Indonesia postpones mandatory halal certification deadline to October 2028

JAKARTA — The Indonesian government has pushed back the October 2026 deadline for mandatory halal certification to October 2028 for several product and service categories, according to a report by Republika published on 18 October 2026.

Republika reported that the change relates to Articles 160 and 161 of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 on the implementation of halal product assurance. The newspaper said the relaxed deadline covers food, beverage and slaughter-related services, with the exception of slaughtering services.

According to Republika, the extension also applies to food, beverages, slaughtered products and slaughtering services from micro and small businesses, as well as to foreign products. It further covers traditional medicine, quasi-drugs, health supplements, cosmetics, chemical products, genetically engineered products and a number of consumer goods categories.

Official statement

Republika said Susiwijono Moegiarso, secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, explained the decision at an online briefing on government policy on halal certification obligations on Friday, 16 October 2026. He said the government had weighed the readiness of the halal ecosystem.

"Taking into account the readiness of the halal ecosystem, the government is extending the phasing of the halal certification obligation through a government regulation amending Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024," Susiwijono said, as quoted by Republika.

The newspaper listed several attendees, including the principal secretary of the halal product assurance agency BPJPH, a deputy from the State Secretariat, and representatives of business associations. It described the event as a forum for coordination between agencies.

Policy changes still pending

Republika reported that the policy also includes revoking BPJPH Regulation No. 4 of 2026 on inspection of imported halal products. It also provides for a review of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 and of related BPJPH rules on halal certification. According to the newspaper, further provisions are still waiting for the government to issue an official regulation.

Reaction from LPPOM

Muti Arintawati, president director of LPPOM, told Republika on Saturday, 17 October 2026, that the extra time should not be a reason for businesses to delay preparations. She said a halal certificate can add value to a business and forms part of a company's responsibility to give Muslim consumers accurate information and respect their rights.

"The adjustment gives businesses extra time to prepare for halal certification," Muti said, according to Republika. She added that businesses also need accurate information on which product categories are affected, the requirements and the certification process. She said LPPOM is ready to help them understand the halal inspection stages under the latest rules.

Muti also said the organisation understands that businesses face different challenges and levels of readiness. LPPOM would keep assisting them, she said, as it has been doing. Republika reported that she urged businesses not to wait until the deadline approaches.

Background

Republika identified LPPOM as a halal inspection body, known in Indonesia as a Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal. The article text available for this report ends while describing that role. The deadline had been set for October 2026 under the existing framework of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024.

This report relies solely on Republika. The amending regulation had not been issued at the time of the newspaper's report, according to Republika, and the details of its final provisions remain unconfirmed.