Halal certification for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics is now key to competitiveness, not only in the local market but also internationally. With the 2026 halal regulations, Indonesian products have the opportunity to penetrate the increasingly selective global market regarding halal certification. How can you easily and quickly obtain halal certification from the BPJPH? The following is a presentation by Nurul Fajrina, Business Development Manager and auditor at the LPH LPPOM at the SWAP Teknolab Lustrum event.
Why must pharmaceuticals and cosmetics be halal certified? This question is becoming increasingly relevant as the 2026 halal regulations, which mandate halal certification for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products in Indonesia, take effect. In the SWAP Teknolab Lustrum seminar held at SMAK Bogor (SMAKBO) on September 23, 2025, Nurul Fajrina, Business Development Manager at the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) LPPOM and a halal auditor, explained in detail the importance of halal certification in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries.
Nurul emphasized that halal certification is no longer an option, but a necessity. This is based on Government Regulation (PP) 42 of 2024, which regulates the phased implementation of halal certification. For cosmetic products, this regulation will take effect in October 2026. Meanwhile, for pharmaceuticals, the implementation will be phased in starting the same year, covering the categories of traditional medicine, quasi-medicine, and health supplements. “Both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry players must prepare now. Don’t wait until the deadline, because the certification process requires time and preparation in terms of both products and facilities,” he explained.
Beyond regulatory issues, halal certification is also closely linked to consumer trust. In Indonesia, the majority of the population is Muslim and highly concerned about the halal status of products. According to Nurul, halal-certified products are more readily accepted by the market because they provide a sense of security for users. This trust not only strengthens brand image but also fosters long-term consumer loyalty.
Furthermore, halal products also pave the way for access to global markets. Many countries, especially those with large Muslim populations, such as those in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, require halal certification as a condition of trade. In other words, halal certification is a strategic business move that enables companies to expand their product reach internationally. “This is certainly an added value for the company,” said Nurul.
Another equally important aspect is the nature of the drugs and cosmetics themselves. Some cosmetics, such as lipsticks or lip balms, have the potential to penetrate the skin. There are also products, such as hair dye and decorative cosmetics, that are waterproof, sweatproof, and water-resistant. These types of products can remain on the body for long periods and even affect the validity of ablution (wudu). According to Nurul, these are the factors that make halal certification for cosmetics and drugs so crucial. “All of these aspects relate to trust, comfort, and compliance with sharia,” she emphasized.
Another essential aspect that the industry must consider is the source of raw materials. Nurul explained that raw materials for drugs and cosmetics can come from various sources, each with varying levels of criticality to halal standards. “This knowledge is crucial so that industry players do not fall into the trap of using materials that do not meet halal standards,” she explained.
The following are some ingredients commonly used as raw materials in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
- Plants: it may be problematic if certain additives are present. (Examples: plant extracts, vegetable oils, fatty acids, vitamins, ethanol/alcohol, glycerol, etc.)
- Synthetics: Halal status depends on the starting material and production method, including vitamins, dyes, or methylparaben. (Examples: vitamins, allantoin, fatty acids, ethanol/alcohol, dyes, methylparaben, etc.)
- Humans: clearly haram. (Examples: keratin, albumin, and placenta)
- Microbes: will be critical when the media and auxiliary materials are sourced from haram or najis substances. (Examples: alpha hydroxy acids, proteins, dyes, Botox, ethanol/alcohol, vitamins)
- Animals: must be closely monitored, depending on the type of animal and slaughtering procedures. (Examples: collagen, elastin, placenta, fatty acids, tallow, lanolin, lard, vitamins, allantoin, enzymes, glycerine/glycerol, hormones, amino acids, proteins, etc.)
So, who can apply for halal certification? Nurul explained that this process can be carried out by product owners (companies or official representatives in Indonesia), facility owners such as manufacturers of maklon or toll, and importers or distributors. For distributors, the originating factory is registered as a facility and is automatically included in the audit scope. This mechanism ensures that every product circulating in the market has a clear production chain and transparent halal responsibility.
As a solution, the LPH LPPOM offers various services to facilitate industry understanding of the BPJPH halal certification process. One such program is the Halal On 30 program, accessible through the link bit.ly/HalalOn30. This program helps business owners understand the halal certification process in just 30 minutes. Furthermore, the LPPOM MUI Laboratory, accredited with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, also provides drug and cosmetic testing services. For complete information about these services, please visit the official website at https://e-halallab.com/.
The seminar at SMAKBO reaffirmed that BPJPH halal certification for cosmetics and drugs is not merely a formality. It’s part of quality assurance, a business strategy, and a form of consumer concern. For the industry, early preparation is key to facing the mandatory halal era of 2026. This way, products will not only comply with regulations but also maintain consumer trust and compete in the global market. (YN)
