Jakarta — Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH) has firmly clarified that the reciprocal cooperation agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the United States does not eliminate halal certification and labeling obligations for products entering and circulating in Indonesia.
The bilateral agreement, signed by Prabowo Subianto and Donald J. Trump on 19 February 2026 in Washington D.C., serves as a framework to strengthen trade relations between the two countries. However, BPJPH emphasizes that enhanced trade cooperation does not override Indonesia’s domestic halal regulatory framework.
Addressing Public Misconceptions
In response to circulating social media claims suggesting that U.S.-origin products may enter Indonesia without halal certification, BPJPH categorically stated that such information is incorrect.
Halal certification obligations in Indonesia remain governed by Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance and its implementing regulations. All products classified as mandatory halal—whether domestically produced or imported, including from the United States—must comply with applicable halal certification requirements before being distributed in the Indonesian market.
BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan reaffirmed that:
He further stressed that reciprocal cooperation does not equate to deregulation.
Treatment of Non-Halal Products
Products classified as non-halal are exempt from halal certification requirements. However, they remain subject to mandatory labeling indicating non-halal status in accordance with Indonesian regulations. This ensures transparency and informed consumer choice.
Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA): Simplification, Not Elimination
BPJPH also clarified the mechanism of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). This arrangement constitutes mutual recognition of halal standards between BPJPH and accredited Foreign Halal Institutions (LHLN) that have undergone a rigorous assessment process.
The MRA does not remove halal obligations. Instead, it streamlines procedures by recognizing halal certificates issued by foreign halal bodies officially acknowledged by BPJPH.
Currently, five U.S.-based halal certification bodies have established recognition cooperation with BPJPH:
- Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA)
- American Halal Foundation (AHF)
- Islamic Services of America (ISA)
- Halal Transactions of Omaha (HTO)
- Islamic Society of Washington Area – Halal Certification Department (ISWA)
Through these recognized institutions, U.S. exporters may benefit from procedural efficiency—while still fully complying with Indonesian halal regulations.
Consistent Implementation Toward October 2026
BPJPH reiterated its commitment to consumer protection and to the consistent, transparent, and accountable implementation of Indonesia’s Mandatory Halal policy, including for imported goods, in line with the upcoming October 2026 enforcement milestone.
For businesses exporting to Indonesia, the message remains clear: reciprocal trade cooperation strengthens access—but regulatory compliance, particularly halal certification, remains mandatory under Indonesian law.
