Haikal Hasan Explains The Terms Of Non-halal Products That Can Enter Indonesia

JAKARTA - The Halal Product Guarantee Administration Agency (BPJPH) emphasized that non-halal products from abroad can enter Indonesia as long as they include non-halal information.

"Indonesia underlines that non-halal products can still be imported and marketed domestically, provided that the product includes clear and visible illegal information, both in the form of text, images, and visual indicators on product packaging," said Head of BPJPH Ahmad Haikal Hasan, quoted from an official statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Monday, June 30.

As a country with a Muslim population, Haikal said Indonesia is strongly committed to ensuring that all information related to halal products are consumed and used by Indonesian consumers who are aware of being halal in accordance with halal standards.

"In accordance with Government Regulation (PP) No. 42 of 2024, Indonesia has extended the deadline for halal certification obligations for imported products in the form of food, drinks, and services for slaughtering imports until October 17, 2026. This means that starting October 18, 2026, halal certification obligations for products will be enforced," he said.

This extension is intended to provide sufficient time for the arrangement of mutual recognition cooperation, and also provide additional time for business actors to prepare for compliance with applicable JPH regulations.

In addition, Indonesia also continues to be active in constructive dialogue with partner countries to socialize the provisions related to this extension.

Furthermore, Haikal emphasized that foreign products certified halal by halal institutions abroad must be registered by BPJPH before entering the Indonesian market through Sihalal.

In this regard, Indonesia has submitted a notification of the draft amendment to the G/TBT/N/IDN/175/Add.1 document, which contains a proposal to revise the Decree of the Head of BPJPH Number 90 of 2023 concerning Procedures for Implementing Services for Registration of Foreign Halal Certificates.

BPJPH has also regulated the labeling of imported halal products through Decree No. 88 of 2023, as stated in G/TBT/N/IDN/174/Add.1.

Until June 2025, Indonesia has signed an agreement to accept halal certificates reciprocally (MRA) with 87 halal certification agencies abroad in 32 countries. The goal is to improve the trade ecosystem for halal products between Indonesia and partner countries," said Haikal.

He also said that Indonesia will remain open to cooperation in the future with other foreign halal certification institutions through the acceptance of halal certificates.

"Halal certification is actually very useful for taking advantage of the opportunities and great potential of the halal economy in the chain of alternative trade value, which in turn will contribute to economic growth and community welfare," he added.