INDONESIA Trends and Developments Contributed by: Vovo Iswanto, Albert Boy Situmorang, Wisnu Wardhana and Ingrid Gratsya Zega, Assegaf Hamzah & Partners
• slaughtered products and related services. A relaxation is provided to micro and small enter - prises (MSEs), exempting them from this obliga - tion until 17 October 2026. A similar exemption applies to imported products, subject to the finalisation of mutual recognition agreements for halal certification following co-ordination with the relevant ministries/agencies, but in any case, not later than 17 October 2026. The effective enforcement of this obligation requires close co-ordination between the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and other government agencies, particularly the Food and Drug Agency (BPOM). BPOM is mandated to regulate and supervise the safety, quality and efficacy of food, drugs, cosmetics and health products in Indonesia to protect public health in Indonesia. Recently, as a result of this inter- agency co-ordination for joint supervision and market monitoring, the two agencies identified several halal-certified products that were found to contain non-halal ingredients. Consequently, BPJPH and BPOM ordered their withdrawal from the market. This action highlights the govern - ment’s strong commitment to upholding halal certification standards in Indonesia.
On the international front, BPJPH has entered into 72 mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with halal bodies from various countries. These agreements enable halal certificates issued abroad by recognised institutions to be accepted in Indonesia, facilitating trade while maintaining Indonesia’s halal standards. Such collaboration is key for ensuring the smooth entry of imported goods into the Indonesian market while uphold - ing halal certification requirements. In subsequent stages, other product categories, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemi - cals, will have staggered deadlines, giving busi - nesses more time to comply. Mandatory halal certification will apply to the following categories starting on 18 October 2026: • health supplements and traditional medicine; • cosmetics, genetically modified products, chemical products; • clothing and headgear; • household health supplies, office supplies, household appliances; and • medical devices classified as Class A risk. Businesses operating in these categories are encouraged to begin preparations for certifica - tion in advance to ensure timely compliance.
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