The Halal Inspection Body of the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics (LPH LPPOM) explained the BPJPH halal certification regulations applicable in Indonesia to global pharmaceutical businesses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is considered crucial as a first step in complying with regulations for imported pharmaceutical and drug companies planning to trade their products in Indonesia.
As part of the 2025 Malaysia Convention on Pharmaceutical Ingredients (CPHI), the Halal Inspection Body of the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics (LPH LPPOM) was present to provide an in-depth understanding of halal certification regulations in Indonesia, particularly for pharmaceutical and drug product businesses.
This presentation marks a strategic step in the implementation of mandatory halal certification in Indonesia, as mandated by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). The regulation encompasses various sectors, including pharmaceutical products, dietary supplements, and prescription medicines. It will be implemented gradually and will have a direct impact on global companies exporting to Indonesia.
The Halal Partnership and Audit Services Director of LPPOM, Dr. Ir. Muslich, M.Si., conveyed this at a seminar themed “ASEAN Halal Pharmaceutical Industry Update,” held by LPH LPPOM on July 18, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was a collaboration between LPH LPPOM and Informa Markets.
As is well known, Indonesia requires mandatory halal certification for all products entering, circulating, and being traded in Indonesia. This is stipulated in Act No. 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance (UU JPH), which was amended by Act No. 6 of 2023 and its derivatives. This regulation stipulates that all products circulating in Indonesia must be certified as halal by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), except for those that are prohibited.
In its implementation, the Indonesian government is implementing mandatory halal certification phases. Specifically for medicines and pharmaceutical products, the first mandatory halal certification phase is set to expire on October 17, 2026. This means that by that time, all traditional medicines (jamu) and supplements, including genetically modified (GMO) products, circulating in Indonesia must be halal certified.
The mandatory halal certification phase for the pharmaceutical industry is set to begin in 2026, encompassing traditional medicines (jamu) and supplements, as well as genetically modified (GMO) products. This phase continues with mandatory halal certification for over-the-counter drugs, which expires in 2029. Finally, 2034 is the deadline for mandatory halal certification for pharmaceuticals, specifically for prescription drugs (except psychotropic drugs). The scope of the mandatory halal certification includes drug-related services, such as contract manufacturing, logistics, and retail (sales).
“Indonesia is home to over 230 million Muslims, making it an up-and-coming pharmaceutical market in Southeast Asia. Halal certification is not simply a form of regulatory compliance, but a key to building trust between producers and consumers. It’s about providing assurance, certainty, and a sense of security for the Muslim community in consuming halal products,” said Muslich.
By partnering with pharmaceutical industry players in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian regions, LPH LPPOM emphasized the importance of understanding halal certification and the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH). This encompasses the registration process, audits, and implementation of halal management in the production process.
They explained that halal certification requires ensuring that raw materials, auxiliary materials, and other ingredients originate from halal and pure sources, are free from impurities, and are handled by Islamic law during the production process. This can all be verified during audits.
In this forum, LPH LPPOM also opened a space for dialogue and technical consultation with industry players preparing to adapt to Indonesian halal regulations, which will be a key factor in licensing the import and distribution of pharmaceutical products in the country.
Muslich also explained that the regulation regarding mandatory halal certification in Indonesia currently falls under the responsibility of BPJPH. Meanwhile, fatwa decisions regarding halal certification fall under the responsibility of the Fatwa Commission of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (KF MUI). Of course, the decision on halal certification fatwas can be made based on the results of an audit report conducted by the Halal Inspection Body (LPH), in this case, the Assessment Institute for Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics (LPPOM).
“If the criteria for halal certification for medicines are met, a fatwa in the form of a halal decree will be issued. However, if the criteria are not met but there is supporting data, such as an urgent need (hajah syar’iyyah) or a sharia emergency (dharurah syar’iyyah), a fatwa for their use will be issued,” said Muslich.
The event was attended by thousands of participants, including business professionals, pharmacists, researchers, lecturers, students, and developers from various parts of the world. Participants enthusiastically engaged in Q&A sessions and consulted with LPPOM regarding halal certification issues, particularly for medicines and pharmaceutical products.
LPPOM is implementing various efforts to encourage the realization of mandatory halal certification for all product categories in accordance with government directives. This includes educating business actors and offering various programs to facilitate their quick and easy access to halal certification, including providing free halal certification facilities.
Furthermore, LPPOM services are now more accessible. Businesses can easily and quickly obtain public information regarding the halal certification process through Customer Care at Call Center 14056 and WhatsApp 0811-1148-696. LPPOM also holds free online classes on “Introduction to Halal Certification” (PSH) every second and fourth week of each month at halalmui.org/pengenalan-sertifikasi-halal. (ZUL)
