Free Halal Certification 2024: A Complete Guide for Failing MSMEs

Why is Free Halal Certification 2024 Important? 

2024 is a significant year for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The government, through the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), is offering a free halal certification program to support MSMEs in making their products more competitive in both local and global markets.

This program not only simplifies but also mandates halal certification by 2024 for specific product categories, particularly food, beverages, traditional medicines, cosmetics, and consumer goods. 

What is Free Halal Certification? 

Free halal certification is a facility provided by the Indonesian government to help MSMEs obtain halal certification at no cost. With this service, MSMEs can more easily apply for halal certification according to MSME halal certification requirements without the burden of administrative fees. 

The benefits include: 

• More consumer trust in their products. 

• Expanding markets, including exports. 

• Increase brand value and business reputation. 

• Support compliance with mandatory halal regulations. 

Note: According to the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, this program targets millions of MSMEs throughout Indonesia. 

Mandatory Halal Certification 2024: Who Must Obtain Halal Certification? 

Starting October 17, 2024, food and beverage products are required to have halal certification. Otherwise, the products cannot be circulated in the market. 

Categories that require halal certification include: 

• Ready-to-consume food and beverages. 

• Food additives. 

• Animal products, processed meat, milk, etc. 

• Certain herbal and herbal products. 

With the free halal certification program in 2024, MSMEs can apply early without worrying about costs. 

Halal Certification Process Flow 

For MSMEs, the halal certification process is relatively simple, primarily through the Self-Declare scheme. Here are the steps: 

1. SIHALAL Account Registration 

Register on the official SIHALAL BPJPH platform. 

2. Fill in Business & Product Data 

Complete your business profile, product type, raw materials, and supporting documents. 

3. Select the Free Halal Certification Scheme 

Choose the Self-Declare program if you meet the requirements. 

4. Process Assistance 

Trained halal assistants will assist MSMEs. 

5. Verification & Determination 

BPJPH and the Halal Inspection Body (LPH) will verify. 

6. Halal Certificate Issuance 

The official halal certificate is issued and can be used on product labels. 

MSME Halal Certification Requirements 

To be eligible for free halal certification, MSMEs must meet the following requirements: 

• Micro or small business scale. 

• Products are not high-risk (e.g., without critical ingredients). 

• Raw materials are halal and their source is clear. 

• Simple production process. 

• Ready to be assisted by a halal assistant. 

By meeting the above requirements, MSMEs can register immediately without worrying about high costs. 

What if they don’t meet the above requirements? Businesses can leverage the Regular Halal Certification program offered by LPH LPPOM (formerly LPPOM MUI) to enhance competitiveness and foster customer trust, particularly within the Muslim community. 

How to Get Halal Certification for MSMEs 

Here’s a quick guide on how to get halal certification for MSMEs through the free program: 

1. Create a SIHALAL account on the official website. 

2. Upload business documents such as NIB, KTP, and a product list. 

3. Follow the provided halal guidance. 

4. Wait for the simple verification and audit process. 

5. Receive a free halal certificate valid for 4 years. 

👉 See the official guide on the BPJPH website. 

Halal Certification Services for MSMEs 

Currently, there are various halal certification services available for MSMEs to choose from: 

• The Free Halal Certification Program (SEHATI) by BPJPH. 

• Halal Guidance from LPH LPPOM. 

• The SIHALAL digital platform for online registration. 

• Private Halal Consultants (if you want a faster process, but it usually costs money). 

With these services, halal certification is now more accessible and affordable. Benefits of Free Halal Certification for MSMEs 

1. Zero Cost – No administrative fees. 

2. Stronger Brand – Products gain greater consumer trust. 

3. Increased Sales – The halal label creates greater consumer confidence. 

4. Access to Global Markets – Many export destination countries require the halal label. 

5. Regulatory Compliance – Avoid sanctions when mandatory halal regulations are fully implemented. 

Challenges of Halal Certification 

Although free, MSMEs often face challenges such as: 

• Lack of understanding of documentation. 

• The technical process of registering with SIHALAL. 

• Limited halal assistance in certain areas. 

However, with thorough preparation and following official guidelines, these obstacles can be overcome. 

Conclusion 

Free halal certification in 2024 is a significant opportunity for MSMEs in Indonesia. By following the easy halal certification process and meeting the MSME halal certification requirements, businesses can obtain official halal certification free of charge. 

This program is not just a halal certification service, but also a government strategy to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs in the global era. Don’t wait until the 2024 mandatory halal certification deadline; register your product now. 

Free Halal Certification FAQ 

1. What is free halal certification? 

Free halal certification is a government program offered by the BPJPH (Indonesian Food and Drug Authority) to help MSMEs obtain official halal certification at no cost, particularly for food, beverages, and other mandatory halal products. 

2. Who is eligible for free halal certification? 

This program is designed for MSMEs that meet the MSME halal certification requirements, including micro or small businesses, simple products, and those with clearly halal raw materials. 

3. How do I obtain free MSME halal certification? 

MSMEs can register with BPJPH’s SIHALAL, fill in their business details, participate in halal mentoring, and await the verification process. Once approved, a free halal certificate will be issued. 

4. Will halal certification be mandatory in 2024? 

Yes. Starting October 17, 2024, food and beverage products must be halal certified. Without a halal label, products cannot be marketed as halal. 

5. How long is the free halal certification valid? 

Free halal certificates issued to MSMEs are valid for four years and can be extended in accordance with BPJPH regulations. 

6. Are all products eligible for free halal certification? 

Not all. Free halal certification only applies to MSME products with simple, low-risk production processes. Large industrial products are usually subject to regular fees. 

7. What are the benefits of halal certification for MSMEs? 

In addition to increasing consumer trust, halal certification opens up export opportunities, strengthens brands, and ensures compliance with the 2024 mandatory halal certification regulations.