In today’s globalized world, halal certification has become an essential requirement for food and beverage products, especially in countries with large Muslim populations. Halal certification not only guarantees the halal status of a product but also serves as proof of a manufacturer’s commitment to quality and food safety standards. So, how exactly is halal certification obtained? Let’s discuss the process in more detail.
Halal Certification Process: A Complete Guide
Halal certification is a critical requirement for food and beverage products that want to be marketed, especially in countries with large Muslim populations, such as Indonesia. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that the product complies with halal standards based on Islamic law.
Steps in the Halal Certification Process
1. Registration
Business owners register through the Halal Information System (SIHALAL) at ptsp.halal.go.id. They must fill in the required data and upload necessary documents.
- Create an Account
Producers are required to create an account on SIHALAL, a system managed by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). - Complete Company Data
The company profile, including information about the product to be certified, must be filled out completely.
2. Document Verification
The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) will verify the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents. The evaluation team will check whether all the information in the documents matches the specified format and whether all administrative requirements are met. Additionally, the Halal Certification Body (LPH) will verify and validate product-related data, such as:
- Raw Material Verification
Checking for halal certificates for each raw material, especially those derived from animals. - Composition Analysis
Ensuring that there are no haram or impure materials in the product. - Raw Material Source
Verifying that raw materials come from trusted suppliers with halal assurance systems. - Production Process Verification
- Ensuring separation between halal and non-halal production areas to avoid contamination.
- Ensuring that equipment is properly cleaned and maintained.
- Ensuring that documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed.
- Final Product Verification
- Product testing to ensure safety and quality.
- Ensuring the product label meets halal labeling requirements.
- Ensuring product packaging is clean, undamaged, and not contaminated by non-halal materials.
- Halal Assurance System (SJPH) Verification
- Ensuring complete documentation of the SJPH, including the manual, procedures, and production records.
- Ensuring that all staff have received training on halal assurance systems.
3. Appointment of Halal Certification Body (LPH)
If the documents are complete, BPJPH will appoint an LPH to conduct further inspections. The LPH will evaluate the halal assurance system (SJPH) implemented by the business.
When choosing an LPH, it’s important to consider factors such as the LPH’s expertise in the relevant product field, its reputation, certification costs, and the range of services offered, such as consultation and support.
4. Field Inspection
LPH inspectors will conduct an on-site inspection of the production facility to verify the information provided and ensure the production process complies with halal requirements. The LPH will analyze all data gathered from the document and field inspection.
5. Sample Collection and Testing
If necessary, LPH will take product samples for halal testing in a certified laboratory. The LPH will compile a report on the inspection results and provide recommendations on whether the product qualifies for halal certification.
6. Issuance of Halal Certificate
The halal certification process concludes with the issuance of a halal certificate by BPJPH. BPJPH will evaluate the inspection results from the Halal Certification Body. If the product meets halal standards, BPJPH will issue a halal declaration and then provide the official halal certificate.
Documents Required
- Business Identification Number (NIB)
- List of products to be certified
- List of raw materials used
- Production process details
- Halal Assurance System (SJPH) manual
- Halal declaration from the business owner
Important Considerations
The halal certification process involves costs that vary depending on the product type and production complexity. Halal certificates have a validity period, so businesses need to renew them periodically to ensure continued compliance with halal standards.
Why is Halal Certification Important?
Halal certification guarantees that a product, whether food, beverage, or other goods, has been produced in accordance with Islamic law. The presence of halal certification is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers.
For Muslim consumers, halal certification provides reassurance and certainty that the products they consume do not contain haram or impure ingredients. This enables them to practice their faith more devoutly and fulfill the religious obligation to consume halal and pure foods. Additionally, the halal certification process also addresses food safety, providing consumers with more confidence when choosing products.
For businesses, halal certification is not just a label on the product but a long-term investment. It can significantly enhance consumer trust, making products more widely accepted and boosting sales. Moreover, halal certification opens up large market opportunities, both domestically and internationally, as demand for halal products continues to grow.
Halal certification is not only important for individuals and businesses but also has far-reaching implications for the country. By encouraging halal certification, the government can maximize the potential of the growing halal industry. This will not only contribute to economic growth but also create more job opportunities. Furthermore, halal certification can boost exports of Indonesian halal products to global markets, increasing foreign exchange earnings and strengthening Indonesia’s position as a global halal product producer.
After understanding the importance of halal product verification and validation, the next step is to choose a trusted Halal Certification Body (LPH). SUCOFINDO, an accredited LPH by BPJPH, has proven to provide high-quality halal certification services. By choosing SUCOFINDO, you can ensure that your product meets all halal requirements and gains consumer trust.
