Indonesia Sets October 17, 2024, as Final Date for Foreign HCB Accreditation by BPJPH

As the October 17, 2024, deadline approaches for foreign Halal Certifiers to secure accreditation for exports to Indonesia, it’s crucial to delve into the comprehensive timeline and regulatory shifts that have shaped this pivotal moment. Since the inception of the Halal Products Guarantee Law in October 2014, stakeholders have navigated a decade-long journey towards enhancing the integrity and global compliance of Halal certification in Indonesia.

This journey witnessed a significant milestone on March 1, 2022, when the responsibility for Halal certification transitioned from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to the newly established Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). This strategic move underscores Indonesia’s commitment to streamlining and elevating the Halal certification process to international standards.

The Halal Products Guarantee Law, enacted in 2014, was designed to ensure that all products distributed within Indonesia meet Halal standards. Initially set to be fully implemented by October 17, 2019, the law’s execution faced challenges, prompting the need for further legislative refinement. The 2019 Omnibus Law introduced critical amendments to the Halal Products Guarantee Law, entrusting the BPJPH with the comprehensive oversight of Halal certification processes, including the appointment of Halal Supervisors, Halal Auditors, and the stipulation of fees, public involvement, and sanctions.

The BPJPH’s mandate was further solidified with the issuance of Minister of Religious Affairs No. 26 Year 2019, detailing the implementation procedures for Halal product assurance. This move was aligned with the broader objectives of the Jokowi administration to implement a government-controlled Halal certification regime, marking a new era of regulatory oversight following President Jokowi’s re-election in 2019.

By October 17, 2024, Indonesia mandates that all food, beverages, meat, and poultry products comply with the 2014 law, necessitating foreign Halal certifiers to finalize their accreditation with BPJPH. The agency has outlined a clear timeline, with the assessment process for Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) concluding by June 2024. This leads to the mandatory certification of food, beverages, and animal slaughtering processes, following a five-year transitional period that began in October 2019.

To date, nine foreign HCBs have achieved full accreditation from BPJPH, including notable entities from Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Iran, and Turkey, with 16 EU countries among others awaiting assessment. This global engagement is facilitated through strategic Government-to-Government Memorandums of Understanding, aiming to streamline the accreditation process through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).

The impending mandatory Halal certification for food, beverages, and slaughtering processes by October 2024 not only highlights Indonesia’s leadership in global Halal standards but also presents a unique opportunity for businesses worldwide to align with these rigorous requirements. Businesses seeking Halal certification can directly apply through SIHALAL, BPJPH’s online system, ensuring a seamless and efficient accreditation process.

This regulatory evolution reflects Indonesia’s dedication to establishing a transparent, robust, and globally recognized Halal certification ecosystem, enhancing consumer confidence and fostering international trade relations in the Halal industry.