Law
Indonesia to Enforce New Halal Regulations Starting October 18
The Thai Department of International Trade Promotion has issued a warning to exporters regarding Indonesia's upcoming mandatory halal certification requirements.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, the Indonesian government is set to implement comprehensive new halal regulations effective October 18, 2026. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has advised Thai exporters to urgently review their documentation, labeling, and logistics systems to ensure compliance with these upcoming standards.
The new requirements will apply to a wide range of products, including food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, chemical products, and food additives. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the DITP, emphasized that businesses must strictly adhere to Indonesia's halal criteria to avoid potential disruptions to trade. The Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) has introduced three new regulations to facilitate this transition.
For residents and travelers, this shift primarily impacts the supply chain of consumer goods. While the regulations focus on commercial exports, they reflect a broader tightening of standards for products entering the Indonesian market. It remains to be confirmed how these changes will specifically affect the availability of imported goods in retail sectors or the specific documentation required for personal items brought into the country. Thai authorities are currently in discussions with the BPJPH to seek ways to facilitate business operations for Thai exporters during this regulatory shift.
