From 18 October 2026 Indonesia makes Halal certification mandatory for all businesses marketing food and cosmetics in the country, regardless of their size. Large companies have been subject to Halal labelling requirements since October 2024; now the rule extends to the entire supply chain. For an Italian agri-food company that exports or plans to export to Indonesia, the time to adapt is very limited.
As reported by HalalFocus on 31 July 2026, citing Antara and jakartaglobe.id, Indonesia will make Halal certification mandatory for all businesses — of any size — selling food and cosmetics in the country from 18 October 2026. The responsible government body, BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal), is urging businesses that are still uncertified to act urgently so as not to be shut out of the market.
The previous phase, which came into force in October 2024, had already imposed Halal labelling requirements on large companies. Extending the obligation to all categories of business now completes the regulatory framework and leaves no room for exceptions.
Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. It is a major import market for processed foods, ingredients and cosmetics and of primary importance for Italian exports. Without Halal certification recognised by the Indonesian authorities, a product cannot be legally marketed in the country from the date indicated. This applies to direct exporters and also to those working through local distributors or importers: responsibility for compliance lies with the product and the manufacturer.
For an Italian business that already exports to Indonesia or wants to start, there are some immediate operational consequences:
It is worth noting that South Korea responded to the same regulatory deadline by setting up a dedicated inter-ministerial team — the Joint Support Team for Entry into Indonesia — to support Korean businesses with certification and market access. The signal is clear: the main exporting countries are treating this deadline as a competitive priority, not a bureaucratic formality. Italian companies that do not adapt risk ceding ground to European and non-European competitors that are already certified.
In Italy, the agri-food sectors most exposed to this rule are:
For all these sectors, checking the ingredient chain is the essential starting point.
The path an Italian company must follow to be ready for the 18 October 2026 deadline comes down to a few concrete steps:
HQC Italia, recognised by BPJPH, manages the entire certification process, from document review to the on-site audit. You can request a free quote within 24 hours to find out the timescales, costs and specific arrangements for your production set-up.
The 18 October 2026 requirement is not a proposal under consultation: it is a rule that has already been approved and is being fully implemented. Companies that wait risk finding themselves out of the market at the worst possible moment — when already certified competitors are gaining ground with Indonesian importers and distributors. Acting now, by turning to a recognised certification body, is the most rational choice for anyone who has invested in building a sales channel in Indonesia or intends to build one.
Tell us about your product and target markets: the quote is free and you will receive it within 24 hours.