Building a business from scratch certainly requires significant effort and dedication every day. You may feel that it is sufficient to simply place a self-made halal label on your product packaging.
However, today’s consumers are far more meticulous and often question claims that are not supported by valid proof from an official authority. Honesty regarding product status has become the primary factor that consumers evaluate before placing their trust in your brand.
Understanding the Risks of the Self Claim Phenomenon in the Halal Industry
Making a halal claim independently without official certification is an action that lacks a strong legal basis in Indonesia. This requirement has been clearly stated in Law No. 33 of 2014, which mandates that all products entering, circulating, and being traded must have halal certification.
Smart consumers can easily identify whether the halal logo displayed in your store has been officially validated or is merely a personal label. The trust you have built over the years can collapse instantly if consumers begin to doubt the authenticity of your product’s status.
Differences Between Self Declare and Regular Halal Certification
Understanding the appropriate certification pathway will make it easier for you to obtain official recognition from the government. Below is a comparison to help you choose the right registration scheme.
| Aspect Differences | Self-Declare Halal Certification | Regular Halal Certification |
| Business Scale | Specifically for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) | Open to all business scales from MSEs to large companies |
| Product Type | Low risk products with simple or non-critical ingredients (positive list) | Products with complex ingredients or slaughtered animal derivatives |
| Inspection Personnel | Verified by Halal Product Process Assistants | Audited by professional Halal Auditors from Halal Inspection Body |
| Certification Cost | Free facility through the SEHATI program | Self-funded based on business scale and type |
To provide a clearer understanding, each of these differences is explained below.
1. Business Scale Criteria
The self declare scheme is specifically intended for micro and small businesses with a certain annual turnover limit. This pathway allows small businesses to enter the halal industry ecosystem more quickly without heavy administrative burdens.
Regular certification is open to all business scales, including medium and large enterprises. Larger companies generally choose this scheme to ensure comprehensive business professionalism.
2. Risk Level and Presence of Critical Ingredients
Products eligible for the self declare scheme are limited to food or beverages with low risk and ingredients that are clearly halal. The use of ingredients derived from slaughtered animals is not permitted under this scheme.
For animal based processed products, the regular certification pathway is mandatory to ensure food safety standards are met. Dr. Sri Usmiati, S.Pt., M.Si. emphasized the importance of this standard during the Festival Syawal Webinar organized by LPPOM titled “Boost Sales with Safe Ingredients, Legal Permits, and Halal Certification”:
“Animal based raw materials must meet the ASUH criteria, namely Safe, Healthy, Whole, and Halal, to ensure food safety for the public.”
3. Verification Mechanism and Auditor Involvement
In the self declare system, verification is conducted by assigned assistants who check the conformity of your data and ingredients. These assistants ensure that your material list is officially recorded in the government system.
In the regular scheme, the process involves direct audits by expert auditors from Halal Inspection Bodies, including physical inspections at production sites to ensure compliance with standards.
4. Cost Components and Government Facilities
The government provides a free facility through the Halal Certification Free Program (SEHATI) for those eligible under the self declare scheme. This program aims to accelerate compliance among small businesses before the regulatory deadline.
Paid certification offers higher credibility and broader market access, including international markets, with costs adjusted to the scale of the business.
The Risks of Making Halal Claims Without Official Certification
Using a halal logo without a valid certificate may result in administrative sanctions, ranging from written warnings to significant fines. Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) also has the authority to revoke your product distribution permit if unilateral claims are proven.
You must also be aware of potential legal claims from consumers under Consumer Protection Law No. 8 of 1999. Providing misleading information regarding halal status can violate consumer rights to accurate product information.
Advantages of Obtaining Halal Certification Through LPH LPPOM
Choosing LPPOM as your Halal Inspection Body ensures a high level of integrity in your product quality standards. Certificates issued through this institution are widely recognized, making it easier for your products to enter international markets.
The halal laboratory of Majelis Ulama Indonesia affiliated LPPOM is accredited with ISO IEC 17025, ensuring accurate laboratory testing of food materials and providing strong scientific validation to make your brand competitive at global halal standards.
Simple Steps to Obtain Valid and Official Halal Certification
You can begin the process by creating an account on the SIHALAL portal and completing all required documentation. Make sure to select LPPOM when choosing the institution that will conduct field inspections of your production process.
This procedure is an implementation of Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024 concerning the administration of halal product assurance in Indonesia. Secure your business now by ensuring that your production process meets applicable legal qualifications.
Contact our expert team immediately at 14056 or send your inquiries to [email protected] for a free consultation. Strengthen your business credibility with valid halal certification today. (TRAS Ed.YN)
