Halal Certification for Food in Indonesia: Process, Costs, and Requirements

Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim population, has made halal certification mandatory for all food and beverage products circulating in its market. This obligation is based on Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, amended by Law No. 6 of 2023, and implemented by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH).

For businesses—local and foreign—halal certification is not just a regulatory step. It ensures consumer trust, legal certainty, and market access in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies. This article explains the process, requirements, costs, and special rules for imported food.

Background: The Role of BPJPH

BPJPH is the government body responsible for halal product assurance in Indonesia. Its authority includes:

• Establishing norms, standards, procedures, and criteria.
• Overseeing Halal Inspection Bodies (LPH).
• Coordinating with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Provincial/District MUI, and the Halal Fatwa Committee for halal determination.

BPJPH applies principles of protection, justice, legal certainty, accountability, transparency, and efficiency in implementing halal certification.

Purpose and Objectives of Halal Certification for Food

The halal certification framework for food and beverages aims to:

1. Guarantee the halalness of products traded in Indonesia.
2. Ensure business operators comply consistently with the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH).
3. Improve business operators’ quality in halal production.
4. Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders (BPJPH, LPH, MUI, businesses).

Food Businesses That Must Be Halal Certified

According to Ministerial Decree No. 748/2021, the following food service providers and processed food businesses must obtain halal certification:

• Restaurants (conventional, fast food, franchises).
• Canteens & Cafeterias (schools, offices, dormitories).
• Diners (Rumah Makan) – e.g., Padang restaurants.
• Food Stalls (warung nasi, Tegal stalls).
• Food Tents (Pecel Lele, fried rice tents).
• Catering Services – both long-term (dormitories, offshore rigs, airlines) and event-based (weddings, concerts).
• Other Food Processing Providers not covered above.

Failure to certify results in administrative sanctions. Imported products must also be halal certified and registered before marketing in Indonesia.

Key Requirements: The Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH)

Business actors must implement the SJPH, which consists of five core criteria:

1. Commitment and Responsibility – top management must adopt halal policies, ensure consistent standards across all outlets, and invest in halal training.
2. Materials – all raw, additive, and auxiliary materials must be halal and reported to BPJPH. Any changes must be declared.
3. Halal Product Process (PPH) – includes separation of halal and non-halal facilities, compliance in production, storage, packaging, and distribution.
4. Product – labeling, packaging, and serving must comply with halal standards.
5. Monitoring & Evaluation – businesses must conduct internal halal audits at least once a year and submit reports to BPJPH every six months.

📌 Franchises must include halal compliance clauses in their franchise agreements, ensuring that franchisees cannot use the franchisor’s halal certificate unless they meet SJPH standards.

Halal Certification Process for Food

1. Preparation Phase

• Appointment of a Halal Supervisor.
• Preparation of SJPH manual and initial internal audit.
• Determination whether the business qualifies for Self-Declare (only for MSMEs) or Regular Path.

2. Certification Application

• Submission via BPJPH’s SIHALAL system.
• Verification by BPJPH (1 working day).
• Determination of LPH (inspection body).

3. Inspection and Audit

• LPH inspects facilities, processes, and materials (max. 15 days).
• If needed, laboratory testing is conducted.

4. Halal Determination

• MUI, Provincial/City MUI, or Aceh Ulama Council conducts a fatwa hearing.
• If delayed, the Halal Fatwa Committee issues the determination.

5. Certificate Issuance

• BPJPH issues the Halal Certificate and authorizes the use of the national halal logo (max. 1 day after decision).

Costs of Halal Certification for Food

• MSMEs: Often subsidized or eligible for free certification under government programs.
• Medium & Large Businesses: Pay certification fees, which vary depending on product types, number of SKUs, and inspection scope.
• Imported Products: Additional costs for documentation, recognition of foreign certificates, and translation of labels.

Special Rules for Imported Food Products

• Must be halal certified by BPJPH-recognized foreign halal bodies.
• Still required to be registered in Indonesia before distribution.

• Labels must be in Bahasa Indonesia, displaying the Indonesian national halal logo.
• Importers must submit a Letter of Authorization (LOA) and complete documents (Free Sale Certificate, composition list, labels, production flow).

After Certification: Business Obligations

Obtaining a halal certificate is not the end—businesses must:

• Maintain halal status throughout production, distribution, and serving.
• Separate halal from non-halal facilities and supply chains.
• Renew certificates if there are changes in materials or processes.
• Report SJPH implementation regularly to BPJPH.

Conclusion

Halal certification for food in Indonesia is not only a legal requirement but also a strategic advantage. From restaurants and catering services to imported packaged food, every business must comply with BPJPH regulations, SJPH implementation, and MUI fatwa determinations.

By understanding the process, costs, requirements, and post-certification obligations, businesses can secure consumer trust, avoid sanctions, and successfully tap into Indonesia’s vast halal food market.

l certification in Indonesia is more than just a legal formality—it’s a strategic advantage for businesses in food, drinks, cosmetics, and medical devices. By ensuring compliance with BPJPH and MUI guidelines, your products will not only meet Indonesian standards but also gain credibility in global markets.

If you’re planning to export cosmetics, medical devices, or food and beverages to Indonesia, starting your halal certification process early is crucial to avoid delays in distribution.