Indonesia Extends Halal Certification Deadline to October 2028

The Indonesian government has officially announced an extension of the deadline for mandatory halal certification, now set to commence on October 18, 2028. This decision was made to enhance the readiness of the national halal ecosystem and respond to feedback from various business associations and industries.

According to Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the original deadline was scheduled for October 18, 2026, following Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024. However, the government deemed it necessary to adjust the timeline to ensure effective implementation and adequate preparation time for all stakeholders involved. “This extension is aimed at providing legal certainty and a sufficient transition period for businesses, especially micro and small enterprises,” Susiwijono stated during a policy socialization event held online on October 16, 2026.

The adjustments include changes to Article 160 of the regulation, which mandates halal certification for food, beverages, and slaughter products, excluding slaughter services, starting from October 18, 2028. For micro and small enterprises, the deadline for halal certification for food, beverages, slaughter products, and slaughter services has been extended to October 17, 2028. Additionally, the requirement for halal certification for imported food products will also take effect on October 18, 2028, contingent on the completion of mutual recognition agreements for halal certification.

“This extension is aimed at providing legal certainty and a sufficient transition period for businesses, especially micro and small enterprises.”Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs

Other product categories previously scheduled to comply by 2026, such as natural medicines, quasi-medicines, health supplements, cosmetics, chemical products, and genetically engineered products, will now have their compliance deadlines adjusted to October 17, 2028. However, the deadlines for other categories will remain unchanged, with certain medications required to comply by October 17, 2029, and controlled substances by October 17, 2034.

The government emphasized that this adjustment does not signify a neglect of the halal certification obligation but rather a strategic move to ensure its effective implementation while safeguarding consumer protection and facilitating smooth trade. The policy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesia's halal industry, which is crucial as the country positions itself as a global player in the halal market.

This extension reflects the government's commitment to the Halal Product Assurance Law, which was initially enacted in 2014 and revised in 2023. The regulation aims to ensure that all products circulating in Indonesia meet halal standards, which is increasingly important for consumers both domestically and internationally.