BPJPH will enforce mandatory halal certification in October 2026

BPJPH is accelerating Indonesia's push to become a global halal industry hub. According to Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024, all imported food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, as well as slaughter products and services, must complete halal certification and registration by October 17, 2026. This regulation applies broadly—from micro-enterprises to foreign companies—meaning uncertified products will be barred from entering the Indonesian market.

‌1. Regulatory Evolution: Phased Implementation, Tight Timeline‌

Indonesia’s halal certification rollout is divided into two phases:

1. ‌Phase 1 (2019 to October 7, 2024):‌ Covers food, beverages, and slaughter products and services.
2. ‌Phase 2 (October 17, 2021, to October 7, 2026):‌ Includes pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods.
3. The second phase is now in its final stretch, with less than two years remaining before full enforcement. Halal certification has been integrated into Indonesia’s long-term national development plan, aiming not only to protect consumer rights but also to boost the competitiveness of domestic products in global markets.

‌2. Scope: Far Broader Than Traditional Perception‌

The mandatory halal certification extends well beyond conventional categories, including:

1. Fashion items (e.g., clothing, accessories)
2. Handicrafts
3. Leather goods
4. Household products

BPJPH (Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency) has instructed local governments to incorporate the halal ecosystem into regional mid-term development plans for 2025–2029, driving growth in halal-certified products. With approximately 60 million MSMEs in Indonesia—nearly half in the food and beverage sector—the policy’s impact will be extensive and transformative.

‌3. Certification Target: 7 Million Products by 2025‌

BPJPH officials report significant growth in halal-certified products, with a goal to increase the number from 6.4 million to 7 million by the end of 2025. To achieve this, BPJPH is collaborating with local governments on early outreach and training, emphasizing that:

Under Law No. 33 of 2014 and Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation No. 748 of 2021, consumer goods certification holds equal importance to food and beverage certification, thus classified as mandatory.

‌4. Preparedness: Streamlined Processes and Technical Support‌

To support businesses, BPJPH has launched the “Halal 30” initiative:

1. Companies can access a dedicated link to understand the entire certification process in just 30 minutes.
2. The MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) Laboratory offers professional testing services and holds ISO/IEC 17025:2017 international accreditation, capable of verifying the halal status of product ingredients.

‌5. Corporate Response Strategy: Act Now, Prepare Step by Step‌

While BPJPH currently focuses on food and beverage sectors, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods will become enforcement priorities starting October 2026. Companies should seize this window to initiate preparation:

1. ‌Self-Assessment and Scope Confirmation‌
2. Verify whether products fall under mandatory certification, especially easily overlooked categories like fashion and handicrafts.
3. Audit the supply chain to ensure no prohibited ingredients are present in raw materials, production, storage, or transportation.
4. ‌Leverage Official Resources to Understand the Process Early‌
5. Use the “Halal 30” program to quickly grasp the steps.
6. Engage the MUI Laboratory for pre-testing to minimize future risks.
7. ‌Plan Timeline and Budget‌
8. The certification process includes application, document review, on-site inspection, and laboratory testing—requiring at least 6–12 months.
9. Prepare budgets covering application fees, audit costs, testing expenses, and potential supply chain adjustments.
10. ‌Turn Certification into Market Advantage‌
11. Halal certification is more than a market entry requirement—it’s a powerful symbol of trust among Indonesia’s 230 million Muslim consumers.
12. Obtaining Indonesian certification also facilitates access to other Islamic markets, strengthening international positioning.

The October 17, 2026, mandatory certification deadline is rapidly approaching. For companies already in or planning to enter the Indonesian market, immediate action is the only viable option. Early preparation not only prevents future market access disruptions but also offers a strategic opportunity to enhance brand credibility and gain a competitive edge. Contact our professional consulting team—we look forward to partnering with you!