There are several negative perceptions related to halal certification that some people put forward. Among them, there are those who say, the halal certification process is complicated. Many terms and conditions are considered difficult and complicated. Such as the provisions and requirements for raw materials, auxiliary materials, processing, product processing, to related to packaging and distribution.Some even stated that the cost is considered high. So it is considered to have an impact not conducive to the business world.
Thus, the obstacles that come to the fore as a perception that is considered negative towards the halal certification process are dismissed and straightened out with clear halal standards. Designed and compiled jointly by experts at LPPOM MUI as well as qualified scholars at the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), especially the MUI Fatwa Commission.
"Such a perception is brushed off and straightened out with clear halal standards, which have been compiled and documented in the form of books on halal certification. Such as standards on the halal certification process for the processed food, medicines and cosmetics industries. This includes useful goods, restaurants and catering. Even logistics services within the scope of food needed," said Deputy Director of LPPOM MUI, Ir.Sumunar Jati in a halal webinar organized by Nahdatul Ulama University Surabaya.
It was explained again in the webinar on Knowing Halal Certification for Business Actors that all books about halal certification standards are summarized in the HAS 23000 book, namely the Halal Assurance System book.
Easier with the Cerol-SS23000
Meanwhile, the submission or registration of the halal certification process can be done with an online-based information technology platform, namely Cerol-SS23000. The certification process becomes more effective and efficient because it can be done anywhere and anytime.As for the required documents, they can be uploaded as attachments at the time of online registration and shown the original evidence at the time of the onsite halal audit.
According to Sumunar, in the midst of conditions that do not allow for face-to-face meetings like this, the role of information technology is needed in maintaining the continuity of services to continue operating.
"We have implemented halal certification registration through the Cerol-SS23000 application since eight years ago. With the implementation of this online-based platform, many companies are helped. Because it is easier in the process of registering for halal certification. And it has also proven to be more effective and efficient," he said.
Halal Provisions Are Mandatory
Furthermore, in the provisions of Law No. 33 Of 2014 concerning Halal Product Guarantee (JPH) it is stated that halal provisions with a halal certification process are mandatory. Namely as a necessity or obligation that must be fulfilled by producers who want to declare the products they produce are halal, so that they can be accepted by consumers who are predominantly Muslim in our country.
Explicitly in Article 4 of the JPH Law, it is stated: "Products that enter, circulate, and are traded in the territory of Indonesia must be halal certified".
The provisions of this law are in accordance with the aspirations of the people. However, this mandatory provision is certainly a challenge in its implementation. So the halal standards that have been prepared and set by the MUI, can be a solution for entrepreneurs or producers in the halal certification process needed.
It also helps and makes it easier for consumers to choose the halal products needed, by providing QR Code services, and internet sites that can be accessed at any time, as well as print media that are published regularly.All of this has been proven in the experience of the halal certification process with the implementation of the Halal Assurance System, which was carried out by LPPOM MUI for more than 30 years in Indonesia. (USM)
