Indonesia Clarifies Halal Certification Rules Ahead of October Mandate

Ahead of the mandatory halal certification set to take effect in October 2024, Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has reasserted a crucial policy. The agency emphasized that a halal certificate obtained for one outlet is not applicable to other branches. This policy is understood as a measure to more strictly enforce the halal product assurance system. It is presumed that previously, some businesses might have shared or utilized certificates obtained at their main outlets for other branches. However, with BPJPH's clear directive, businesses will now be required to individually obtain halal certification for all operating stores or all facilities that manufacture or sell products. This regulatory change signifies that businesses involved with halal products, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals operating within Indonesia, will find it essential to secure preparation time and plan their certification acquisition processes. Particularly, companies with multiple branches and franchise businesses will be compelled to re-evaluate the time and costs associated with obtaining certification. Halal certification is extremely important for gaining the trust of Muslim consumers in Indonesia and is a factor influencing market access. This policy from BPJPH is seen as aiming to further enhance consumer safety and reliability.