Indonesia enforces mandatory halal certification for chemical and biological goods
This aligns with eight priority missions, including simplified halal certification via a self-declaration option.
INDONESIA – The government of Indonesia has announced that mandatory halal certification will be extended to chemical, biological, and genetically engineered products, effective October.
This policy also encompasses food, beverages, cosmetics, consumer goods, and packaging, marking a significant step in regulating the halal industry.
The Indonesian government’s decision requires halal verification for a broad range of goods to ensure compliance with Islamic standards.
Fuad Nasar, Director of Halal Product Assurance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, noted that this initiative goes beyond bureaucracy and aims to boost the national economy by driving growth in the halal industry.
It reflects a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies to standardize product assurance nationwide.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will address stakeholder needs, while the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) will oversee the enforcement of compliance measures.
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issues religious edicts on product eligibility, thereby establishing a structured oversight system.
Nasar emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance halal education through awareness campaigns, partnerships, and ecosystem-building.
A key focus is supporting the Islamic economy, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), through collaboration with the Directorate of Waqf and Zakat.
BPJPH’s Free Halal Certification program offers more than 1 million slots annually, allocating 60-70% of its budget to MSME support.
Meanwhile, Maryam Cosmetics has debuted its ethical halal lipstick line in the U.S., marking a significant addition to the growing roster of cosmetics compliant with halal standards in Western markets.
The U.S.-based brand, which launched earlier this week, prioritizes ingredient transparency and ethical formulation, featuring exclusively cruelty-free and vegan components to align with clean beauty principles.
This approach ensures a unified commitment to ethical production, appealing to consumers seeking high standards in cosmetics.
Nadiya Qureshi, founder of Maryam Cosmetics, stated, “There is strong demand for luxury halal cosmetics that do not compromise on quality or aesthetics.”
“Our focus now is expanding access through the right distribution partners who share our commitment to integrity, quality, and long-term brand building.”
Maryam Cosmetics exemplifies a broader trend where halal lipstick and personal care brands are merging vegan and cruelty-free credentials to broaden appeal beyond Muslim consumers to a wider ethical beauty audience.
This convergence enhances market competitiveness by overlapping certifications that emphasize clean sourcing, safety, and responsible processes.
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