Indonesia rules out delay in mandatory halal certification policy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia remains committed to enforcing mandatory halal certification starting October 18, with no plans for postponement, the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) stated.

"The mandatory halal policy will take effect on October 18 as planned. There will be no delays," BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hassan said in a statement cited on Saturday.

As part of preparations, the government is drafting provisions offering tailored treatment for certain product categories, particularly micro and small enterprise goods alongside specific imports, he added.

Haikal explained that this approach ensures orderly, proportionate implementation while safeguarding business continuity.

He stressed that mandatory certification does not constitute an import restriction or impose undue burdens, noting it reflects government efforts to strengthen consumer protection and business certainty.

The policy aligns with Law No. 33/2014 on Halal Product Assurance.

Haikal assured the public and business community that enforcement will remain proportionate, supported by expanded guidance, assistance, and oversight measures to maintain regulatory compliance.

The government has no intention of conducting raids or similar enforcement operations against businesses following implementation, he noted.

Haikal warned businesses and the public against individuals or groups falsely claiming to be BPJPH officials and demanding payments under the pretext of policy enforcement.

He urged the public to rely exclusively on the agency's official portal for verified regulatory information.

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Translator: A.N. Zhafira, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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