Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) is urging companies to secure halal certification for their products ahead of a sweeping mandatory policy set to take effect on October 18, 2026. This policy marks a significant expansion of Indonesia's phased halal push, which initially focused on food and beverage products from medium and large enterprises in late 2024. The upcoming policy broadens the scope to include micro and small local enterprises, as well as foreign and imported products sold within the country. The absolute mandate is enforced under the country's Halal Product Guarantee Law and a subsequent 2024 government regulation, aiming to ensure consumers have access to verified, safe, and traceable goods. Non-compliance after the deadline will trigger strict administrative sanctions, including written warnings, steep administrative fines, the revocation of existing certificates, or full product recalls from the Indonesian market. BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan emphasized that certification has transcended traditional religious compliance to become a global commercial benchmark. He stated, 'Today, halal is no longer just a necessity for Muslims. Halal has become a universally accepted and globally recognized standard of quality, safety, transparency, traceability, and trustworthiness.' This shift in perspective highlights the growing importance of halal certification as a global commercial standard, rather than just a religious requirement. The deadline of October 2026 provides businesses with a limited time to integrate into the framework and secure their halal certification. This policy is a significant step towards ensuring that Indonesian consumers have access to verified, safe, and traceable goods, and it reflects the country's commitment to maintaining high standards in the food and beverage industry.
