Navigating Halal Certification for Imported Products Under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024
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Overview
Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 (“GR 42/2024”) outlines the procedure for businesses to acquire halal certification. This applies to products such as food, beverages, medicine, cosmetics, chemical products, biological products, genetically engineered items, and consumer goods that are worn, used, or utilized by the public. All such products distributed in Indonesia are required to possess a halal certificate.
This ARMA Update will highlight the halal certification for imported products, exploring the implications and requirements outlined in GR42/2024.
Halal Certification for Imported Products
Under GR 42/2024, all foreign Products entering Indonesia must have halal certification. These Products falls into 2 (two) main categories:
- Products that must obtain halal certification from Halal Product Assurance Agency (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal – “BPJPH”)
In this case, the application for halal certification is submitted if:- The country of origin of the Products does not have a halal institution;
- The foreign halal institution that has signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (“MRA”) does not have the scope of competence for product certification;
- There is no MRA between the foreign halal institution and BPJPH; or
- The needs of the importer.
The application for this halal certification for foreign products is submitted to BPJPH through an importer or an official representative based in Indonesia. The procedure for applying for halal certification for foreign products is the same as the procedure for applying for halal product certification outlined in Articles 67 to 89 of GR 42/2024 (see the Halal Certification Application, Halal Determination, and Halal Labelling in the previous ARMA Update ( Streamlining the Halal Certification Application Process Under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 ).
- Products that only require registration of foreign halal certification
If the Products already have a halal certificate issued by a foreign institution that has an MRA with BPJPH, that certificate must be registered before the Products can be distributed in Indonesia. The registration application is submitted by each importer and/or their official representative based in Indonesia to BPJPH in writing through an electronic system. The required attachments include:
- Applicant data;
- A copy of the foreign halal certificate for the relevant Products;
- A list of goods to be imported into Indonesia, including the harmonized system code number; and
- A declaration stating that the submitted documents are true and valid.
Closing paragraph
Provisions related to certification of the imported Products in GR 42/2024 are fundamental for business involved in import activities. They must ensure compliance with these halal certification guidelines to facilitate smooth market entry. Additionally, the Minister of Religious Affairs (“MoRA”) will determine deadlines for these certifications, staying informed about updates from MoRA is imperative for all stakeholders.