Latest Indonesia Halal Certification News [2026 Updated]

Mandatory Halal Certification Law is taking full effect in Indonesia. The world’s largest Muslim-majority nation is leading global halal regulatory transformation in 2026. What began with phased requirements under the 2014 Halal Product Assurance Law has now culminated in a far-reaching compliance framework that affects nearly every sector of goods in the market.

This update brings together the most recent developments so that manufacturers, exporters, importers, and halal stakeholders understand what Indonesia’s halal mandate means for business, economy, and global halal supply chains.

Mandatory Halal Certification Now Enforced (October 2026)

Starting October 17, 2026, Indonesia will enforce mandatory halal certification for a wide array of products, including food and beverages, cosmetics, medicines, chemical goods, biological products, genetically modified products, and consumer goods. This requirement comes under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024. 

Prior to this year, halal certification in Indonesia was introduced in phases, beginning as a voluntary or preparatory requirement for selected product categories. With the 2026 implementation deadline, the government is signalling that halal certification is now a regulatory obligation for consumer protection, quality, and safety standards. 

For micro and small businesses, the phasing of the halal-certified obligation for food products, beverages, slaughtering products, and slaughtering services is effective from October 17, 2026.

Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), reiterated that halal certification is more than a religious obligation and has become a global quality benchmark emphasizing cleanliness, health, and consumer trust. 

Products and Sectors Covered by the 2026 Mandate

Under the 2026 rule, nearly all products distributed in Indonesia must bear a halal certificate issued by BPJPH, supported by a halal fatwa from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and technical inspection from accredited Halal Inspection Agencies (LPH). 

Products now subject to obligatory halal certification include:

•  Food and beverages
•  Herbal medicines and health supplements
•  Cosmetics and personal care products
•  Medicines and medical devices
•  Chemical and biological products
•  Consumer goods such as toothpaste, soap, fashion, and leather items

Business operators must submit products for halal review and certification, and once approved, the halal label must be displayed on packaging according to BPJPH rules on labeling and logos. 

Why Indonesia Is Strengthening Halal Requirements

Indonesia’s move to compulsory halal certification reflects several key policy goals:

Consumer Protection

Mandatory halal assurance ensures products are not only religiously compliant but also safe, hygienic, and of verified quality, criteria that protect consumers in an increasingly complex global marketplace. 

Global Halal Competitiveness

With the global halal economy valued in the trillions of dollars, Indonesia seeks to become a leading producer and exporter of halal products, not just a domestic market. Comprehensive certification strengthens export credentials and competitiveness abroad.

Economic Growth and Inclusivity

The law is designed to bolster market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form a significant portion of Indonesia’s economy. When they achieve global halal standards, small-scale producers can tap into expanding regional and international markets. 

Strengthened National Halal Ecosystem

BPJPH reports that the “national halal ecosystem is increasingly mature,” and 2026 is being heralded as a pivotal year in Indonesia’s halal development journey, transitioning toward being a global halal hub. 

Government Support & Transitional Measures

Recognizing the potential challenge for smaller business owners, Indonesia’s government has taken steps to ease the transition:

• To support compliance, President Prabowo Subianto’s directive enabled the issuance of 1.35 million free certificates for MSEs (micro and small enterprises) in 2025–2026, particularly for food and beverage operators.
• Earlier phases of the halal obligation were extended to allow MSMEs more time to meet certification requirements, giving them until 2026 to obtain halal certification without penalties. 

These measures aim to prevent administrative sanctions and help small businesses prepare for a full implementation regime.

What Businesses Must Do by October 2026

If your business operates in or exports to Indonesia, it’s essential to understand several compliance aspects:

1. Identify Applicable Products: Assess whether your product falls under the categories requiring halal certification, including novel sectors like cosmetics and medical devices.
2. Prepare Documentation: A formal application through BPJPH’s halal certification system requires complete documentation, including manufacturing processes, ingredient sourcing, and supply chains.
3. Partner with Accredited LPHs: Halal Inspection Agencies (LPHs) conduct technical evaluation and compliance checks before BPJPH issues a certificate. 
4. Update Labels: Products that obtain certification must display the official Indonesian halal logo following new labelling rules. 
5. Stay Informed on Enforcement: Products circulating without certification risk administrative sanctions once the October 2026 mandate is fully in force. 

Summary 

2026 marks a transformative year in Indonesia’s halal policy. The shift from phased rollout to mandatory halal certification across broad product categories underscores Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing consumer trust, protecting market actors, and advancing its role as a global halal powerhouse.

Keep following American Halal Foundation for ongoing coverage and practical guidance on halal certification trends, regulatory changes, and global halal market developments.