Technical Flow of Halal Certification Step by Step

The halal certification process in Indonesia has a clear flow. The latest regulation simplifies several stages, but the basic framework remains the same: application, inspection, determination of halalness, then issuance of the certificate. Here is the technical sequence.

1. Determining the certification scheme

There are two main paths. For micro and small businesses with low-risk products, a self-declare halal scheme is available, introduced through Law 6/2023. For other business actors, the regular scheme applies, which goes through inspection by a Halal Inspection Agency (LPH).

Determining the scheme determines all subsequent steps, including who inspects and what documents must be prepared.

2. Preparing documents and product data

A halal certification application requires data that is consistent between the form, the label, and the actual conditions on the production line. Some files that are generally required:

• Business actor data and its legality.
• List of products submitted along with their types and variants.
• List of ingredients and their origins, including additives.
• Production process flow.
• Name and supporting documents of the halal supervisor.
• Halal certificates for ingredients from suppliers, if available.

For ingredients whose status depends on the source, document tracing is decisive. Gelatin capsule shells, for example, depend on the origin of the gelatin. Glycerin (E422) can come from palm oil or animal fat. Lecithin (E322) is generally from soy, but can also be from animal sources. Taurine is now generally synthetic, but historically came from bovine bile. All of that needs to be proven through documents, not assumptions.

3. Application registration

Applications are submitted to BPJPH. The BPJPH service standards are set out in the Head of BPJPH Decree Number 243 of 2025, which establishes 27 types of services along with requirements, timeframes, and tariffs. This decree revokes Kepka 120/2022.

At this stage, the completeness of the files determines whether the application is processed immediately or returned for correction.

4. Inspection by LPH

If the regular scheme applies, BPJPH assigns an LPH to inspect. The appointed LPH must be accredited. The LPH accreditation guidelines are set out in the Head of BPJPH Decree Number 78 of 2025, which covers requirements, Pratama and Utama qualifications, scope of competence, fees, application flow, surveillance, and witness assessment, with reference to SNI ISO/IEC 17065:2012.

The inspection includes a document audit and an on-site audit. Auditors examine the conformity of ingredients, processes, and production facilities. Findings from this stage must be resolved before the file is forwarded.

5. Determination of halalness

The results of the LPH inspection are submitted to the MUI Fatwa Commission or the Halal Product Fatwa Committee, in accordance with applicable provisions. The determination of halalness is the authority of the fatwa institution, not the authority of the LPH or BPJPH.

It should be noted: halal certificates are only issued by BPJPH. No other party is authorized to issue them.

6. Issuance of the halal certificate

After halalness is determined, BPJPH issues the halal certificate. This certificate applies to the products listed in it, so adding variants or changing ingredients requires an update.

7. Maintaining the system after the certificate is issued

The certificate is not the end point. Business actors need to run the Halal Product Assurance System (SJPH) continuously: maintain the halal policy, record ingredient changes, and conduct internal audits regularly. Changes in suppliers or formulations without recording are the most common source of problems during surveillance.

Product groups required to be certified

The halal certification obligation applies gradually to certain product groups. The list of product groups and their phasing is set out in Minister of Religious Affairs Decree Number 748 of 2021, which was later amended by KMA 944/2024. Business actors should check the position of their products in that list to know the applicable deadline.

Summary of the sequence

1. Determine the scheme: self-declare or regular.
2. Prepare documents and ingredient data.
3. Submit the application to BPJPH.
4. Undergo inspection by an accredited LPH.
5. Wait for the determination of halalness by the fatwa institution.
6. Receive the certificate from BPJPH.
7. Run SJPH continuously.

Each stage depends on the previous stage. The quality of ingredient data at the beginning determines the smoothness of the entire process.

To manage SJPH criteria, ingredient registry, and critical points in one place, IndoHalal.id provides an SJPH platform that helps prepare BPJPH certification readiness.