Indonesia is intensifying cosmetics regulatory enforcement with a mandatory halal certification deadline approaching in October 2026 and a major crackdown on unregistered imports. Overseas beauty brands, manufacturers, and distributors exporting to Indonesia must prepare for converging documentation, facility, and registration obligations that will reshape market access for aesthetic and personal care products.
Halal certification mandate
From 17 October 2026, all cosmetics distributed in Indonesia must hold halal certification. A draft decree from the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) translates this legal mandate into practical guidelines, currently open for public comment until August 2, 2026. The proposed Halal Assurance System (SJPH) identifies control points throughout production and promotes consistent application of halal requirements across the industry.
Five pillars of compliance
The SJPH framework rests on five pillars. Companies must adopt a written halal policy and appoint a dedicated Halal Supervisor, with the option to establish a broader management team. All beauty solutions require halal certificates or supporting documentation for raw materials, additives, processing aids, and materials contacting production lines, including lubricants, cleaning agents, packaging, and applicators.
Ingredient and facility rules
Pig-derived ingredients are prohibited, and ingredients from animals not slaughtered according to Islamic law are barred from products applied to lips or mouth. Plant-derived ingredients are presumed halal, though additives must be verified. Microbial ingredients' status depends on growth medium and inputs. Biotech-derived ingredients involving pig or human genes are considered haram. The draft demands strict separation of halal and non-halal facilities and equipment, with documented procedures and washing records.
Labeling and oversight
Companies may display a halal label only after securing a certificate from BPJPH, placed in a visible, durable position. Small packaging has accommodations. Foreign halal certificates face specific recognition rules. Ongoing oversight requires annual internal audits, periodic management reviews, and reporting to BPJPH every six months.
Market signals from enforcement
Indonesia's BPOM confiscated over two million units of unregistered cosmetics across 956 product lines, valued at 27.6 billion rupiah (US$1.7 million). Most were imported from China without approval. The probe traced the products to an importer and reseller in Tangerang, sold primarily through e-commerce without mandatory distribution permits. BPOM has ordered a market withdrawal, with penalties up to 12 years in prison or fines up to 5 billion rupiah (US$278,456).
What buyers should watch
Both regulatory tracks—BPJPH's halal framework and BPOM's enforcement—demand scrutiny of documentation, traceability, and legitimate distribution channels. E-commerce sellers and importers are most exposed. Brands sourcing from China face added pressure to ensure import routes and paperwork comply. Some suppliers are already adapting: Kao released halal-certified Biore Breeze deodorant in Indonesia and plans local production of halal sunscreen next year.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 09, 2026