There is an urgent need for Indonesia-accredited halal certification bodies to be established in the Nordic countries.
In October 2024, Indonesia introduced a new mandatory halal certification regulation. The new requirements apply to a wide range of consumer and medical goods, mandating that all products distributed in Indonesia—whether domestic or imported—must be halal-labeled, with only limited exemptions. Imported products, however, have been granted an extension until October 2026.
“The deadline is approaching, and exporters worldwide must comply with the new requirements if they wish to continue exporting to Indonesia,” emphasized market entry expert Tanja Harjuniemi from Seven Stones Finland at a Nordic Council Indonesia event on the 13.5.2025 in Sanur, Bali.
One of the main challenges for Nordic exporters is the absence of halal certification bodies currently accredited by Indonesian authorities.
“There are operating halal bodies in Sweden and Denmark, for example, but they are not yet accredited by Indonesia. In Finland, there is no halal body at all, so we have to start from scratch to establish one.”
As an alternative, exporters can bring in halal auditors from Indonesia to perform on-site audits and certify their products. Exporters must cover all related costs, including travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses.
“Some Finnish exporters have already taken this route. They say that the auditing process is professional, but extremely expensive. This makes halal labeling nearly impossible for small and medium-sized exporters.”
”The situation is increasingly untenable. All Nordic countries need Indonesia-accredited halal certification bodies to ensure continued exports of consumer goods to Indonesia.”
Another potential solution would be to negotiate at the EU level for Indonesia to accept cross-border certification. This would allow Nordic countries to utilize Indonesia-accredited halal bodies located elsewhere in Europe—such as in Poland, Germany, or the Netherlands.
“This is not only about regulatory compliance, but also about unlocking growth opportunities in the Muslim market. For Muslim consumers, the halal label guarantees that products are made from halal ingredients, processed following Islamic law, and free from contamination by non-halal substances.”
Some relief for Nordics in Indonesia – alcohol and pork still allowed
Products that are haram (forbidden under Islamic law), such as pork and alcohol, are exempt and still permitted in the Indonesian market.
Non-halal products are permitted to enter Indonesia, but they must be clearly labeled, which may include images, symbols, and/or words on the packaging or product. These labels must be clearly visible, durable, and not easily removed or damaged. Non-halal ingredients must be printed in a different color to ensure easy identification.
Product categories and timeframe for implementation
Starting in October 2026, halal certification requirements will apply to the following product categories:
- Food and beverage products, including raw ingredients, food additives, and supplementary materials
- Traditional medicines, food supplements, and quasi-medicinal products (e.g., antiseptics and throat lozenges)
- Cosmetics
- Chemical products and genetically modified organisms
- Clothing and wearable items
- Household and office products
- Class A medical devices
Future phases of the regulation will extend to additional medical products:
- October 2029: Over-the-counter medicines, Class B medical devices
- October 2034: Prescription medicines, Class C medical devices
- October 2039: Class D medical devices
Recommended reading: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Complying with Indonesian halal requirements.
”Although the article is written from an Australian perspective, the same halal requirements apply to exporters worldwide” – Tanja Harjuniemi –
Photo: Lotta Lasseson