For companies planning on importing foreign halal products in Indonesia, it is not required to apply for a new local halal certificate if their existing certificate is from an institute recognized by Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH).
Instead, they can register the foreign halal certificate for these products with BPJPH and sell them in Indonesia.
This guide will walk you through requirements and process to register your foreign halal certificate in Indonesia.
Importance of Halal Certification in Indonesia
As per Law No. 33 of 2014 on Halal Product Assurance, Indonesia has made halal certification mandatory for a wide range of products being imported, sold, or traded in the country.
This requirement covers not only food and beverages but also medicines, cosmetics, chemical products, biological products, and more as well as services related to these products.
Recognized Foreign Halal Institutions by BPJPH
Indonesia recognizes halal certificates issued by a wide range of international institutions to ensure that products imported into the country meet its strict halal standards.
These recognized organizations span across multiple regions, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Notable certifying bodies include Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), and the Australian Halal Authority and Advisers Pty. Ltd., among others.
Find a complete list of foreign halal agencies recognized by BPJPH in Indonesia.
Note that If your product's halal certificate is issued by an agency not recognized by Indonesia's BPJPH, you will need to apply for a new local halal certificate in Indonesia.
Required Documents to Apply for Foreign Halal Certificate Registration in Indonesia
Here is a list of the necessary documents to register a foreign halal certificate with Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH):
- An application letter for foreign halal certificate registration in Indonesia
- An appointment letter or agreement from the home country company authorizing you to register the foreign halal certificate. If you don't have a company in Indonesia, You can also appoint Emerhub as the certificate holder.
- The Business Identification Number (NIB) of the importer or official representative in Indonesia.
- A copy of the Foreign Halal Certificate, legalized by the Indonesian representative abroad. If the foreign halal institution is in a member country of the Apostille Convention, you need to have an Apostille certificate.
- A list of goods you plan on importing to Indonesia with their Harmonized System (HS) code numbers
- A statement confirming the accuracy and validity of all documents
How to Register a Foreign Halal Certificate (SHLN) in Indonesia
1. Register Your Company or Appoint an Authorized Representative
Before you can register a foreign halal certificate, you must have a legal presence in Indonesia. You can achieve this through one of the following methods:
- If you're a foreign company: Establish a legal entity in Indonesia, such as a PT PMA (foreign-owned company) and obtain necessary permits.
- If you're a local importer: Ensure you have the necessary registrations and import licenses.
- Alternatively: You can appoint Emerhub as an authorized certificate holder in Indonesia and we can act on your behalf. This way, you don't have to register your company or find distributors
This step is crucial as BPJPH requires a local business entity to proceed with the SHLN registration.
You can book a consultation with Emerhub's experts to discuss the most suitable option based on your business goals.
2. Submit the Foreign Halal Certificate Registration Application to BPJPH
Once your company is properly registered or represented in Indonesia, the next step is to submit the SHLN application via Indonesian Halal Information System (SIHALAL).
It is advisable to partner with Halal Certification experts such as Emerhub to ensure a smooth process and avoid any delays. Emerhub's local experts will gather the required documents and handle this process on your behalf.
3. BPJPH Verification and Fee Payment
BPJPH will verify the completeness and validity of your application documents. If any information is missing or inadequate, you'll have 5 working days to provide the additional documents.
Upon successful verification, BPJPH will issue an invoice for the registration fee. You must make the payment within 7 working days to avoid application cancellation.
4. Issuance of SHLN Certificate
After confirming your payment, BPJPH will issue a draft certificate with an SHLN Registration Number. This draft is approved using an electronic signature, and the final SHLN Registration Number is issued.
The entire process from registration to certificate issuance can take approximately 15 to 20 working days, assuming all documents are in order and there are no delays in verification or payment.
Register Your Foreign Halal Certificate in Indonesia with Emerhub
Whether you already have a company in Indonesia and want to apply for foreign halal certificate registration or would like to start everything from scratch, Emerhub's local experts will help you with that.
Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, handle objections, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Fill out the form below to discuss your needs and goals with our experts in Malaysia.