Introduction

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has been strengthening its halal regulatory framework over the past decade. The Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH), or the Halal Product Assurance Agency, was established under Law No. 33 of 2014 to oversee halal certification for all consumer goods, including food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other products entering the Indonesian market.

Since its inception, BPJPH has undergone significant evolution—expanding its regulatory scope, introducing mandatory halal certification, and developing an accreditation system for halal certification bodies. However, the implementation has faced delays, reflecting the challenges of enforcing such a comprehensive system.

This article explores the evolution of BPJPH, its importance, mandatory requirements for exporters, the emergence of its accreditation system, deadline delays, and why accreditation under Indonesian law is crucial for global businesses.

1. The Establishment and Evolution of BPJPH

Before BPJPH, halal certification in Indonesia was managed by the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia, MUI) through its LPPOM MUI. However, the 2014 Halal Product Assurance Law (Law No. 33/2014) transferred authority to BPJPH, a government body under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, to streamline and regulate halal certification nationwide.

Key Milestones in BPJPH’s Evolution:

• 2014: Enactment of Law No. 33/2014, mandating halal certification for all relevant products.
• 2017: BPJPH officially formed as the central halal authority.
• 2019: Government Regulation No. 31/2019 provided detailed implementation rules, setting deadlines for mandatory halal certification.
• 2022-2024: Introduction of the BPJPH accreditation system, requiring foreign halal certification bodies to be accredited to certify products for Indonesia.
• 2026: Current deadline set by BPJPH for all food products being exported to Indonesia is 17th October 2026

2. Importance of BPJPH in Indonesia’s Halal Economy

Indonesia’s halal market is one of the largest in the world, valued at over USD 200 billion. With 87% of its 270 million population being Muslim, halal compliance is not just a religious obligation but a legal and economic necessity.

Why BPJPH Matters:

• Consumer Trust: Ensures products meet Islamic dietary and usage laws.
• Legal Compliance: Mandatory for all domestic and imported products.
• Economic Impact: Non-compliant businesses face market exclusion.
• Global Trade: Foreign exporters must adhere to BPJPH requirements to access Indonesia’s market.

3. Mandatory Halal Certification Requirements for Exporters

Under Law No. 33/2014, all products entering Indonesia must eventually obtain BPJPH halal certification. The law applies to:

• Food & Beverages
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Biological & Chemical Products
• Meat & Animal-Derived Ingredients

Key Steps for Exporters:

• Use BPJPH-Accredited Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs): Foreign HCBs must be accredited by BPJPH.
• Submit Required Documents: Including ingredient lists, production processes, and prior halal certificates (if any).
• Audit & Inspection: BPJPH or its accredited bodies conduct audits.
• Halal Labeling: Products must display the BPJPH halal logo.

4. Emergence of BPJPH’s Accreditation System

Initially, MUI’s LPPOM was the primary halal certifier. However, BPJPH introduced an accreditation system to expand certification capacity and accredit and recognize foreign halal bodies.

How Accreditation Works:

• Local & Foreign HCBs must apply for BPJPH accreditation.
• Compliance with HAS 23000 (Halal Assurance System) is mandatory.
• Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) may allow foreign certificates if from accredited and recognized bodies.

Challenges:

• Limited accredited bodies causing bottlenecks.
• Limitation of area of operation: Accredited/recognized body can only operate in country of origin (Europe)
• Varying standards between countries.
• High costs & lengthy processes for foreign businesses.

5. Constant Delays in Implementation Deadlines

BPJPH has postponed mandatory halal certification deadlines multiple times due to:

• Industry unpreparedness, especially SMEs.
• Lack of accredited halal auditors.
• Global supply chain complexities.

Timeline of Deadlines & Extensions:

• 2019 Regulation: Initially set deadlines between 2024-2026.
• 2022 Update: Some deadlines extended to 2026-2029.
• 2024 Status: Gradual enforcement, with full compliance expected by 2034.

These delays reflect BPJPH’s balancing act between strict enforcement and practical business realities.

6. Why Accreditation Under Indonesian Law 33/2014 is Crucial

For foreign businesses, BPJPH accreditation is non-negotiable for market access.

Benefits of Being an Accredited Halal Organization:

• ✅ Market Access: Only accredited bodies can certify products for Indonesia.
• ✅ Consumer Confidence: Enhances brand reputation among Muslim consumers.
• ✅ Legal Protection: Avoids penalties or import bans.
• ✅ Competitive Edge: Early adopters gain first-mover advantage.

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• ❌ Product Rejection: Non-certified goods can be denied entry.
• ❌ Fines & Legal Action: Violations may lead to sanctions.
• ❌ Loss of Market Share: Competitors with certification will dominate.

Conclusion: BPJPH’s Growing Role in Global Halal Trade

BPJPH’s evolution reflects Indonesia’s commitment to becoming a global halal hub. While implementation delays have provided breathing room for businesses, the long-term direction is clear—mandatory halal certification is inevitable.

For exporters, securing BPJPH accreditation or working with accredited bodies is essential to remain competitive in Indonesia’s booming halal market. Companies that adapt early will not only comply with regulations but also gain trust, market share, and long-term success in the world’s largest Muslim-majority economy.

Next Steps for Businesses:

• 🔹 Check if your halal certifier is BPJPH-accredited.
• 🔹 Prepare documentation for halal audits.
• 🔹 Monitor deadline updates to avoid last-minute disruptions.

By staying proactive, businesses can navigate BPJPH’s requirements smoothly and capitalize on Indonesia’s halal economic potential.