What is Halal Certification?
Halal Certification is a recognition of the halal status of a product, issued by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), part of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Halal certification ensures a product—whether food, beverage, or cosmetic—meets the halal standards established by Islamic Sharia law. In Indonesia, halal certification is crucial, especially for products circulating in the market, as it assures consumers that the product is free from prohibited (haram) ingredients that could be harmful both health-wise and religiously. The halal certification process thoroughly inspects ingredients, production processes, and product storage conditions. With halal certification, consumers can feel safer and more confident in choosing products that align with their religious principle.
Why is Halal Certification for Cosmetics Important?
Indonesia mandates halal certification for all products circulating in the country, in accordance with Law No. 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance (UU JPH). Overseen by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), this requirement has been in effect since October 17, 2019. Initially, it applied to food, beverages, and slaughtered products and services, marking the start of a new era for halal certification in Indonesia, as mandated by the UU JPH.
In the second phase, the halal certification requirement will extend to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods, as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 39 of 2021 on Halal Product Assurance. To facilitate implementation, the Indonesian government is using a phased approach to mandate halal certification. For cosmetics, the grace period to meet this requirement will end on October 17, 2026. After this date, all cosmetics sold in Indonesia must be halal-certified, a policy aimed at protecting Muslim consumers and ensuring that the products they use align with Islamic law.
With the increasing number of cosmetics consumers in Indonesia, there is also a growing demand for halal products as people become more critical about the halal status of what they buy. Halal cosmetics offer several benefits, particularly for Muslims who seek assurance that their products align with their religious principles. A primary benefit of halal cosmetics is the guarantee that ingredients are free from haram (forbidden) or impure substances, such as pork derivatives or alcohol. Additionally, halal cosmetics are tested to ensure they do not block water from reaching the skin, allowing them to be used without impacting religious practices, like ablution. This way, halal cosmetics provide consumers with peace of mind—not only about skin health but also in fulfilling religious obligations.
Sources:
Undang-undang (UU) Nomor 33 Tahun 2014 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal
Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) Nomor 39 Tahun 2021 tentang Penyelenggaraan Bidang Jaminan Produk Halal
