The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea, headed by Commissioner Oh Yu-kyoung, has announced a significant push to support the domestic cosmetics industry's expansion into the burgeoning global halal cosmetics market. This initiative commenced with an online webinar on Indonesian halal regulations held on April 22nd, marking the official launch of the MFDS's halal cosmetics certification support program.

Halal, an Arabic term meaning "permissible," encompasses products and practices that adhere to Islamic law. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, is set to implement its "Halal Product Assurance Law" in October 2026. This landmark legislation mandates that all cosmetics circulating within the country must clearly indicate whether they possess halal certification or are non-halal. This regulatory shift presents both a challenge and a significant opportunity for international cosmetics manufacturers.

Recognizing the importance of this impending regulation, the MFDS proactively engaged with the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH). During a meeting in February with the BPJPH Commissioner, the MFDS proposed educational initiatives to enhance the understanding of halal regulations among South Korean cosmetics companies. This collaborative effort culminated in the recent online webinar.

The webinar featured comprehensive sessions covering critical aspects of halal compliance, including an overview and understanding of the halal system presented by BPJPH, insights into Indonesian cosmetics regulations by the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), and detailed explanations of the halal cosmetics certification process by a domestic halal certification body. The educational program garnered significant interest from the industry, with approximately 171 representatives from companies keen on exporting halal cosmetics successfully completing the training. A post-webinar satisfaction survey revealed an overwhelmingly positive response, with 93.1% of participants indicating that the session was beneficial to their understanding.

The MFDS has been actively supporting domestic cosmetics firms in obtaining halal certification since 2016. Building upon this foundation, the agency has significantly expanded its support program for the current year. Key enhancements include an increase in tailored on-site consultations for companies aspiring to obtain halal certification, rising from 10 to 15 companies. Furthermore, the MFDS will facilitate online training sessions on halal cosmetics certification and licensing procedures, as well as host seminars and consultation sessions featuring experts from both domestic and international halal certification bodies.

The "Indonesian Halal Policy Online Education" held on April 22nd served as a crucial first step in this enhanced support program. The webinar's curriculum was meticulously designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge required to navigate the complexities of the Indonesian halal market. The positive feedback received underscores the industry's eagerness to embrace halal standards and capitalize on the opportunities within this rapidly expanding sector.

To date, approximately 12 South Korean companies that have participated in MFDS training programs have successfully obtained halal certification. The MFDS anticipates that its ongoing support initiatives will provide tangible assistance to domestic cosmetics companies preparing to enter the halal market. By fostering a thorough understanding of halal-related regulatory requirements and facilitating effective compliance strategies, the MFDS aims to empower South Korean businesses to thrive in this dynamic global landscape.

Companies interested in applying for the halal cosmetics certification support program can find detailed information on the website of the Korea Halal Industry Research Institute (www.eduhalal.kr). Further inquiries can be directed to the Korea Halal Industry Research Institute at 02-3275-1125.

Looking ahead, the MFDS has reaffirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive support to the domestic cosmetics industry. The agency stated, "We will continue to make every effort to provide multifaceted support so that domestic companies can smoothly prepare to enter the emerging halal cosmetics market, leveraging the excellent technology of Korean cosmetics while adhering to the regulations of exporting countries." This proactive approach underscores the South Korean government's strategic focus on enabling its cosmetics industry to tap into the immense potential of the global halal market.

The global halal cosmetics market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, driven by an increasing awareness of halal principles among Muslim consumers and a growing recognition of halal products as ethical and safe alternatives by non-Muslim consumers as well. Analysts project the global halal cosmetics market to reach significant figures in the coming years, highlighting its immense potential for cosmetics manufacturers worldwide.

Key factors contributing to this growth include:

Growing Muslim Population: The global Muslim population is steadily increasing, representing a significant consumer base with specific requirements for halal-certified products.
Increased Awareness and Demand: Muslim consumers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients and production processes of cosmetics, actively seeking halal-certified options.
Ethical and Safe Perception: Halal products are increasingly perceived as ethical, pure, and safe, attracting a broader consumer base beyond Muslim communities.
Government Initiatives: Governments in Muslim-majority countries, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, are implementing regulations to standardize and promote halal products, further driving market growth.
Expansion into Mainstream Retail: Halal cosmetics are increasingly being stocked by mainstream retailers, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Indonesia's mandatory halal certification for cosmetics by 2026 is a pivotal development that will significantly impact the global halal cosmetics landscape. This regulation will not only ensure that Muslim consumers in Indonesia have access to compliant products but will also necessitate that international cosmetics manufacturers seeking to enter or maintain their presence in the Indonesian market adhere to these stringent halal standards.

The MFDS's proactive measures to support the South Korean cosmetics industry in obtaining halal certification are strategically aligned with these global market trends and regulatory changes. By providing financial assistance, educational resources, and expert guidance, the MFDS aims to empower domestic companies to effectively penetrate the Indonesian market and capitalize on the broader global halal cosmetics opportunity. This initiative is expected to enhance the competitiveness of South Korean cosmetics in the international arena and contribute to the overall growth of the national economy.

Furthermore, the MFDS's focus on providing tailored on-site consultations reflects a deep understanding of the specific challenges that cosmetics manufacturers face in navigating the complexities of halal certification. This personalized approach will enable companies to receive targeted guidance and support, ensuring a more efficient and successful certification process. The inclusion of online training and expert seminars further demonstrates the MFDS's commitment to equipping the industry with the necessary knowledge and insights to thrive in the global halal market.

The positive feedback from the initial webinar underscores the industry's strong interest and proactive approach towards embracing halal standards. As more South Korean companies successfully obtain halal certification through the MFDS's support program, the country's cosmetics industry is poised to become a significant player in the global halal market, catering to the growing demand for ethical and compliant beauty products worldwide. The MFDS's continued commitment to this crucial initiative will undoubtedly play a vital role in facilitating this expansion and fostering the long-term success of the South Korean cosmetics industry in the global arena.