VP Praises LPPOM MUI for Easing Halal Certification in China

Indonesia’s halal standards have long been recognized as a global benchmark, establishing a trusted reference point for halal certification worldwide. The framework set by Indonesia, particularly through the efforts of the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (LPPOM MUI), now stands as a crucial assurance system for halal products. With recognition from over 50 Halal Certification Bodies (LSH) across the globe, LPPOM MUI has solidified its position as a leader in the global halal market.

LPPOM MUI: A Global Pioneer in Halal Certification

The significance of Indonesia’s halal certification framework cannot be overstated. LPPOM MUI, established in 1989, has been at the forefront of ensuring that halal products meet the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and quality. Over the years, the organization has developed a robust certification process that has earned the trust of consumers and businesses worldwide.

Vice President K.H. Ma’ruf Amin, during a visit to the LPPOM MUI representative office in Shanghai, China, on September 18, 2023, underscored the importance of this certification framework. He emphasized that LPPOM MUI’s strategic positioning of representative offices in various countries, including China, is a critical step in simplifying the halal certification process for international businesses. This move aligns with Indonesia’s broader goal of becoming a global halal hub, ensuring that halal products from Indonesia are recognized and trusted globally.

The Growing Importance of Halal Certification

The global demand for halal products has been on the rise, driven by the increasing Muslim population and the growing awareness of the benefits of halal products among non-Muslims. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, the halal market is expected to reach USD 3.2 trillion by 2024, with food and beverages accounting for the largest share. This surge in demand highlights the critical role of halal certification in ensuring consumer confidence and market expansion.

In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country with a population of over 230 million, halal products hold considerable significance. The domestic market alone is projected to see a 15% increase in the consumption of halal products and services by 2025, totaling approximately USD 281 billion. This growth underscores the vital role of halal certification in ensuring that products meet the stringent standards required by consumers.

LPPOM MUI has been instrumental in facilitating this growth. By providing a trusted certification process, the organization has ensured that Indonesian halal products are recognized and respected on the global stage. This trust is built on the rigorous standards upheld by LPPOM MUI, ensuring that products labeled as halal meet the highest levels of cleanliness, safety, and quality.

LPPOM MUI’s Global Expansion

One of the key strategies employed by LPPOM MUI to meet the growing demand for halal products is the establishment of representative offices in key markets around the world. These offices serve as critical hubs for halal certification, providing businesses with the support and guidance needed to navigate the certification process. In China, where the demand for halal certification has grown rapidly, the establishment of a representative office in Shanghai in 2007 was a pivotal move.

Muti Arintawati, President Director of LPPOM MUI, noted the significance of this office in Shanghai. “Our representative office in China plays a pivotal role in accelerating Indonesia’s halal certification program. It ensures that Chinese businesses can seamlessly integrate into the global halal market by adhering to our stringent standards,” she explained. This initiative not only facilitates the certification process for Chinese businesses but also strengthens the economic ties between Indonesia and China.

The presence of LPPOM MUI in China has had a significant impact on the halal market in the country. Over the past 16 years, the Shanghai office has certified over 1,000 companies and more than 7,000 products, spanning various sectors including raw materials, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This certification process ensures that products meet the rigorous standards required by the global halal market, providing consumers with the confidence that they are purchasing high-quality, halal-compliant products.

Strengthening Indonesia-China Relations

The collaboration between LPPOM MUI and Chinese businesses is not just about certification; it’s about fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations. Vice President Amin highlighted that this partnership would not only benefit Indonesia and China but also contribute to the global halal industry. The growth in halal product consumption in Indonesia and China is a testament to the vital role of halal certification in consumer trust and market expansion.

China, with its growing Muslim population and increasing interest in halal products, represents a significant market for Indonesian halal products. The collaboration between LPPOM MUI and Chinese businesses is expected to drive further growth in the halal sector, benefiting both countries. As Vice President Amin emphasized, the ongoing partnership between Indonesia and China in the halal sector will have far-reaching implications, contributing to the global community and strengthening the ties between these two major economies.

The economic benefits of this collaboration are substantial. As Indonesia continues to position itself as a global halal hub, the partnership with China will play a crucial role in expanding the reach of Indonesian halal products. This collaboration will also support Indonesia’s ambitious goal of certifying 10 million halal products by 2024, a target that underscores the increasing global demand for halal products.

LPPOM MUI’s Auditing and Certification Efforts

LPPOM MUI’s efforts in China began in the early 2000s, with the organization conducting halal audits to ensure that products met the required standards. The partnership with Shanghai Al Amin in 2007 marked a significant milestone in promoting halal certification within China. This collaboration has led to over 1,000 companies and more than 7,000 products in China obtaining halal certification, covering a wide range of sectors including raw materials, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

The demand for halal certification in China has continued to grow, driven by the increasing awareness of the benefits of halal products among consumers. In recent years, LPPOM MUI has further strengthened its efforts in China by collaborating with local entities such as Shanghai SAPH Pharma Co. Ltd. This partnership focuses on advanced testing laboratories for Animal DNA Testing, including Porcine DNA Testing, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of halal products.

This collaboration is essential in ensuring that products imported into Indonesia, or products made with raw materials sourced from China, meet the stringent halal standards required by Indonesian law. The presence of LPPOM MUI in China ensures that businesses have access to the latest information and support needed to comply with Indonesia’s halal certification requirements.

The Future of Halal Certification

Looking ahead, the role of LPPOM MUI in the global halal market is set to expand even further. The organization’s commitment to maintaining high standards and facilitating international cooperation is central to its mission. With the Indonesian government’s ambitious target of certifying 10 million halal products by 2024, LPPOM MUI’s efforts in China and other countries are crucial.

The future of halal certification is closely tied to the continued growth of the global halal market. As more countries recognize the importance of halal certification in ensuring the quality and safety of products, the demand for certified products is expected to increase. LPPOM MUI’s efforts to expand its global reach, particularly in key markets like China, will be critical in meeting this demand.

The presence of LPPOM MUI in China, particularly through its representative office in Shanghai, is not just about meeting certification targets. It’s about building a robust halal ecosystem that supports sustainable growth in the halal industry, benefiting consumers and businesses alike. As Vice President Amin emphasized, the ongoing collaboration between Indonesia and China in the halal sector will have far-reaching implications, contributing to the global community and strengthening the ties between these two major economies.

In conclusion, LPPOM MUI’s efforts in China reflect a broader strategy of international engagement, ensuring that halal certification remains a cornerstone of global trade and consumer trust. The continued expansion of its global network, coupled with its rigorous standards, positions LPPOM MUI as a leader in the halal industry, paving the way for a future where halal products are synonymous with quality and trust worldwide. The collaboration between Indonesia and China in the halal sector is just one example of how LPPOM MUI is shaping the future of halal certification, ensuring that consumers around the world can trust the products they purchase.