Halal Certification in Indonesia: Compliance Reminder and Upcoming Deadlines

Issue 12, March 2026

As a follow-up to our previous Advisory on Halal Certification, businesses should take note of the halal certification deadlines for this year. Whilst the deadline for domestic products certification passed in 2024, foreign products circulating in Indonesia must now obtain halal certification this year.

This advisory serves as a reminder of key halal certification deadlines and compliance requirements.

1. Mandatory Halal Certification
   
   Under GR 42/2024, halal certification is mandatory for a wide range of products and or services circulating in Indonesia, including food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemical and biological products, genetically engineered products, and consumer goods.
   
   
2. Key Deadlines for Foreign Products
   
   Whilst the deadline to obtain halal certification for domestic products (food, beverages, slaughtered animal products and their related services) expired on 17 October 2024, the following foreign products entering and circulating in Indonesia must obtain halal certification by: 17 October 2026.
   
   Product Category: (a) Imported food products, beverages, slaughtered animal products and slaughtering services; (b) Herbal medicines, quasi-medicines, and health supplements; (c) Cosmetics, chemical products, and genetically engineered products; (d) Consumer goods (clothing, headgear, accessories); (e) Consumer goods (household health supplies, household appliances, religious items, stationery, office supplies); (f) Consumer goods (class A medical devices)
   
   
3. Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
   
   Businesses that fail to comply with halal certification requirements may be subject to administrative sanctions, including:
   
   
   
   
4. Practical Compliance Steps for Businesses
   
   Businesses should consider taking the following actions: (a) conduct a halal compliance assessment of all products sold in Indonesia; (b) identify products that require halal certification; (c) initiate the halal certification application through the SIHALAL Application; (d) coordinate with accredited Halal Inspection Agencies; and (e) ensure proper halal labelling on certified products and non-halal statements for products with prohibited ingredients.
   
   
5. Immediate Action Recommended
   
   Given the approaching deadline for foreign products, businesses that have not yet secured halal certification should take immediate steps to secure halal certification and avoid regulatory and commercial risks.

Closing

GR 42/2024 marks a significant shift toward stricter halal compliance enforcement in Indonesia. Businesses that have not yet obtained halal certification should begin the certification process as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the deadlines and avoid potential administrative sanctions, product distribution disruptions, and adverse impacts on their commercial activities in Indonesia.

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Click the "download file" button to read the PDF version.

If you have any questions, please contact:

1. Norma Mutalib, Partner – norma.mutalib@makarim.com
2. Mira Ayu Lestari, Senior Associate – mira.ayu@makarim.com

_{M&T Advisory is a digital publication prepared by the Indonesian law firm, Makarim & Taira S. It informs generally on the topics covered and should not be treated as legal advice or relied upon when making investment or business decisions. Should you have any questions on any matter contained in M&T Advisory, or other comments in general, please contact us at the emails provided at the end of this article.}