The Mandatory Halal Certification Law has come into full effect in Indonesia. The world's largest Muslim-majority country is leading the transformation of global halal regulations by 2026. This update aims to help halal producers, exporters, importers, and other stakeholders understand what Indonesia's halal mandate means for businesses, the economy, and the global halal supply chain.
Starting October 17, 2026, Indonesia will implement mandatory halal certification for a wide range of products, including not only food and beverages, but also cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biological products, genetically engineered products, and consumer goods. This requirement falls under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024.
Mandatory Halal Certification now enforced by October 2026
Last year, halal certification in Indonesia was introduced in stages, initially as a voluntary or preparatory requirement for certain product categories. With an implementation deadline of 2026, the Indonesian government signalled that halal certification is now a regulatory obligation for consumer protection, quality, and safety standards.
For micro and small businesses, the phased implementation of mandatory halal certification for food, beverage, slaughter products, and slaughter services will take effect on October 17, 2026.
What businesses must do by October 2026
If your business operates in or exports to Indonesia, it's important to understand several aspects:
- Identify Applicable Products: Assess whether your products fall into categories requiring halal certification, including emerging sectors like cosmetics and medical devices.
- Prepare Documentation: Formal applications through the BPJPH halal certification system require complete documentation, including manufacturing processes, raw material sources, and supply chains.
- Partner with an Accredited Halal Inspection Institution (LPH): Halal Inspection Institutions (LPH) conduct technical evaluations and compliance checks before BPJPH issues a certificate.
- Update Labels: Certified products must display the official Indonesian halal logo in accordance with new labelling regulations.
- Stay Informed about Law Enforcement: Products circulating without certification risk administrative sanctions once the October 2026 mandate fully takes effect.
Beeld: LAN JAK
Products now subject to obligatory halal certification include:
- Food and beverages.
- Herbal medicines and health supplements.
- Cosmetics and personal care products.
- Medicines and medical devices.
- Chemical and biological products.
- Consumer goods such as toothpaste, soap, fashion, and leather items.
Business operators must submit products for halal review and certification, and once approved, the halal label must be displayed on packaging according to BPJPH rules on labelling and logos.