Indonesia is entering a new phase of regulatory compliance as mandatory Halal Certification will apply to a broad range of products from 18 October 2026, requiring businesses to ensure their products comply with the country’s Halal Product Assurance framework before entering the market.
The policy is implemented under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 on the Implementation of Halal Product Assurance, which strengthens Indonesia’s halal ecosystem and expands mandatory certification beyond food and beverages to include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, imported and exported goods, as well as products manufactured by micro, small, medium and large enterprises.
The announcement was made by Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), during the opening of Halal Expo Indonesia (HEI) in Jakarta, held alongside the D-8 member states meeting.
Officials said the new mandatory halal policy is intended not only to protect consumers but also to position Indonesia as one of the world’s leading halal economies by strengthening product quality, international competitiveness, and regulatory certainty.
Indonesia Declares 2026 the “Year of Halal” as Halal Certification Mandates Before October 2026
Speaking at Halal Expo Indonesia, Haikal described 2026 as “the Year of Halal”, confirming that beginning 18 October 2026, virtually all regulated halal products circulating in Indonesia must obtain a valid Halal Certificate.
Products covered include:
- Food and beverages
- Cosmetics
- Pharmaceutical products
- Micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) products
- Large-scale manufactured products
- Imported products distributed in Indonesia
- Export products requiring halal compliance
For many years, obtaining a Halal Certificate was largely voluntary. However, following the enactment of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024—which came into force in October 2024—Indonesia has gradually phased in mandatory certification requirements, culminating in full implementation by October 2026.
According to BPJPH, the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen consumer protection while improving Indonesia’s position within the global halal industry.
Halal Products Become Part of Indonesia’s Economic Strategy
Government officials increasingly describe halal market as extending beyond religious observance.
According to BPJPH, halal standards now represent internationally recognised principles of:
- Product quality
- Hygiene
- Public health
- Transparency
- Traceability
- Consumer trust
Officials said these characteristics make Halal Certification increasingly valuable across international markets, including countries where halal products are purchased for quality assurance rather than solely for religious reasons.
Haikal also noted that Indonesia’s halal value chain contributed approximately 27% of national economic activity during the previous nine months, representing an estimated value approaching IDR 5,000 trillion.
He added that Indonesia intends to transform halal into both a regulatory framework and an economic growth engine capable of strengthening exports and attracting investment.
BPJPH Seeks Greater International Recognition for Indonesian Halal Certification
Although Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, officials acknowledged that the country’s halal industry still trails several non-Muslim majority nations.
According to BPJPH, China, Brazil, and the United States remain among the world’s largest producers of halal-certified products.
To strengthen Indonesia’s international position, the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) plans to convene an international forum involving approximately 70 countries to discuss:
- Harmonisation of halal and non-halal standards
- Cooperation between halal certification bodies
- Mutual recognition of Halal Certificates
- International halal trade
- Global halal assurance systems
Officials said stronger cooperation between national regulators and halal certification bodies will support Indonesia’s ambition to become a leading global halal hub.
Halal Economy Becomes a Strategic Priority for D-9 Nations
Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta said Indonesia has made the halal economy one of its priorities under the expanded D-9 cooperation framework, which now includes Azerbaijan alongside the former D-8 member countries.
The nine member states collectively represent:
- Approximately 1.3 billion people
- Combined GDP of approximately US$5.1 trillion
- Annual intra-member trade valued at approximately US$150–160 billion
The bloc aims to increase trade to US$500 billion by 2030, with halal industries identified as one of the principal sectors supporting future economic growth.
Officials also highlighted the demographic advantage of the region, noting that nearly 30% of its population is aged between 15 and 29 years, providing significant long-term growth potential.
What Is Indonesia Halal Certification?
An Indonesia Halal Certificate is an official certification issued by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) confirming that a product complies with Indonesia’s halal requirements under the national Halal Product Assurance system.
The certification applies to products manufactured, imported, distributed, or sold in Indonesia that fall within regulated categories.
During the halal certification process, products undergo document verification, halal inspection, and assessment by authorised institutions before BPJPH issues the certificate. The Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) continues to play an important role in issuing halal determinations (fatwa) as part of the certification mechanism prescribed by Indonesian law.
Once approved, businesses may display the official Halal Labels on eligible products, indicating their verified halal status.
Products determined to be non-halal are also subject to separate labelling obligations under Indonesia’s halal regulations to ensure transparency for consumers.
For businesses operating in Indonesia, Halal Certification is becoming an increasingly important element of corporate compliance, particularly for companies engaged in manufacturing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, food production, export, and import activities.
Halal Certification Process and Requirements in Indonesia
Businesses that fall within the mandatory certification categories should begin preparing well before October 2026.
While requirements vary depending on the product category, applicants generally need:
| Required Documents | Purpose |
| Business Identification Number (NIB) | Proof of legal business registration |
| Company legal documents | Verification of business entity |
| Product formulation and ingredient lists | Product assessment |
| Manufacturing process documentation | Production review |
| Raw material and supplier information | Traceability verification |
| Halal Assurance System (SJPH) documentation | Compliance with halal requirements |
| Trademark registration (where applicable) | Product and brand identification |
Companies engaged in export or import activities should also review whether destination countries recognise Indonesian halal certification or require additional documentation.
Businesses are encouraged to begin the halal certification process early, particularly if product reformulation, supplier verification, or operational adjustments are required before mandatory implementation.
Compliance with Business Licences in Indonesia
Obtaining a Halal Certificate is only one component of operating a compliant business in Indonesia.
Companies should ensure their broader regulatory obligations remain aligned, including:
- Maintaining a valid Business Identification Number (NIB) through the OSS system
- Obtaining the relevant business licences
- Registering company trademarks
- Complying with export and import licensing requirements
- Securing appropriate foreign talent permits, including work permits and stay permits for expatriate employees
- Maintaining ongoing corporate, legal, and tax compliance.
As Indonesia continues strengthening its regulatory framework, businesses should integrate Halal Certification into their wider compliance strategy rather than treating it as a standalone requirement.
Obtain Your Halal Certificate in Indonesia with LMI Consultancy
Preparing for mandatory Halal Certification requires more than simply submitting an application. Businesses should ensure that their corporate structure, product documentation, licensing, intellectual property, and operational procedures are fully aligned with Indonesia’s regulatory requirements.
LMI Consultancy provides end-to-end advisory services supporting businesses throughout the entire compliance process.
Our services include:
- Halal Certificate applications
- BPJPH compliance advisory
- Business Identification Number (NIB) registration
- Business licensing through the OSS system
- Trademark registration
- Import and export licensing
- Foreign talent permits and immigration advisory
- PT and PT PMA company establishment
- Corporate legal, tax, and regulatory compliance
By combining expertise in corporate law, licensing, immigration, taxation, and regulatory compliance, LMI Consultancy helps businesses navigate Indonesia’s evolving business environment with confidence.
Whether you are launching a new product, expanding into Indonesia, or preparing for the mandatory halal implementation in October 2026, our consultants can help ensure your business meets the latest halal requirements and broader corporate compliance obligations.
