Export Activities Hampered by Halal Standards, LPPOM Provides Solutions 

Although global halal standards are based on the Quran and Hadith, the reality is that not all countries apply the same principles. Differences in fatwas and implementation methods pose a challenge in global trade, particularly for the rapid and seamless export of goods. Not all have standards like BPJPH halal certification. How should we address this? 

In the ever-growing global halal industry, discussions about differences in halal standards between countries are an essential and unavoidable issue. As food, cosmetic, and even pharmaceutical products cross national borders, halal certification is required to comply with the standards applicable in each region. Can halal standards be standardized? Or must a mutual understanding approach be adopted? How can BPJPH’s halal-certified products navigate this dynamic to facilitate easy and fast exports? 

This question was one of the topics discussed at the Indonesia International Halal Festival (IIHF) seminar, held recently at the Jakarta International Convention Centre (JICC). This event brought together industry players, regulators, and the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) for an open discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the international halal product assurance system. 

On this occasion, Muti Arintawati, President Director of LPH LPPOM, presented her views on the differences in halal standards worldwide. She explained that although all halal standards are based on the Quran and Hadith, their implementation can vary greatly. 

She explained that these differences can be seen in two main aspects: the substance of the fatwa and the methods of implementation in the field. This is one of the obstacles that often hinders the entry of Indonesian halal products into other countries. 

The first is substance, specifically differences in the opinions of religious scholars between countries. For example, regarding animal slaughter, some countries prohibit stunning (stunning animals before slaughter), while in other countries, including through the BPJPH halal certification system—stunning is permitted under certain conditions. 

Another example is the use of alcohol or ethanol. “There are countries that completely reject the use of alcohol or ethanol at any level from any source. Meanwhile, some Islamic scholars, including in Indonesia, still permit the use of alcohol/ethanol as long as the source is not alcohol,” she said. 

For beverages, the limit in Indonesia is a maximum of 0.5%. For other products, such as cosmetics, as long as the alcohol source is not used, their use is not restricted. This difference, according to Muti, reflects the diversity of Islamic schools of thought and the views of Islamic scholars. “Of course, what we can hope for is a mutual understanding of standards, in this case, fatwas from each country,” she said. 

Beyond substance, differences are also apparent in implementation methods. For example, how the audit process is conducted, what documents are required to prove the halal status of an ingredient, and the laboratory standards used. 

“Usually, an ingredient must be accompanied by certain documents. So, what documents are accepted, and what kind of laboratory testing is conducted,” Muti explained. To bridge this gap, LPPOM recommends the creation of an ISO-based international standard in the halal context. “This will make it easier to achieve equality and reach a common goal,” he added. 

Of course, the challenges faced by each industry player are different. Therefore, the LPH LPPOM is launching a discussion forum regarding BPJPH halal certification, allowing for a quick and easy process through the Call Centre at 14056 or WhatsApp at 0811-1148-696. Furthermore, LPPOM also holds free Halal Certification Introduction Classes (PSH) every second and fourth week of each month. Here, business owners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the certification process. Complete information can be easily accessed at: https://halalmui.org/pengenalan-sertifikasi-halal/. 

Consumers are also encouraged to be more discerning. With the increasing number of products on the market, Muslim consumers are encouraged to check the halal status of products through the official LPPOM website at www.halalmui.org, or more specifically at https://halalmui.org/connect-with-us/. Comprehensive information is also available on the official BPJPH website: https://bpjph.halal.go.id. 

In an increasingly connected world, understanding the diversity of halal standards across countries is not a compromise, but rather a key to building global trust. This is where LPH LPPOM comes in as a partner, bridging the various needs of industry players, from regulatory compliance to accelerating the export of Indonesian halal products. (YN)