Indonesia’s Mandatory Halal by Oct 2024: 41 Countries Line Up, Says BPJPH

In a landmark move aimed at safeguarding the religious and ethical standards of its predominantly Muslim population, the Indonesian government has mandated that by October 2024, all products entering, circulating, and being commercially exchanged within its territory must possess official halal certification. This directive is a part of the broader initiative under Government Regulation Number 39 of 2021, detailing the operational framework for the Halal Product Guarantee Sector. According to this regulation, the stipulated deadline for compliance with halal certification requirements is set for October 17, 2024, marking a significant shift in the nation’s approach to consumer goods and their compliance with Islamic law.

As Indonesia positions itself as a global leader in halal product assurance, the international community has turned its attention to how this policy will influence imported goods, which form a considerable portion of the market. Muhammad Aqil Irham, the head of the Halal Product Guarantee Administration (BPJPH), has been at the forefront of discussions with international partners, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and alignment with these new regulations. A total of 41 countries have expressed their intent to collaborate with the BPJPH, seeking to have their halal certifications recognized within Indonesia, thereby facilitating continued access to its lucrative market come October 2024.

This development was shared by Aqil during an engagement with the press at Gama Tower, Jakarta, on the 3rd of April, where he outlined the diversity and strategic importance of these international dialogues. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, the United States, and Brazil are among those seeking collaborative agreements with Indonesia, indicating a wide-reaching impact of the new halal certification requirement.

Australia’s interest in ensuring its beef certification aligns with Indonesian standards highlights the economic and dietary significance of this move. Given Australia’s role as a primary beef supplier to Indonesia, and considering Indonesia’s considerable meat deficit—estimated at 650,000 tons—the importance of seamless trade relations in this sector cannot be overstated. Similarly, Japan’s proposition to certify raw materials for food and beverages underscores the extensive scope of the certification process, extending beyond finished products to encompass all components involved in the production chain.

Aqil Irham’s emphasis on the necessity of halal certification for both finished goods and raw materials sheds light on Indonesia’s comprehensive approach to ensuring the halal integrity of its consumer products. This policy is not merely about adhering to religious norms but is also a strategic move to boost consumer confidence, stimulate domestic production capabilities, and position Indonesia as a pivotal market in the global halal industry.

This initiative also mirrors Indonesia’s broader aspirations to lead in the global halal market, which is rapidly expanding beyond the Muslim-majority countries and catering to a global audience interested in ethical, clean, and transparently processed products. By setting rigorous standards for halal certification, Indonesia is enhancing its domestic industry’s competitiveness while also encouraging international producers to adhere to these stringent guidelines, thereby ensuring that the halal market’s growth is both ethical and sustainable.

As Indonesia prepares to implement this groundbreaking regulation, the implications for global trade, especially in the halal sector, are profound. The nation’s firm stance on halal certification underscores its commitment to upholding Islamic principles while fostering an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable market environment. This initiative not only bolsters the confidence of Muslim consumers but also paves the way for innovative collaborations and partnerships across borders, ensuring that the halal certification process is robust, transparent, and universally respected.