Indonesia will require a broad range of products sold in the country to obtain a Halal Certificate from 18 October 2026, marking a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the national halal ecosystem and reinforce regulatory compliance for businesses operating in the Indonesian market.
The policy, implemented under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 on the Implementation of Halal Product Assurance, expands mandatory halal requirements beyond food and beverages to include cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and medical devices, imported and exported products, as well as goods manufactured by both micro enterprises and large corporations.
The announcement was made by Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) or known as Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency, during the opening of Halal Expo Indonesia (HEI) in Jakarta, held alongside the D-8 member states meeting.
According to BPJPH, 2026 represents a pivotal year for Indonesia’s halal development strategy, with Halal Certification evolving beyond a religious obligation into an economic instrument designed to improve product quality, international competitiveness, consumer confidence, and export opportunities.
Indonesia Expands Mandatory Halal Certification from 18 October 2026
For many years, obtaining a Halal Certificate in Indonesia remained voluntary for most businesses. However, following the implementation of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024, which came into force in October 2024, the Government has gradually introduced mandatory certification requirements.
Beginning 18 October 2026, businesses whose products are subject to the regulation must ensure that the relevant products have obtained a valid Halal Certificate before being circulated in the Indonesian market.
The mandatory requirement applies to:
- Food and beverage products
- Cosmetics
- Pharmaceutical products and medical devices
- Products manufactured by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)
- Products manufactured by large corporations
- Imported products marketed in Indonesia
- Export products requiring halal compliance
Under the Halal Product Assurance framework, businesses must also ensure that Indonesian halal and non-halal products are identified and handled in accordance with applicable regulations. Products determined to be haram or containing non-halal ingredients remain subject to separate labelling and disclosure requirements to provide transparency for consumers.
According to BPJPH, the objective is to establish a comprehensive halal assurance ecosystem that strengthens Indonesia’s position within the global halal industry while improving consumer protection.
Understanding Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH)
The Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) serves as Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency and is responsible for administering the country’s halal certification system.
Under the current framework, the halal certification process involves several stages, including document verification, assessment of the production process, and halal inspection conducted by accredited inspection institutions.
Following inspection, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issues a halal determination (fatwa) confirming whether a product meets halal requirements. Based on that determination, the Halal Certificate is issued by BPJPH, allowing the business to display the official Halal Label and halal logo on approved products.
The issuance of a Halal Certificate demonstrates that the product has complied with Indonesia’s halal assurance requirements throughout its manufacturing and supply chain processes.
For products certified outside Indonesia, recognition of foreign halal certification may be possible where BPJPH has entered into a mutual recognition agreement with recognised overseas halal certification bodies.
Halal Certification Becomes an Economic Strategy
Government officials said the mandatory halal policy forms part of a broader transformation that positions Halal Certification as more than a religious requirement.
Speaking at Halal Expo Indonesia, Ahmad Haikal Hasan said halal has evolved into a symbol of:
- Product quality
- Hygiene
- Health and safety
- Transparency
- Traceability
- Consumer trust
According to officials, these characteristics are increasingly valued by consumers regardless of religious background, making Halal Certification an important component of Indonesia’s economic competitiveness.
Officials also highlighted the significant contribution of Indonesia’s halal value chain, which reportedly accounted for approximately 27% of national economic activity over the previous nine months, representing an estimated value approaching IDR 5,000 trillion.
They added that halal certification provides businesses with greater market confidence while supporting Indonesia’s ambition to become a global halal production and trade centre.
Indonesia Seeks a Larger Role in the Global Halal Industry
Indonesia’s mandatory halal policy also supports the country’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading halal economies.
Despite having the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia is not currently among the largest producers of halal-certified products. According to BPJPH, countries including China, Brazil, and the United States remain leading global manufacturers of halal products.
To strengthen international cooperation, BPJPH plans to convene a global halal forum involving approximately 70 countries.
Discussions are expected to focus on:
- International halal standards
- Cooperation among halal certification bodies
- Mutual recognition agreements
- Cross-border halal trade
- Development of global halal systems
Officials said stronger international cooperation would help strengthen Indonesia’s role in the expanding global halal economy.
Halal Industry Becomes a Priority for D-9 Cooperation
Indonesia’s commitment to the halal economy also extends to regional cooperation.
Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta said halal industry development has become one of Indonesia’s priorities under its leadership within the D-9 economic cooperation framework, following Azerbaijan’s accession to the former D-8 group.
The organisation now comprises:
- Indonesia
- Türkiye
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Malaysia
- Iran
- Azerbaijan
Collectively, these countries represent:
- Approximately 1.3 billion people
- Combined GDP of approximately US$5.1 trillion
- Current intra-member trade valued at US$150–160 billion
The bloc aims to increase trade among member countries to US$500 billion by 2030, with the halal economy identified as one of its strategic growth sectors.
Officials also highlighted the region’s young demographic profile, noting that nearly 30% of the combined population is between 15 and 29 years old, providing substantial long-term economic potential.
Requirements for the Halal Certification Process in Indonesia
Businesses manufacturing, importing, distributing, or selling regulated products should begin preparing for the halal certification process well before the implementation deadline.
Although requirements vary depending on the product category, applicants generally need to prepare:
| Required Documents | Purpose |
| Business Identification Number (NIB) | Legal business registration |
| Company legal documents | Verification of business entity |
| Product information and ingredient lists | Product assessment |
| Documentation of the production process | Manufacturing review |
| Raw material and supplier information | Traceability verification |
| Halal Assurance System (SJPH) documentation | Compliance with halal requirements |
| Supporting documents required by BPJPH | Certification assessment |
Businesses involved in import and export activities should also review whether any foreign halal certificates they currently hold are recognised under BPJPH’s international cooperation arrangements.
Preparing early can help minimise delays before 17 October 2026, the final day before mandatory implementation begins nationwide.
Compliance with Business Licensing in Indonesia
For companies operating in Indonesia, Halal Certification should be viewed as one component of a broader regulatory compliance strategy.
Businesses should ensure compliance with:
- Business Identification Number (NIB) registration
- Online Single Submission (OSS) licensing
- Product registration
- Trademark protection
- Import and export licensing
- Foreign talent permits, including work permits and KITAS
- Corporate legal and tax compliance
Foreign investors establishing a PT PMA should integrate halal compliance into their licensing and operational planning from the outset.
Maintaining consistency between licensing records, product registrations, and halal compliance can help reduce regulatory risk and support smoother business operations.
Obtain Your Halal Certification in Indonesia with Lets Move Indonesia
Preparing for Indonesia’s mandatory Halal Certification requirements involves more than simply applying for a certificate. Businesses should ensure that their corporate structure, licensing, product documentation, and regulatory obligations remain fully aligned before certification is granted.
Lets Move Indonesia, a subsidiary of LMI Consultancy, provides integrated advisory services to help local and international businesses navigate Indonesia’s evolving compliance landscape.
Our team assists with:
- Halal Certification applications
- BPJPH regulatory advisory
- Business Identification Number (NIB) registration
- OSS business licensing
- Trademark registration
- Import and export licensing
- Foreign talent permits and immigration services
- PT and PT PMA company establishment
- Corporate legal, tax, and regulatory compliance
By combining expertise in legal, immigration, licensing, taxation, and corporate compliance, Lets Move Indonesia helps businesses prepare for the October 2026 implementation of mandatory halal requirements while supporting sustainable growth in Indonesia.
If your products will be affected by Indonesia’s new halal regulations, our consultants are ready to guide you through every stage of the certification process and help ensure your business remains fully compliant with the latest regulatory requirements.
Speak with our consultants today and claim your complimentary one-hour consultation. Stay updated and stay compliant with Indonesia’s latest immigration and business regulations with Lets Move Indonesia.
