February 22, 2026 | 07:18 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Coordinating Economic Affairs has clarified that exemptions from halal certification and labeling requirements do not apply to all products from the United States.
Haryo Limanseto, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasized that food and beverage items still require halal certification.
“Food and beverages containing non-halal ingredients must be labeled as non-halal,” Haryo said in a written statement on Sunday, February 22, 2026. He noted that halal labeling is aimed at protecting domestic consumers.
Indonesia and the United States officially signed a reciprocal trade agreement in Washington D.C. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Under the agreement, certain U.S. products, such as cosmetics, medical devices, and manufactured goods, are exempt from halal certification when entering Indonesia.
However, U.S.-based halal certification institutions recognized by Indonesia’s national halal authority can certify imported products without additional requirements.
Haryo stressed that U.S. cosmetic products, medical devices, and other manufactured goods must still meet standard quality and safety regulations, adhere to good manufacturing practices, and provide detailed product information.
“This ensures that Indonesian consumers have full information about the products they use,” he said.
The ministry also highlighted a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with foreign halal certification bodies. This allows halal labels issued in the United States to be recognized as valid in Indonesia.
“This agreement is important due to growing demand in Indonesia for high-quality halal products, particularly meat and other consumables from the U.S.,” Haryo added.
Read: U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Does Not Halt Trade Deal with Indonesia
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