AMZ123 has learned that Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has officially confirmed that the country's mandatory halal certification system will be implemented strictly on schedule, fully taking effect on October 18, 2026, with the policy transition period uniformly ending on October 17.

The implementation is based on Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Law (Law No. 33 of 2014) and the phased implementation framework under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024. The rules apply uniformly to products manufactured locally in Indonesia and imported products. From September to early October 2026, BPJPH repeatedly stated publicly that there would be no postponement and no surprise penalties, and that companies not yet ready for compliance would be given buffer time and supporting guidance.

According to BPJPH and authoritative regulatory interpretations, from October 18, multiple categories of products circulated, sold, or imported in Indonesia must hold valid halal certificates to operate legally.

Core covered categories include various food and beverages (including imported items), slaughter products and slaughter services, cosmetics, natural medicines, quasi-drugs and dietary supplements, chemical products and genetic engineering products, certain household goods and apparel accessories, Class A low-risk medical devices, as well as corresponding production raw materials and additives.

Previously, medium and large Indonesian food and beverage companies have been implementing halal certification requirements in batches since October 2024, while the compliance transition period for imported products, micro, small and medium enterprises, and remaining sub-sectors across all categories has been extended to October 2026.

Notably, this policy does not ban the sale of non-halal products. All non-halal products can still be legally circulated in Indonesia as long as they are clearly labeled as non-halal in accordance with official regulations.

In early October 2026, BPJPH head Ahmad Haikal Hasan publicly stated that the implementation is centered on protecting consumer rights and maintaining market order, using data-driven and standardized supervision, adhering to flexible compliance governance rather than coercive enforcement. For companies that have not yet completed compliance rectification, the Indonesian government will provide sufficient rectification time and special guidance, and may grant an additional buffer period of one to two years, assisting companies throughout the compliance upgrade process.

Officials also confirmed that there will be no surprise inspections, forced labeling, or one-size-fits-all enforcement. The overall principle is to achieve compliance batch by batch, while continuously assisting non-compliant companies toward gradual compliance.

For imported products, Indonesia has also introduced a pre-shipment halal compliance verification (LPPH) mechanism, and customs will strengthen compliance review at the import stage to strictly control the qualifications of inbound products.

For cross-border sellers and companies exporting to Indonesia, it is recommended that any food, daily chemical products, cosmetics, household goods, and other covered categories sold to Indonesia begin halal certification preparations immediately. Even if a company does not need to use the halal label, it should sort out product categories and qualifications in advance, confirm whether the products fall within the mandatory certification scope, and formulate a compliant non-halal labeling plan.

Companies are also advised to contact officially authorized certification bodies or local partners in Indonesia as soon as possible to complete document preparation, on-site audits, qualification registration, and other processes, so as to avoid customs clearance obstruction or inability to list and sell products after the policy officially takes effect on October 18.

Currently, the Indonesian government has been promoting policy details through overseas embassies and consulates, stressing that exporting companies must implement halal compliance from the production source.

Author ✎ TEN/AMZ123

Seller Home Review

Indonesia's mandatory halal certification window has only one to two years left. Sellers of food, cosmetics, and medical devices should immediately review category compliance costs and assess whether the non-halal labeling channel can preserve their existing market.

Source: Southeast Asia e-commerce news
Original link: https://www.amz123.com/t/KzcrArNM