Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world, making it one of the most attractive markets for global manufacturers and exporters. However, entering the Indonesian market requires strict compliance with local regulations—one of the most critical being mandatory Halal certification.
Through the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), the Indonesian government has reinforced the implementation of Halal obligations. While domestic medium and large enterprises were required to comply by October 2024, imported and imported products are given a final deadline of 17 October 2026.
This article explains the current Halal landscape in Indonesia, the implications for foreign manufacturers, and why early preparation is essential to maintain uninterrupted market access.
INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia: Your Regulatory Partner
INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia is a trusted regulatory consulting firm specializing in:
- Halal Certification (BPJPH & MUI)
- BPOM Registration
- Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Compliance
With extensive experience assisting international manufacturers—particularly from South Korea and other global markets—we help bridge the gap between foreign manufacturing standards and Indonesian regulatory requirements. Our goal is to ensure your certification process is efficient, compliant, and risk-free.
The Current State of Halal Certification in Indonesia
1. A Milestone: 9.6 Million Halal-Certified Products
Indonesia’s “Tertib Halal” (Orderly Halal) initiative is already in full implementation. According to BPJPH data from the Sihalal system, 9.6 million products have been Halal certified (October 2025).
This milestone reflects two important realities:
- The Halal certification ecosystem is active and processing applications at scale.
- Market competition is increasing, as Halal-certified products gain stronger consumer trust and preference.
BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan has emphasized that Halal certification is no longer merely a legal obligation—it is a strategic business advantage that enhances product credibility and quality assurance.
2. The Critical Deadline for Imported Products: 17 October 2026
For foreign-manufactured products imported, distributed, or sold in Indonesia, Halal certification becomes mandatory by 17 October 2026.
This extended timeline acknowledges the complexity of international supply chains and the need for Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) between countries. However, this should not be interpreted as an opportunity to delay.
For overseas manufacturers, Halal certification involves:
- Comprehensive document preparation
- Halal Assurance System (SJPH) implementation
- Overseas factory audits by Indonesian auditors
These processes require significant time, coordination, and preparation, making early action essential.
3. Mandatory Halal Certification Timeline by Category
Understanding your product category is key to compliance.
Table: Mandatory Halal Certification Deadlines
| Product Origin / Category | Business Scale | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Food & Beverage | Medium & Large Enterprises | 17 October 2024 (Completed) |
| Domestic Food & Beverage | Micro & Small Enterprises (UMK) | 17 October 2026 |
| Imported Food & Beverage Products | All Scales | 17 October 2026 |
| Cosmetics, Drugs, Consumer Goods | All Scales | 2026–2039 (Phased) |
4. The Halal Certification Ecosystem in Indonesia
Foreign applicants must interact with three key institutions:
- BPJPH (Regulator)
Manages administration, oversees compliance, and issues Halal certificates. - LPH (Halal Inspection Agency)
Conducts audits and inspections at manufacturing facilities, including those located overseas. - MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council)
Reviews audit results and issues the official Halal Fatwa.
For foreign manufacturers, the Regular Certification Path generally applies. This includes:
- Detailed document review
- On-site factory audit conducted by Indonesian auditors
- Verification of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do Indonesian auditors really need to visit overseas factories?
A: Yes. Under the Regular Path, Indonesian LPH auditors must conduct an on-site inspection at your manufacturing facility abroad. This requires advance planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
Q: Is Halal certification mandatory for all imported products in Indonesia?
A: Halal certification is mandatory for imported products that fall under categories regulated by Indonesia’s Halal Law, including food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Products not yet covered may still be subject to phased implementation up to 2039.
Q: Does Halal certification apply even if the product is not targeted at Muslim consumers?
A: Yes. Halal certification in Indonesia is a legal requirement, not a marketing choice. Products distributed in Indonesia must comply regardless of their target consumer segment.
Q: How long does the Halal certification process take for foreign manufacturers?
A: For foreign manufacturers, the process typically takes 6–12 months, depending on:
- Completeness of documents
- Readiness of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH)
- Overseas audit scheduling
- Availability of Indonesian auditors
Starting early is strongly recommended to avoid delays close to the 2026 deadline.
Why Choose INSIGHTOF Consulting for Halal Certification?
Halal certification for imported products involves regulatory complexity, language barriers, and overseas audit coordination. INSIGHTOF Consulting provides end-to-end support, including:
- Regulatory gap analysis and compliance assessment
- SJPH documentation preparation and technical translation
- Coordination with BPJPH and LPH for overseas audits
- Representation and communication with Indonesian authorities
We ensure your certification process is structured, compliant, and completed efficiently.
Conclusion
The 17 October 2026 Halal certification deadline is approaching faster than it seems. With more than 9.6 million products already certified, Indonesia is rapidly becoming a Halal-first market.
For foreign manufacturers, early preparation is not optional—it is critical to avoid delays, audit bottlenecks, and potential market disruption. Halal certification is not only about compliance, but about securing long-term access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
📩 Contact INSIGHTOF Consulting Indonesia today for professional assistance in securing your Halal certification.
