Indonesia 2026: Mandatory Halal Certification for Cosmetic Exports
Globalization has brought new regulatory challenges for cosmetic companies wishing to expand internationally. One of the most relevant today is the mandatory Halal certification for cosmetic products in Indonesia starting October 17, 2026. This measure, promoted by the official body BPJPH (Halal Product Assurance Agency), is based on Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, and establishes a new paradigm for exporting to this market, which with more than 278 million inhabitants represents not only the most populous Muslim nation in the world but also one of the most dynamic emerging economies in Asia.
From that date, all cosmetic products marketed in the country must be certified by a foreign entity officially recognized by the BPJPH, and have a Halal registration number granted through the SIHALAL electronic platform. This regulatory change not only represents a transformation in the requirements for accessing the Indonesian market, but also marks a global trend that is beginning to be replicated in other countries with predominantly Muslim populations, where Halal certification is starting to consolidate as a requirement for entry for international brands.
The Halal Cosmetic Market: Data and Trends
Halal cosmetics are no longer a niche category. According to the latest report from the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE 2023/24), global spending on Halal cosmetics exceeded 79 billion dollars in 2022, with projections to reach 129 billion by 2027, driven by the demographic growth of the Muslim population, increased purchasing power in regions like Southeast Asia and the Gulf, and a growing demand for ethical, sustainable, and religiously respectful products.
Indonesia leads consumption in the ASEAN region, followed by Malaysia and Thailand, while globally, Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, along with Turkey and Egypt, represent key markets. In Europe, France and Germany account for the majority of Halal demand in cosmetics, with a growing focus on transparency and traceability
The Halal consumer seeks not only the absence of forbidden (haram) ingredients, but also guarantees regarding ethical production, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. In this context, Halal certification aligns with global trends such as *clean beauty*, veganism, and natural cosmetics, becoming a mark of quality and responsibility.
The Halal Certification Process: General Requirements and Specific Demands for Indonesia
Halal certification is based on a series of general requirements applicable to any country: absence of prohibited (haram) ingredients, traceability throughout the supply chain, control of cross-contamination, and compliance with religious and sanitary regulations. All of this must be supported by a well-structured Halal management system.
In the specific case of Indonesia, these requirements are amplified and detailed through the regulatory framework defined by the BPJPH. For cosmetic companies wishing to access the Indonesian market, these are the fundamental elements of the process:
- Initial Diagnosis: Analysis of the company, products, and supply chain to determine Halal viability.
- Training: Designation and instruction of the Halal Supervisor. This person must pass a recognized course and register their competence on Indonesia's SIHALAL platform.
- Certification Audit: Inspection of facilities, processes, and documentation. Includes review of raw materials, additives, processing aids, and suppliers.
- Implementation of the SJPH: Halal management system that ensures continuous compliance. It must include internal controls, traceability protocols, prevention of cross-contamination, and non-conformity management.
- Issuance of the Halal Certificate: Once the requirements are verified and the company has been audited, a certificate is issued, valid for one year, renewable through follow-up audits.
- Registration in SIHALAL: The importer in Indonesia must register the certificate and products on the SIHALAL platform. Finally, the Halal registration number required for labeling is issued.
It is important to remember that this process must be managed in collaboration between the certifying entity, the exporting company, and its importer or agent in Indonesia.Halal Certification: a gateway to new markets
And then the question arises: How to access these markets with guarantees? The answer is clear: through an internationally recognized Halal certification body. Not all Halal certifications have the same value in international trade.
It is essential for companies to understand that only those issued by internationally recognized and accredited bodies are accepted in markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, or the Gulf countries. The Halal Institute, based in Spain with offices in Mexico and Portugal, is currently the only entity in Spain recognized by the BPJPH to certify cosmetics. Furthermore, it has recognition from JAKIM (Malaysia), SFDA (Saudi Arabia), EIAC (United Arab Emirates), HAK (Turkey), and other key entities, allowing our more than 600 companies to access all markets with a single certification process
The Halal certification process not only guarantees regulatory compliance in markets like Indonesia but also opens the door to new commercial and strategic opportunities in an increasingly competitive global context. Having this distinction translates into differentiation, preferential access to distributors and commercial platforms, and a direct connection with consumers who value ethics, transparency, and traceability.
In this journey, the role of support institutions has been and will continue to be fundamental. The collaboration of the Halal Institute with ICEX, STANPA, and diplomatic missions has enabled the development of joint actions for awareness-raising, training, and company support. An example of this is the recent webinar organized with STANPA and ICEX, which brought together more than a hundred companies interested in starting their adaptation process to the Indonesian market. These synergies between the public and private sectors allow for the construction of a more solid and prepared export ecosystem
In addition, Indonesia represents a strategic platform for the entire ASEAN region, comprising over 650 million inhabitants. Establishing a strong Halal presence in this country can facilitate expansion into Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam, multiplying the commercial impact of certified brandsThe doors to the Halal market are open: the decision to cross them with vision and strategic preparation is now more relevant than ever