Indonesia is implementing tougher standards for cosmetics compliance. New halal documentation rules are set to take effect alongside stricter action against unauthorized cosmetics in the marketplace. These two moves send a clear message-adherence to regulations has become compulsory in Indonesia’s cosmetics sector. A recent draft regulation from the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) outlines the official path to mandatory halal certification for cosmetics, timed ahead of the 17 October 2026 enforcement date. At the same time, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) uncovered over two million illegal cosmetic items, most imported from China without clearance.
Mandatory Halal Certification Draws Near
Starting 17 October 2026, every cosmetic product sold in Indonesia must be halal certified. The new draft from BPJPH gives companies clear operational steps for meeting this standard.
The draft introduces the Halal Assurance System (SJPH), which maps out key control points for halal integrity in each stage of production.This system aims to establish uniform halal practices across the cosmetic industry.
SJPH guidance is organized around five core principles.
As the foundation, the first principle covers commitment and oversight. Businesses must set a formal halal policy,name a Halal Supervisor (penyelia halal),and may assemble a team that manages halal processes on-site.
Supporting evidence or certificates must document the halal status of all raw inputs, additives, and agents touching production equipment-this includes everything from processed ingredients to cleaners and packaging.
Strict ingredient controls apply: any elements derived from pigs are banned, and animal-derived materials not processed under Islamic rules cannot be used in products intended for the lips or mouth.
Most plant-based components are accepted as halal, but each additive must be checked. Microbial ingredients require an evaluation of their culture sources. Genetic material from pigs or humans classifies an item as non-halal or haram in the final product.
Manufacturing guidelines require separation between halal and non-halal facilities and equipment. Documented protocols and records for equipment cleaning are required for compliance tracking.
Labeling must match certification-the BPJPH halal mark can appear only after approval is granted and must be visible and resistant to wear. Tiny packages follow tailored rules, and Indonesia will only except recognized foreign halal certificates that meet BPJPH criteria.
To maintain standards, the draft requires yearly self-audits, regular executive reviews, and reporting to BPJPH twice a year.
This framework is structured to ensure cosmetics adhere to legal and Islamic requirements and are credible for consumers and regulators.
BPJPH is accepting public input on the proposal untill 2 August 2026, and several beauty suppliers are already adapting. For example, a global firm released Indonesia’s first halal-certified deodorant earlier this year and has announced local production of halal sunscreen for next year.
Crackdown on Illegal Cosmetics: Millions Seized
Separately, BPOM seized more than two million pieces of unregistered cosmetics from 956 product types, with a combined market value of 27.6 billion rupiah (around US$1.7 million).
This action followed consumer complaints in May, though details of the complaints remain confidential.
During the probe, authorities pinpointed 890 illegal products, totaling over 1.8 million units, traced back to a distributor and reseller in Tangerang.
BPOM reported the confiscated goods entered the country via informal import methods and appeared mainly on online shops, bypassing the required legal permits.
Officials calculated that products worth 22.1 billion rupiah (around US$1.23 million) entered Indonesia without passing compliance and quality checks. Lost income from taxes and duties is estimated at 5.5 billion rupiah (about US$306,253).
BPOM directed immediate removal of these unregistered products, while the inquiry proceeds.
Individuals linked to the trade may now face up to 12 years in prison or fines that could reach 5 billion rupiah (roughly US$278,456).
Indonesia’s authorities underline that these raids help protect buyers, reinforce accountability in the cosmetic marketplace, and fight the inflow of products that dodge regulatory and tax checks.
Cosmetic Industry Adapts to Regulatory Shifts
Both the halal certification updates and BPOM’s enforcement sweep reflect Indonesia’s bigger plan to standardize and control the beauty sector. BPJPH is rolling out new halal demands before the October 2026 mandate, while BPOM imposes existing law on market access and distribution.
Full documentation, clear traceability, and verified sales channels are focal points in both programs-online retailers and importers are seen as especially at risk from these new measures.
BPOM’s actions showed that many seized products were available online without permits, sidestepping protections registered distribution provides.
Given that most seized cosmetics came from Chinese suppliers, brands relying on Chinese imports must now ensure paperwork and supply routes meet Indonesian rules under close review.
For companies looking to export halal cosmetics to Indonesia, regulatory consultants recommend starting preparations well before the deadline. This should include ingredient audits, halal status checks for every component, and collecting all certification paperwork.
special caution is suggested for ingredients of animal, microbial, or biotechnological origin.
Indonesia is pushing cosmetic compliance to new heights, reshaping one of Southeast Asia’s largest beauty industries.
