How to Get Halal Certification for Food and Beverage Businesses in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, where halal standards are not just a religious preference but also a regulatory and market necessity. For any food or beverage (F&B) business operating in the country—local or foreign—halal certification is a powerful tool to ensure credibility, compliance, and consumer confidence.

Since the implementation of Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, obtaining halal certification has become mandatory for food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products distributed in Indonesia. Businesses that fail to comply may face penalties, product recalls, or loss of customer trust.

This article explains in detail the function, requirements, and registration process for halal certification in Indonesia, and how Korsia Group can help your company navigate it efficiently.

Why Halal Certification Matters

Halal certification guarantees that a product is prepared, processed, and distributed according to Islamic law (Shariah). But beyond its religious dimension, it also ensures safety, hygiene, and ethical sourcing—key factors valued by today’s global consumers.

Key Reasons Why It Matters:

1. Consumer Confidence – Over 230 million Indonesian Muslims prefer certified products. 
2. Legal Requirement – Under the Halal Product Assurance Law, certification is obligatory for most F&B businesses. 
3. Market Access – Essential for entering supermarkets, government procurement, or export markets. 
4. Competitive Advantage – Strengthens brand image and consumer loyalty. 
5. Global Credibility – Aligns your business with international halal standards (such as Malaysia’s JAKIM or the Gulf’s GSO). 

In essence, halal certification is both a legal compliance and a marketing strategy that enhances brand legitimacy.

The Role of BPJPH and MUI

In Indonesia, the halal certification system is overseen by two main authorities:

• BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal) – The Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. BPJPH is responsible for policy, registration, and issuance of halal certificates. 
• LPPOM MUI (The Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics of the Indonesian Ulema Council) – Conducts audits and inspections to verify compliance with halal standards. 

BPJPH coordinates the process, while LPPOM MUI ensures that the company’s ingredients, production process, and facilities meet halal criteria.

Products Requiring Halal Certification

The following types of products must obtain halal certification before being distributed in Indonesia:

Category	Examples
Food & Beverages	Coffee, snacks, sauces, frozen foods, catering, bottled drinks
Food Ingredients	Additives, flavorings, colorants
Cosmetics	Lipsticks, skincare, fragrances
Pharmaceuticals	Vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter drugs
Consumer Goods	Soap, toothpaste, detergent (if made with animal-based materials)

Non-compliant products labeled “halal” without certification can face severe penalties under Indonesian law.

Requirements for Halal Certification

To apply for halal certification, businesses must prepare the following:

1. Business Identification Number (NIB) from the OSS system 
2. Company Deed and Legalization from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights 
3. Taxpayer ID (NPWP)
4. Product Composition List (raw materials, additives, flavoring) 
5. Supplier Halal Certificates for all raw materials 
6. Flowchart of Production Process
7. Facility Layout and equipment details 
8. Employee Halal Commitment Declaration
9. Halal Assurance System (SJH) Document — internal quality management for halal compliance 

For imported products, additional documentation such as a Certificate of Free Sale and a Foreign Halal Certificate (recognized by BPJPH) may be required.

How to Get Halal Certification for Food and Beverage Businesses in Indonesia

Below is the step-by-step process to legally obtain halal certification for F&B businesses:

Step 1: Prepare Business and Product Documents

Ensure your company is registered under OSS and has an active NIB. Gather all required documents, including ingredient lists and production flowcharts.

Step 2: Register with BPJPH

Submit your application through the BPJPH online system. You will need to specify your product categories, production facilities, and brand details.

Step 3: Verification by BPJPH

BPJPH will verify your documents and assign an authorized Halal Inspection Agency (LPH) — often LPPOM MUI — to audit your business.

Step 4: On-Site Audit and Laboratory Testing

LPPOM MUI conducts a comprehensive audit of your production site to verify:

• Halal compliance of all ingredients 
• Clean separation between halal and non-halal production lines 
• Hygiene and safety practices 

If required, samples are sent to accredited laboratories for further testing.

Step 5: Issuance of Halal Fatwa and Certification

Once the audit is approved, MUI issues a Halal Fatwa, and BPJPH grants the official Halal Certificate valid for four years.

Step 6: Halal Assurance System (SJH) Implementation

The certified company must maintain the Halal Assurance System and undergo periodic audits to keep certification active.

Timeline and Fees

The standard processing time for halal certification is approximately 30–45 working days, depending on document completeness and audit results.

Estimated fees vary based on:

• Type of business (micro, small, medium, or large) 
• Number of products 
• Manufacturing complexity 

As of 2025, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may qualify for government subsidies or free halal certification programs under BPJPH’s MSME empowerment initiative.

Benefits of Having a Halal Certificate

1. Legal Compliance – Protects your business from sanctions under the Halal Product Assurance Law. 
2. Market Trust – Consumers prefer verified halal brands for assurance and safety. 
3. Export Opportunities – Required by many countries in the Middle East, Malaysia, and Brunei. 
4. Brand Differentiation – Highlights your product’s ethical and quality standards. 
5. Investment Attraction – Certified halal businesses attract domestic and international investors. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses face rejection or delays due to procedural errors. The most common mistakes include:

• Using unverified suppliers with non-halal materials. 
• Failing to maintain production separation between halal and non-halal goods. 
• Incomplete Halal Assurance System documentation. 
• Expired or unrecognized foreign halal certificates. 
• Not updating the certificate after formula or packaging changes. 

Proper documentation and consultation are key to ensuring a smooth approval process.

How Korsia Group Helps Businesses Obtain Halal Certification

As a trusted business and licensing consultancy, Korsia Group assists F&B companies, manufacturers, and importers in completing every stage of halal certification.

Our services include:

• Reviewing product composition and ingredients. 
• Coordinating with BPJPH and LPPOM MUI. 
• Preparing the Halal Assurance System (SJH) document. 
• Managing registration via the OSS and BPJPH portals. 
• Facilitating site audits and document translation (for foreign clients). 
• Post-certification support and renewal assistance. 

With our bilingual legal experts and local compliance team, Korsia Group ensures your business meets both Indonesian halal regulations and international trade standards.

Conclusion

Halal certification is not merely a formality — it is a legal necessity and a competitive edge in Indonesia’s growing F&B market. By ensuring that every product and process aligns with halal principles, businesses can gain customer trust, expand market access, and maintain full regulatory compliance.

The certification process may seem complex, but with Korsia Group, it becomes clear, structured, and efficient. Our expert consultants handle the paperwork, audits, and coordination so that you can focus on what matters most — growing your brand.

In a country where halal equals trust, certification is not just about religion — it’s about responsibility, reputation, and sustainable business growth.