What You Should Know
Below are common questions international cosmetic professionals ask about halal certification and the Indonesian market. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out through our contact page.
1. Does my cosmetic product need halal certification to be sold in Indonesia?
Yes. Under Indonesian Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, all cosmetic products circulated, distributed, or sold in Indonesia must be halal certified. The mandatory certification phase for cosmetics is being implemented progressively, with full enforcement scheduled by October 2026. Products without certification will not be allowed on the Indonesian market.
2. Who issues halal certification in Indonesia?
Since 2019, halal certification is administered by BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal), the Halal Product Assurance Agency under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. BPJPH oversees the process, while MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) issues the religious halal fatwa, and LPH (Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal) bodies conduct the technical audits.
3. Can a European brand get certified without being based in Indonesia?
Yes. Foreign manufacturers can obtain Indonesian halal certification by working with a recognized LPH (auditing body) and either applying directly through BPJPH or through a mutual recognition agreement if their country has a halal certification body recognized by BPJPH. France currently does not have such mutual recognition, so most European brands apply directly via BPJPH-accredited auditors.
4. How long does the certification process take?
On average, 3 to 6 months from initial application to certificate issuance, depending on:
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Product complexity and number of ingredients
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Completeness of supplier documentation
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Audit scheduling
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Whether reformulation is needed
Brands with well-prepared documentation typically move through the process more quickly.
5. How much does halal certification cost?
Costs vary based on company size, number of products, and audit complexity. Typical components include:
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BPJPH administrative fees
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LPH audit fees (including travel for on-site audits if required)
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Certification body fees
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Internal preparation costs (consulting, documentation, reformulation)
For a single SKU, total costs generally range from €2,000 to €10,000+, with significant economies of scale for product portfolios.
6. What ingredients are not halal in cosmetics?
The most common non-halal categories include:
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Pork-derived ingredients — gelatin, glycerin from porcine sources, certain enzymes
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Non-halal animal derivatives — ingredients from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law
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Ethanol/alcohol — depending on source and concentration (this is a nuanced area)
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Certain blood-derived ingredients
Ingredients in contact with non-halal substances during manufacturing
A full ingredient audit is usually the first step in any certification project.
7. Is alcohol always forbidden in halal cosmetics?
Not always. The rules around ethanol in cosmetics are nuanced:
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Ethanol from khamr (intoxicating beverages) is prohibited
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Synthetic or non-khamr-derived ethanol may be permitted in certain conditions and concentrations
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The final ruling depends on MUI's fatwa and the specific product category
Brands should always verify the source and certification status of any alcohol used.
8. How is halal certification different from organic or natural certification?
They are entirely separate systems with different criteria:
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Halal certification is based on Islamic law — focusing on ingredient sources, manufacturing purity, and the absence of forbidden substances
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Organic/natural certifications focus on agricultural practices and ingredient origins
A product can be halal but not organic, organic but not halal, or both. Each requires its own certification process.
9. How often does halal certification need to be renewed?
Indonesian halal certification is generally valid for 4 years, after which it must be renewed. Any significant change to formulation, supplier, or manufacturing process during that period requires notification and may trigger re-evaluation.
10. Where can I learn more or get specific guidance?