Jakarta — In a move welcomed by international trade groups, Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has officially pushed back the mandatory halal certification deadline for imported food and beverages by two years. The compliance cutoff has been moved from October 17, 2026, to October 18, 2028.

This adjustment, which stems from upcoming amendments to Government Regulation No. 42/2024, was heavily advocated for by organizations such as the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC). Beyond foreign food and beverages, the extension applies to imported slaughtered goods and related slaughtering services, provided that the necessary mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) regarding halal certification are successfully finalized.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government has extended the 2028 deadline to cover various domestic products, including local food items, beverages, cosmetics, health supplements, and select consumer goods. Authorities noted that the adjustments reflect a broader assessment of the nation's ongoing halal infrastructure readiness.

In tandem with the timeline extension, Jakarta intends to repeal BPJPH Regulation No. 4/2026, though officials have not yet disclosed the framework that will take its place. The outgoing regulation previously mandated that foreign goods undergo pre-shipment conformity checks and secure a halal assurance report prior to customs clearance.

While the two-year grace period gives international exporters—particularly those in the United States—much-needed breathing room to complete their certification processes, future market access will ultimately hinge on the successful establishment of MRAs and the nature of the regulations that replace pre-shipment inspections.

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