Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, and halal certification is evolving from a voluntary market option into a statutory market access requirement for import and export trade. In accordance with Indonesian laws and regulations, mandatory halal certification will be fully implemented for various consumer goods including textiles starting from October 17, 2026. Products without valid certification will be prohibited from circulation in the Indonesian market.
For Chinese textile enterprises deeply engaged in Indonesia and Southeast Asian markets, the compliance window is less than six months. It is urgent to advance halal certification arrangements as early as possible.
1. Policy Background: Halal Certification Enters a New Era of Full Undifferentiated Coverage
On October 17, 2026, the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) will officially enforce new regulations on halal certification supervision. Formulated based on Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Law No. 33 of 2014 and Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024, the new rules serve as the legal regulatory basis for the production, import and circulation of halal products in Indonesia, marking the country’s entry into a new regulatory era of full undifferentiated halal coverage.
Ahmad Haikal Hasan, an official of BPJPH, stated in a public announcement that the certification obligation covers the determination of product status — both halal and non-halal products must be declared through certification and labeling in accordance with provisions. He specially pointed out that relevant regulations will be expanded in October 2026 to cover textiles and other daily necessities in direct contact with human skin, which will then be subject to halal regulatory constraints.
Notably, the new rules completely abolish the previous exemption period for imported products and eliminate differentiated treatment based on enterprise scale and capital nature. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, large enterprises, local enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises will all follow identical certification standards.
2. Compliance Red Lines: Four Core Compliance Requirements for Textile Halal Certification
Enterprises applying for BPJPH halal certification must strictly comply with the following standards with zero tolerance for violations:
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Strict control of raw material sources
For textiles used in garments, headwear, accessories, home textiles, prayer supplies and product packaging, any products containing animal-derived ingredients must ensure halal compliance of raw materials. Materials such as leather, hair and bones sourced from pigs and dogs are strictly prohibited. Animal-derived raw materials must come from livestock slaughtered in accordance with Islamic Shariah principles (e.g., cattle, sheep).
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Compliance review of auxiliary chemicals
Chemical auxiliaries for printing and dyeing, finishing and adhesives must not contain porcine-derived ingredients, alcohol or other prohibited additives. Enterprises shall submit a complete list of materials and supplier qualification certificates.
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Full-process isolation and traceability in production
Certification covers the entire industrial chain including raw material procurement, production and processing, warehousing and logistics. Cross-contamination with non-halal ingredients is strictly forbidden to ensure products meet Indonesian halal standards. Enterprises must establish and maintain complete traceability records, logistics documents and halal assurance system files.
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Standardized labeling and regulated use of halal marks
After obtaining certification, enterprises must affix halal labels in line with BPJPH requirements. False promotion and unauthorized use of halal labels are prohibited, and no patterns or texts violating Indonesian halal standards are allowed on products.
3. Certification Process & Timeline
Enterprises shall submit application documents via SiHalal System, the official online platform designated by BPJPH. Subsequently, Halal Inspection Agencies (LPH) accredited by BPJPH will conduct document review and on-site inspection. Finally, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) will issue religious jurisprudence rulings. Upon approval, BPJPH will grant the halal certificate.
The entire certification process, including document preparation, review, on-site inspection and certificate issuance, generally takes 4 to 6 months. Enterprises are advised to initiate certification preparation immediately to complete compliance accreditation before the new policy takes effect on October 17, 2026.
4. Industry Update: China and Indonesia Strengthen Mutual Recognition of Halal Certification Standards
BPJPH is carrying out in-depth cooperation with multiple Chinese Halal Certification Institutions (LHLN) to promote mutual recognition and alignment of halal standards, laying groundwork for the mandatory halal certification policy launching in October 2026.
Indonesian authorities have invited about 18 Chinese halal certification institutions to hold seminars, focusing on benchmarking Indonesia’s halal regulatory rules against current industrial practice standards in China, aiming to narrow regulatory differences and break certification barriers.
The cooperation scope covers the whole supply chain including product certification, on-site inspection, inventory management norms, product packaging standards and logistics distribution regulations — all critical links to ensure halal compliance across the industrial chain.
In addition, BBSPJI Tekstil, the Textile Standardization and Industrial Service Center under Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry, has been accredited by BPJPH as a primary Halal Inspection Agency (LPH) in the consumer goods sector, providing professional inspection services for textile enterprises.
5. Compliance Paths & Action Recommendations
Under Indonesia’s new regulations, foreign enterprises can achieve compliance through two approaches:
- Mutual Recognition & Label Replacement Path: Enterprises holding valid foreign halal certificates covered by Indonesia’s mutual recognition agreements can complete registration and label replacement via the online system to simplify the certification process.
- Local Inspection Path: Enterprises without mutually recognized certificates must undergo inspection by BPJPH-accredited Halal Inspection Agencies, covering the full chain of raw material procurement, production processing, warehousing and transportation.
For textile enterprises planning to export to Indonesia, it is recommended to promptly engage with Chinese halal certification institutions holding BPJPH mutual recognition qualifications or licensed local Indonesian importers to kick off certification preparation. This ensures completion of halal certification before October 2026 and smooth market access to Indonesia.
Special Reminder: This document is compiled based on official announcements, laws and regulations of Indonesia BPJPH for reference only. Enterprises are advised to consult professional institutions before formal application to obtain the latest policy updates and specific operational guidance.
