With the government’s increased focus on halal regulation, especially through the Halal Product Assurance Law (Law No. 33 of 2014), understanding the MUI halal certification rules has become increasingly vital for both local and foreign businesses operating in Indonesia.
Therefore in 2025, compliance with these rules is not merely a matter of consumer trust but a legal obligation for companies wishing to operate in Indonesia’s growing halal market.
What is MUI Halal Certification?
As a second world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia places significant emphasis on ensuring that products circulating in the market meet halal standards.
The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) or the Indonesian Ulema Council has long been the cornerstone of halal assurance, responsible for determining the halal status of food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various consumer products.
MUI Halal Certification is an official acknowledgment that a product, process, or service meets Islamic dietary and ethical standards as determined by Islamic law (sharia). Historically,
MUI served as the sole authority responsible for assessing, auditing, and issuing halal certificates in Indonesia.
However, a major shift occurred following the enactment of Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance (JPH).
Under this law, the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH), a body under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, became the official government institution in charge of halal certification administration.
While BPJPH is now responsible for managing applications, issuing halal certificates, and overseeing regulatory compliance, MUI continues to play a crucial role in the halal certification process.
Specifically, MUI remains responsible for:
- Issuing halal fatwas, or religious rulings, that determine whether a product is halal or not
- Accrediting Halal Inspection Bodies (Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal / LPH) that conduct on-site audits and verification
- Developing and updating halal standards in coordination with BPJPH
In essence, while BPJPH handles administrative and procedural aspects, MUI provides the religious and doctrinal authority behind halal certification decisions.
The two institutions work in tandem to ensure every halal certificate issued aligns with both Islamic principles and national regulatory frameworks.
Overview of MUI Halal Certification Rules in 2025
As of 2025, the MUI halal certification rules have evolved to align more closely with Indonesia’s national halal ecosystem under BPJPH. Below are key elements:
- Mandatory Halal Certification
Starting from 2024 and continuing into 2025, all food and beverage products, raw materials, additives, and processing aids circulating in Indonesia must be certified halal, as mandated under Government Regulation No. 39 of 2021 and related Ministerial Decrees.
Non-food products, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods,are gradually being phased into mandatory compliance.
This means that by 2025, companies that have not yet secured halal certification for their products risk penalties, product withdrawal, or business license suspension.
- Dual Role: BPJPH and MUI
The BPJPH now oversees the entire certification system, from registration to issuance, while MUI continues to hold authority over the halal determination. After inspection and testing by an accredited Halal Inspection Body (LPH), the product data is submitted to MUI for a Halal Fatwa Session.
Only after MUI’s approval will BPJPH issue the official halal certificate.
- Validity and Renewal
Halal certificates in Indonesia are generally valid for four years, provided there are no changes in raw materials, suppliers, or production processes. Businesses must apply for renewal before expiration to maintain compliance.
- Halal Labeling
All halal-certified products must display the official Halal Logo issued by BPJPH. As of 2025, the logo design and use are standardized across industries to prevent misuse or false claims.
- Domestic and Foreign Product Compliance
Imported products marketed in Indonesia must also comply with Indonesian halal certification rules. This may involve recognition of foreign halal certificates if the issuing body is accredited by BPJPH and recognized by MUI.
How to Apply for MUI Halal Certification in 2025
The process of obtaining halal certification in Indonesia has become more streamlined since BPJPH took over administrative functions, though MUI’s involvement remains integral.
Below is a step-by-step overview of how businesses can apply for MUI halal certification in 2025:
Step 1: Preparation and Eligibility Assessment
Before applying, your business should determine whether your products fall under the mandatory halal certification scope. Preparation includes gathering data on ingredients, raw materials, suppliers, production processes, and supporting documentation such as business licenses and product specifications.
Step 2: Online Registration via BPJPH System
Applications are submitted online through the official BPJPH Halal Information System (SIHALAL). Applicants must provide company information, product details, production flow, and supporting evidence.
Step 3: Appointment of Halal Inspection Body (LPH)
BPJPH will assign an accredited Halal Inspection Body (Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal) to carry out an on-site inspection and verification process. The LPH team evaluates the entire production chain, ensuring there is no cross-contamination with non-halal substances.
Step 4: Halal Audit and Laboratory Testing
The LPH conducts detailed audits and, when necessary, laboratory tests on ingredients or finished products. The audit results are documented and submitted to MUI for the halal fatwa review.
Step 5: MUI Halal Fatwa Session
Once the audit report is complete, the findings are presented in a Halal Fatwa Session organized by MUI. A group of Islamic scholars examines the data, evaluates compliance with sharia principles, and issues an official halal ruling (fatwa).
Step 6: Issuance of Halal Certificate by BPJPH
After MUI’s approval, BPJPH officially issues the Halal Certificate. The company may then affix the Halal Logo on its packaging and promotional materials.
Step 7: Post-Certification Compliance and Renewal
Certified businesses must maintain consistent production standards and report any material or procedural changes. Renewal should be initiated at least three months before certificate expiration to prevent certification lapses.
Why Understanding MUI Halal Certification Rules Matters in 2025
For businesses operating in Indonesia’s vast consumer market, understanding MUI halal certification rules is not just about regulatory compliance, but also:
- Market access and brand trust
- Assure Muslim consumers that products meet Islamic dietary standards, significantly influencing purchase decisions
- Offer a competitive advantage for exports to Muslim-majority markets
Achieve Halal Certification in Indonesia Effortlessly with Watershore
Navigating Indonesia’s MUI halal certification rules in 2025 requires both administrative accuracy and religious understanding.
The collaboration between MUI and BPJPH ensures that the halal certification process remains transparent, credible, and aligned with Islamic law.
However, for many businesses, especially foreign investors and first-time applicants, the process can be complex due to the required documentation, inspection procedures, and regulatory coordination.
That’s where professional assistance like Watershore becomes invaluable.Watershore offers comprehensive support for companies, from researching specific licenses to preparing and submitting paperwork.
Our experts at Watershore will provide ample assistance to ensure a smooth process.
With Watershore, navigating the intricate regulatory requirements becomes effortless.
We save you time and effort while ensuring legal compliance, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence. Contact Watershore today, the trusted partner in incorporating your business in Indonesia!
Sources:
https://halalmui. org/en/mandatory-halal-certification-2025-a-complete-guide-for-msmes-companies/
https://bpjph.halal.go. id/en/detail/phasing-period-ends-halal-certification-obligation-takes-effect-starting-october-18-2024
Image source:
https://www.freepik. com/free-vector/modern-halal-stamp-with-flat-design_2641200.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=2&uuid=533bbe89-4c1a-46ab-a169-124b241a801f&query=halal+certified+