The halal cosmetics industry is booming, but one major challenge that business owners often overlook is manufacturing. Behind the ease of production through third parties, there are hidden risks that can thwart a product’s halal certification. It’s not just about the ingredients; the production process at the manufacturing facility also determines whether a cosmetic will pass halal certification or be held up in the process.Â
The cosmetics industry in Indonesia is experiencing rapid growth. Demand for skincare and makeup products is increasing as consumers become more aware of safe, environmentally friendly ingredients that comply with Islamic law. However, behind this significant opportunity, there’s one issue that manufacturers often overlook: cosmetic manufacturing.
Many cosmetic brands in Indonesia don’t produce their products themselves. They utilize third-party manufacturing services. This model is indeed efficient, especially for businesses that don’t yet have production facilities. However, this is where the major challenge lies in obtaining halal certification.
The Risks of Contract Manufacturing on Halal Certification
“Don’t let it happen that the product is good, with halal ingredients, but it turns out that the contract manufacturing company you use also accepts production from other companies that use impure ingredients,” said Muti Arintawati, President Director of LPPOM. This phenomenon is widespread in the cosmetics industry. Contract manufacturing factories typically serve various brands with various formulas, including those containing ingredients prohibited by Islamic law.
According to Muti, ingredients are a key aspect of a product’s halal certification. Cosmetics are considered halal if they do not contain impure ingredients such as those derived from pork, carrion, or alcohol derivatives. However, ensuring the quality of ingredients alone is not enough. The production process must also meet standards. “In the same facility, no impure ingredients must be used to produce other products. That is one of the requirements for cosmetics to be halal certified,” she stressed.
The scenario is simple, but the risks are significant. If one contract manufacturing company is proven to use impure ingredients for other products, then all products made in that facility could potentially fail halal certification. The impact could be detrimental to many brands simultaneously. “If one product fails due to maklon, it means almost all the products made there are also affected,” explained Muti.
The Importance of Verifying Maklon Sites from the Start
This serves as an essential reminder for cosmetic brand owners: verifying maklon sites from the start is a must, not an option. Unfortunately, many business owners pay little attention to this. They focus on product formulas and branding, but neglect auditing production facilities. “Sometimes, when people want to make a product, they don’t verify the maklon site first, or they don’t check it. This can hinder the certification process, making it lengthy,” said Muti.
Cosmetic maklon also has consequences for the audit process. LPPOM, as the Halal Inspection Body (LPH), is required to conduct on-site inspections of production sites. This means audits are undertaken not only on the brand owner but also on the maklon facilities used. For maklon service providers handling multiple brands, compliance with halal requirements must be a commitment, not just an added service.
In practice, ensuring maklon facilities are free from contamination is no easy task. A strict management system must be implemented, starting with the separation of production lines, thorough cleaning, and detailed recording of raw materials. A halal auditor must verify all of this. “The inspection process ensures that no impure materials are used in the same facility to produce other products,” Muti emphasized.
In this context, LPH LPPOM is ready to launch a discussion forum through the Halal On 30 program, accessible via bit.ly/HalalOn30. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the halal certification process in just 30 minutes. This program offers a practical solution for businesses to understand the certification process without incurring significant time commitments.
Maklon as Added Value
The maklon trend is likely to continue growing alongside the booming local cosmetics business. However, awareness of the importance of choosing maklon services that comply with halal standards must be a priority. For cosmetic brands, ignoring this aspect could mean losing the trust of increasingly critical Muslim consumers.
The halal cosmetics industry is not just a trend, but a necessity. In the global market, Indonesia’s position as one of the largest consumers of halal cosmetics presents a golden opportunity. However, this opportunity can only be maximized if all parties, including maklon service providers, understand and comply with halal requirements. As Muti emphasized, “If it’s not considered from the start, besides the ingredients, maklon is also important, because maklon is now very common.”
In the future, cosmetic maklons that can guarantee halal processes will have added value in the eyes of brands and consumers. They are not just production partners, but guardians of halal integrity, the primary foundation of trust in this industry. (YN)
