RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Opportunities for Indonesian halal products in the global market continue to grow. Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) and Sweden’s Scandinavian Halal Certification (SHC) have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to facilitate halal trade and strengthen Indonesia’s role in international halal standards.

BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan said the agreement will streamline cross‑border halal trade without compromising the assurance of halal status.

“With the signing of this agreement, the process of cross‑border trade in halal products will become easier without diminishing the guarantee of their halal status,” Haikal said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday, August 7, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Haikal said the cooperation is a key step toward expanding the global reach of Indonesian halal products. It also establishes a mechanism for mutual recognition of halal certificates in each country.

He added that the partnership is part of BPJPH’s efforts to strengthen its international network for halal product assurance and to promote the establishment of globally recognized halal standards.

“Halal is no longer just about religious aspects. It has evolved into a symbol of transparency, traceability, trust, health, and quality of life. The concept of halalan thayyiban [halal and wholesome] must become a shared standard in global trade,” he said.

Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor‑Leste, Papua New Guinea, and ASEAN, Daniel Blockert, said the agreement will further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

“If ASEAN countries can establish harmonized halal standards, it would be an excellent start. The Embassy of Sweden, together with Business Sweden, is ready to support this collaboration,” Blockert said.

Meanwhile, SHC Sweden CEO Aso Asinger described BPJPH’s recognition as a significant milestone for his organization, noting that it opens broader opportunities for halal product trade.

“This is a historic milestone for Scandinavian Halal Certification AB as the first halal certification body in Sweden to be recognized by BPJPH,” he said.

Under the MRA, SHC Sweden will conduct halal certification according to BPJPH standards, implement the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH), carry out surveillance and witness activities, submit periodic reports, and ensure that products exported to Indonesia comply with national halal labeling requirements.

BPJPH, in turn, recognizes halal certificates issued by SHC within the scope of competence established through accreditation and conformity assessment. The agreement is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian halal products in the global halal market. ***