BPJPH and European Union Discuss Readiness for Mandatory Halal Certification Implementation
The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) continues to strengthen communication with international partners to ensure that the implementation of the Halal Product Assurance (JPH) policy in Indonesia is fully understood by global stakeholders. This initiative was realised through a meeting with a European Union (EU) delegation at the BPJPH Office in Jakarta on Thursday (30/7), to discuss regulatory developments and the readiness for the enforcement of mandatory halal certification in Indonesia.
The delegation, consisting of approximately 22 individuals, included representatives from embassies and trade agencies from several EU member states, including Finland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Belgium, and Denmark. The delegation was received by the Deputy for Coaching and Supervision of Halal Product Assurance at BPJPH, EA Chuzaemi Abidin, accompanied by the Director of JPH Partnership and Cooperation, Fertiana Santi, and the BPJPH Halal Standardisation Team.
The meeting is part of BPJPH’s efforts to build a common understanding regarding the implementation of JPH policy and to provide certain information to international trading partners ahead of the mandatory halal certification implementation as regulated by Indonesian laws. Carsten Sorensen, Head of the Trade and Economic Section of the EU Delegation, explained that the visit aimed to obtain the latest information regarding Halal Product Assurance regulations and policies in Indonesia as part of the business sector’s preparation for the mandatory certification requirements.
“Updating regulations is intended to prepare the readiness of industries and related sectors so they are ready to welcome the mandatory Halal Product Assurance as regulated in Indonesia,” Carsten stated in his briefing on Friday (31/7/2026). According to Carsten, certainty regarding halal regulations is a vital need for businesses and industrial sectors in EU countries that maintain trade relations with Indonesia. Through the dialogue with BPJPH, the delegation hopes to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the phased implementation of halal certification obligations as mandated by Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance.
Welcoming the visit, the Deputy for Coaching and Supervision of JPH, E.A. Chuzaemi Abidin, appreciated the EU delegation’s commitment to building constructive communication regarding the administration of Halal Product Assurance in Indonesia. He noted that open dialogue with international partners is part of BPJPH’s commitment to delivering a transparent and accountable JPH policy implementation that provides certainty for all business actors.
“We warmly welcome the arrival of the EU delegation at BPJPH. We hope this meeting can serve as a platform for us to exchange information and discuss various policies regarding the administration of Halal Product Assurance,” said Chuzaemi. He further emphasised that through intensive communication, BPJPH hopes every stakeholder will have a shared understanding of the regulations and mechanisms of Halal Product Assurance in Indonesia. BPJPH is committed to providing comprehensive explanations to address any questions from the delegation to prevent misunderstandings regarding the implementation of halal policies.
The dialogue was interactive, covering various aspects of Halal Product Assurance, ranging from regulatory developments and halal certification mechanisms to the recognition of foreign halal institutions and the phased implementation of mandatory certification. BPJPH explained that the mandatory halal certification is part of the government’s effort to build a halal product assurance system that serves as an Indonesian halal standard, providing legal certainty, public protection, and creating a healthy, competitive business climate. Through this policy, all products required to be halal-certified will refer to a uniform, documented, and traceable halal standard, thereby increasing consumer confidence both domestically and in the global market.
As part of strengthening the implementation of mandatory halal certification, which will take effect in October 2026, BPJPH is also working to provide clarity, ease of implementation, and uniformity in the application of halal standards for businesses through the preparation and refinement of halal standardisation regulations. In 2026, BPJPH issued BPJPH Head Decision Number 160 of 2026 regarding halal standards for products derived from ruminant animals, as well as Agency Regulation Number 3 of 2026 regarding the form and inclusion of non-halal information, as part of strengthening the halal ecosystem and infrastructure in Indonesia. These regulations serve as the foundation for building a credible and adaptive Halal Product Assurance system aligned with international halal standard practices. Additionally, to facilitate businesses in meeting halal certification requirements, it is noted that there are currently 45 foreign halal institutions in Europe that are accredited and have recognition agreements covering various scopes of competence.