THE WHAT? Indonesia has notified the WTO of a draft decree that would establish an HS code-based list identifying all products subject to mandatory halal certification, with public comments open until 30 November 2025.

THE DETAILS In its 6 November 2025 notification (G/TBT/N/IDN/160/Add.2), Indonesia outlined a proposed system to classify food, beverages, food additives, cosmetics, and natural medicine products using Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine which items must secure halal certification before being imported, traded, or sold in the country.

The HS code list is intended to guide importers and authorised representatives in registering foreign halal certificates, determining whether a product falls under mandatory halal rules, and applying for certification with BPJPH or recognised foreign bodies.

The proposal follows BPJPH’s 9 September 2025 announcement introducing new requirements for halal mark labelling and public disclosure of certification information.

THE WHY? The HS-coded system is designed to streamline enforcement of Indonesia’s halal regulations and provide clearer compliance parameters for companies operating in categories subject to mandatory certification.

Source: CIRS