RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia has confirmed that its policy requiring halal certification for products will continue to be implemented according to schedule.

The government conveyed this commitment at a Specific Trade Concern (STC) meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which discussed issues related to international trade.

The policy covers the implementation of halal certification for products circulating in the Indonesian market. The full implementation phase is scheduled to take effect in October 2026, following a transition period provided for business actors.

“Indonesia affirms that the implementation of halal certification requirements will continue according to the predetermined schedule,” said Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, in an official statement in Jakarta on Monday, March 9, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Haikal explained that the government does not plan to extend the transition period because the schedule has been communicated to stakeholders from the outset. “At this stage, there are no plans for further extensions or additional transition periods,” he said.

Previously, the government extended the transition period for halal certification requirements until October 17, 2026. The extension applies to several categories, including food and beverage products from micro and small businesses, imported products, slaughtered products, and slaughtering services.

The step was taken to allow time for completing mutual recognition arrangements for halal certificates and to provide business actors with the opportunity to adjust to the new regulations.

Haikal added that products containing non-halal ingredients can still be marketed in Indonesia as long as they include clear information. “Products derived from ingredients prohibited under halal standards can still be imported and distributed in Indonesia as long as they meet the relevant requirements,” he said.

He further explained that recognition of foreign halal certificates is carried out bilaterally on a reciprocal basis between countries.

According to regulations, only foreign halal certification bodies established or authorized by the government or competent Islamic authorities in the country of origin, recognized by competent authorities, and accredited by the local accreditation body or BPJPH’s accreditation team, are eligible to certify products for the Indonesian market.

Haikal noted that mutual recognition of halal certificates is important within the framework of economic and trade cooperation between Indonesia and partner countries.

He also stated that halal logistics arrangements, including packaging, storage, and distribution services, aim to safeguard the integrity of halal products throughout the supply chain and prevent potential cross-contamination with non-halal materials. ***