Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and is one of the few markets where Halal certification is not a commercial advantage but a legal requirement for placing products on the market. For a company looking at South-East Asia, understanding how the Indonesian system works is the first step.
BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal) is the state agency overseeing Halal product assurance, established under the Jaminan Produk Halal law (Law No. 33 of 2014). The Indonesian model has a distinctive feature: certification authority moved from a religious body — MUI, the Indonesian Ulema Council, historically the sector's reference point — to a public agency, with MUI retaining a role in doctrinal assessment.
The requirement came into force in successive phases, starting with food and beverages and extending progressively to other categories such as cosmetics, chemical products, consumer goods and related services.
An exporting company does not certify directly with BPJPH. The mechanism is one of mutual recognition: BPJPH accredits foreign halal certification bodies, and certificates issued by those bodies are accepted on the Indonesian market once registered.
Three practical consequences follow:
HQC Italia is recognised by the Indonesian authorities MUI and BPJPH, and operates in accordance with BPJPH Decree 78/2023.
Indonesia is considered one of the most demanding markets, and the recurring issues are almost always the same:
| Issue | Why it arises |
|---|---|
| Incomplete supplier documentation | Evidence on the origin of every ingredient is required, not generic self-declarations. |
| Ingredients of animal origin | Gelatines, enzymes and fats must be traced back to the species and slaughtering method. |
| Alcohol in processing | Alcohol-based flavourings and extracts are common in Italian food products. |
| Shared production lines | Separation from non-Halal production must be demonstrable, not merely declared. |
| Labelling | Applying the Halal mark follows precise rules in the destination market. |
The most common mistake is tackling certification once the order has already been won, compressing exactly the stage that needs the most time: collecting declarations from suppliers. Companies that export to Indonesia consistently treat Halal compliance as a stable product requirement, not as paperwork to be rushed through just before shipping.
A good starting point is mapping the bill of materials: list every ingredient and processing aid, identify the critical ones, and ask suppliers for supporting documentation. That material quickly reveals whether the path is short or whether reformulation is needed.
Let's assess feasibility for your products and the requirements that apply to your product category.
Read also: how to obtain Halal certification, stage by stage
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