October 17, 2024, marks a historic moment for trade in Indonesia. According to Indonesian Government Regulation No. 39 of 2021, all food and beverage products sold in Indonesia must be halal certified. This requirement applies not only to locally produced products but also to imported products.
Table of Content:
The Success of the 3rd H20 by BPJPH in October 2024
The Role of MRA on October 17, 2024
The Process for Halal Bodies to Obtain an MRA
The Success of the 3rd H20 by BPJPH in October 2024
The Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) successfully held the 3rd Halal 20 (H20) on October 10, 2024, at ICE BSD, Tangerang, Indonesia. The event resulted in the signing of 52 Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) from 24 countries. Previously, BPJPH had already signed 40 MRAs with international Halal Bodies that had completed the assessment and collaboration process, including IFANCA, one of the first to sign. This brings the total to 92 international halal bodies that BPJPH collaborates with for halal certificate recognition.
The Role of MRA on October 17, 2024
Under Government Regulation No. 39 of 2021, there are phased requirements for halal certification of products to be marketed in Indonesia. As of October 17, 2024, food, beverages, raw materials, and slaughtered animal products are prioritized and must be halal certified. This halal certification can be issued by BPJPH or by international halal bodies that have an MRA agreement with BPJPH. An MRA ensures that the halal certificate issued by a foreign halal body is recognized as equivalent to BPJPH’s.
With 92 MRAs signed, those 92 halal bodies worldwide can issue certificates that are accepted and recognized in Indonesia. However, industries must be aware that each MRA specifies the scope of recognition. BPJPH has defined 15 categories, including Food, Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Chemicals, and Biological Products.
The Process for Halal Bodies to Obtain an MRA
The process for international halal bodies to obtain an MRA with BPJPH is quite extensive, beginning with registration, document verification, and an on-site assessment to review their certification processes. Halal bodies may need to adjust their certification processes to comply with BPJPH’s requirements, such as implementing the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH). To assist businesses in understanding and preparing for halal certification, US Halal Academy in collaboration with IFANCA offers specialized training. This training helps businesses ensure their products meet the requirements to be certified and distributed in Indonesia. Join the training through this link.
