At the WTO STC forum, Indonesia reaffirms commitment to implementing the Halal Certification Obligation by October 2026

Indonesia on Thursday reiterated its commitment to continue implementing the halal certification obligation or Wajib Halal by October 2026 in accordance with the schedule set. The commitment was conveyed through a teleconference channel in the Specific Trade Concern (STC) World Trade Organization (WTO) forum in Jakarta. At the forum, the Head of the Halal Product Assurance Administration Agency (BPJPH) Ahmad Haikal Hasan appreciated several trading partners — the European Union, the United States, India, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland — for their attention and ongoing engagement in the implementation of the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH) in Indonesia. ‘The provisions regarding the implementation of the halal certification obligation have been regulated in Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024. This regulation provides the legal basis for implementing the national mandatory halal product assurance policy,’ Haikal Hasan said in a press statement received by Kompas.com on Sunday, 8 August 2026. At this stage, he added, there are no plans for further extensions or additional transition periods, as the schedule has been widely communicated to stakeholders from the outset. For reference, the Indonesian government has provided a transition period by extending the deadline for the halal certification obligation for several product categories, including micro and small business (UMK) food and beverage products, imported products, slaughter byproducts, and slaughtering services, until 17 October 2026. Previously, the halal certification obligation deadline was set for 17 October 2024. Under the regulation, products containing non-halal ingredients may still enter, move, and be traded in Indonesia as long as they are clearly labeled as not halal in accordance with applicable provisions. Thus, products derived from ingredients prohibited under halal standards may still be imported and distributed in Indonesia provided they meet the requirements. Haikal Hasan said that recognition of foreign halal certificates would be conducted bilaterally and on the basis of reciprocity between Indonesia and partner countries. Those foreign halal certification bodies must also be recognised by the competent authorities and accredited by the local accreditation body or recognised by BPJPH’s accreditation team. ‘Mutual recognition of halal certificates is crucial within the framework of the economy and trade between Indonesia and partner countries,’ Haikal Hasan said. On that occasion, Haikal Hasan also explained that the halal logistics arrangement, including packaging, storage, and distribution services, aims to maintain the integrity of halal products along the supply chain and prevent potential cross-contamination with non-halal ingredients. The policy is expected to create a more trusted and predictable global halal trade ecosystem. The halal certification obligation for the logistics sector applies only to packaging, storage, and distribution services that are directly related to food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.