Indonesia to Mandate Halal Certification, 48 Nations Express Support

The H20 Summit 2026, hosted by Indonesia, concluded with 48 participating nations expressing their support for the mandatory Halal certification to be implemented starting in October 2026. This decision will make Halal certification a requirement for a wide range of products, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, in Indonesia, which has one of the world's largest Muslim populations. This move is expected to boost the development of the Islamic economy within Indonesia, while also potentially impacting international supply chains. For countries with significant trade with the Muslim world, an increase in the certification process and costs could present challenges. Halal certification serves as proof that products have undergone manufacturing and processing in accordance with Islamic law, and is a crucial element in gaining consumer trust. The broad support expressed at this H20 Summit can be seen as a step towards the expansion and standardization of the global Halal market.