Indonesia, with the world’s largest Muslim population (86% of its 298 million people), is developing and enforcing halal laws. Indonesian authorities have confirmed that halal certification will be mandatory for a wide range of products, including cosmetics, consumer products and packaging, in addition to food and beverages. This range also includes chemical, biological and genetically engineered products.
The policy will be overseen by multiple bodies: the Ministry of Religious Affairs will coordinate stakeholder engagement, the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) will enforce compliance, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) will issue religious rulings on products.
Authorities are also rolling out education and awareness initiatives to strengthen halal literacy, while BPJPH has expanded its Free Halal Certification programme, offering more than one million certificates annually. A significant portion of the programme is aimed at supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including access via a self-declare certification scheme.
The expansion underscores Indonesia’s strategy to position the halal industry as a key driver of economic growth, while strengthening consumer trust in regulated products. For cosmetics and personal care brands, the move raises the regulatory bar for market entry and compliance in one of the world’s largest Muslim-majority markets, with MSME support designed to ease the transition.
