Halal Certification Flow: Step by Step for Business Actors

Halal certification is a staged process involving several parties. For business actors, understanding the sequence of stages helps prepare documents and systems from the outset. This article guides you through the technical steps in order, referring to the applicable regulations.

1. Determine the Product Type and Certification Obligation

The first step is to confirm whether your product falls into the group required to be halal-certified. Minister of Religious Affairs Decree Number 748 of 2021 on Types of Products Required to Be Halal-Certified sets out the product groups and their phasing. This decree has been amended by KMA 944/2024. Make sure you refer to the latest version to know the obligation at the stage applicable to your product.

2. Choose the Scheme: Regular or Halal Statement (Self-Declare)

Law Number 6 of 2023 introduced the halal statement (self-declare) scheme for micro and small businesses. This scheme simplifies the process. However, not all products can use this route. Business actors need to check the applicable criteria. If they do not qualify, the regular route is the option.

3. Prepare the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH)

SJPH is the foundation of certification. This system covers halal policies, procedures, and documentation that ensure consistency. The five commonly known SJPH criteria include halal policy, management team, materials, production process, and final product. Make sure each criterion is documented and implemented.

4. Map Materials and Critical Points

Trace every material used. Some materials have critical points that need special attention. For example:

• Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (E471): an emulsifier that may come from palm oil or animal fat. You need to ensure the fatty acid source is plant-based and stated in the supplier's material certificate.
• Lecithin (E322): generally from soy, but some from egg yolk or animal fat. Choose soy or sunflower lecithin that is clearly stated on the label.
• Yeast: generally halal, but its growth medium needs to be checked. Yeast with a halal-certified plant-based growth medium is safer.
• Isinglass: a clarifying agent from fish swim bladders, commonly used in beer and wine. For non-alcoholic products, use plant-based clarifiers such as bentonite or carrageenan.

Supporting documents from suppliers are very important. Without information on the source of materials, critical points are difficult to resolve.

5. Register with BPJPH

Registration is done through BPJPH (the Halal Product Assurance Agency). BPJPH services are governed by Head of BPJPH Decree Number 243 of 2025 on Service Standards at BPJPH. This decree sets out 27 types of services, including requirements, timeframes, and tariffs. Make sure you understand the requirements for the type of service you are applying for.

6. Inspection by the Halal Inspection Agency (LPH)

After registration, the LPH will conduct an inspection. The LPH must be accredited. Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024 governs the procedures for establishment, accreditation, scope of activities, and revocation of LPH approval. The inspection includes document audit and on-site verification. Make sure your SJPH operates in accordance with the documentation.

7. Halal Determination by the Fatwa Commission

The results of the LPH inspection are forwarded to the MUI Fatwa Commission or the Halal Product Fatwa Committee. Halal determination is the authority of this body. Business actors cannot definitively declare their products halal before a determination is made.

8. Issuance of the Halal Certificate

The halal certificate is issued only by BPJPH. After the halal determination, BPJPH issues the certificate. Make sure the product and producer data are correct. This certificate is formal proof that the product has gone through the certification process.

9. Maintain Consistency After the Certificate Is Issued

The certificate is not the end. The system must be maintained. Changes in materials, suppliers, or production processes can affect halal status. Conduct regular internal audits to ensure the SJPH keeps running.

Each stage requires document and system readiness. For those who want to manage all SJPH criteria in one application, IndoHalal.id provides an SJPH platform covering halal policy, material registry, critical points, internal audit, and BPJPH certification readiness.