonesia marks a significant milestone for businesses operating in the country. With strict requirements, phased timelines, and detailed preparation steps, your business must act early to secure compliance and maintain consumer trust.
However, to make this journey hassle-free, Watershore is here to help you navigate the intricate regulatory requirements effortlessly, saving you time and effort while ensuring full legal compliance.
Let Watershore be your trusted partner in achieving seamless market entry and regulatory compliance in Indonesia!
Source:
https://bpjph.halal.go.id/en/detail/phasing-period-ends-halal-certification-obligation-takes-effect-starting-october-18-2024
https://ssek.com/blog/indonesia-halal-certification-deadlines/
https://legalitas.org/tulisan/sertifikat-halal-pengertian-dan-alur-sertifikasi-halal