South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has invited the head of Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) to Seoul, aiming to support Korean exporters of food and cosmetics ahead of Indonesia's mandatory halal certification deadline on October 17, 2025. The move signals a critical regulatory shift for overseas buyers sourcing from Korea, as compliance becomes essential for market access in the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
Regulatory shift for Korean cosmetics and food exporters
Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Law (JPH) will require all imported and domestically distributed food and cosmetics to carry halal certification from October 17, 2025. This mandate creates new compliance hurdles for Korean manufacturers and exporters, who must now secure certification to maintain access to the Indonesian market. The MFDS is proactively engaging with BPJPH to help local firms navigate the transition.
Bilateral talks focus on certification support and communication channels
During the meeting, MFDS outlined Korea's halal certification support policies, shared information on Indonesia's mandatory certification requirements, and proposed establishing a permanent government-to-government communication channel. The Korean side also updated BPJPH on the progress of the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Agency's recognition as a halal certification body. BPJPH chief Ahmad Haikal Hassan expressed agreement on transparent and predictable certification procedures and pledged continued cooperation.
What buyers should watch
Importers and distributors sourcing cosmetics or food products from South Korea should monitor whether Korean suppliers obtain halal certification from recognized bodies before October 2025. The MFDS-BPJPH dialogue suggests smoother certification pathways may emerge, but buyers should verify certification status directly with suppliers. Non-compliant shipments risk rejection at Indonesian customs after the deadline.
Sourcing context
Indonesia is Korea's key export market for food and cosmetics, driven by its large Muslim consumer base. The mandatory halal rule will affect not only finished products but also raw materials and packaging components used in cosmetics manufacturing. Korean OEM and ODM suppliers serving international clients should prepare to offer halal-certified options to retain Indonesian and broader Islamic market access.
Source: Read the original report | Published: February 17, 2025