Indonesia Reaffirms Commitment to Mandatory Halal Certification at WTO Forum
Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to continue implementing its mandatory halal certification policy during the Specific Trade Concern (STC) forum of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The policy will be implemented according to the previously established schedule of October 2026.
Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Implementation Agency (BPJPH), stated that the government is not planning any revision of the policy. The mandatory halal certification will proceed as scheduled, with no further extensions or additional transition periods planned, given that the implementation timeline has been widely communicated to stakeholders since the beginning.
The Indonesian government previously extended the transition period for mandatory halal certification for certain product categories, including food and beverages from micro and small enterprises (MSMEs), imported products, slaughtered products, and slaughtering services, until 17 October 2026, from the previous deadline of 17 October 2024. This extension was intended to provide adequate time for resolving mutual recognition arrangements and enabling businesses to prepare for compliance with applicable regulations.
Haikal emphasised that under the regulations, products containing non-halal materials may still enter, circulate, and be traded in Indonesia, provided they carry clear non-halal labelling in accordance with applicable provisions. Products derived from materials prohibited under halal standards can still be imported and distributed in Indonesia provided they meet relevant requirements.
The recognition of foreign halal certificates is conducted bilaterally and based on the principle of reciprocity between Indonesia and partner countries. Only foreign halal certification bodies established or authorised by the government or competent Islamic authorities in their home country, recognised by competent authorities, and accredited by the local national accreditation body or by the BPJPH accreditation team are recognised for certifying products for the Indonesian market.
Haikal noted that such mutual recognition cooperation of halal certificates is very important within the framework of economic and trade relations between Indonesia and partner countries. Additionally, Indonesia explained that halal logistics arrangements, including packaging, storage, and distribution services, aim to maintain the integrity of halal products throughout the supply chain and prevent potential cross-contamination with non-halal materials.