US Reaffirms Commitment to Halal Certification Compliance with BPJPH Standards
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- The USDA has reaffirmed its commitment to comply with Indonesia’s halal certification standards under BPJPH. The move aligns with Indonesia’s new halal product policy effective October 2026.
- The US Department of Agriculture is expanding cooperation with BPJPH to ensure that more American agricultural products entering Indonesia meet halal requirements.
- Ahead of Indonesia’s Mandatory Halal Policy, the USDA and BPJPH are intensifying efforts to educate US companies about halal certification and compliance processes.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to comply with Indonesia’s halal certification requirements set by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH).
“Regarding halal certification, our office works very closely with BPJPH. Naturally, products from the United States strive to meet the standards established by BPJPH,” said USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Agricultural Counselor Lisa Ahramjian during a press conference at the US Embassy in Jakarta on Monday (Nov. 26, 2026).
Ahramjian announced that the USDA will host the “Taste of America” festival at Sarinah Mall on January 31 and February 1, featuring thirteen US agricultural commodities. Following the festival, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Luke J. Lindberg and the USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission delegation will visit Indonesia from February 2 to 5, accompanied by around 85 American companies and industry representatives exploring trade opportunities.
According to Ahramjian, one of the key goals of the USDA’s trade mission is to bring more US agricultural products that have received halal certification to the Indonesian market.
She explained that Indonesia imposes halal certification requirements on a range of imported goods, including meat and dairy products and their derivatives. Starting October 17, 2026, a new set of product categories from the United States will also be required to have halal certification, with cheese sauces cited as one such example.
“This is one of the reasons we are increasing our outreach to US companies. Whether it’s granola or other processed foods, they need to understand that these products must be halal-certified—and they must also understand the certification process,” she added.
Despite Indonesia’s strict requirements, Ahramjian noted that American businesses are aware of the regulations and are actively working to comply with halal standards. Currently, five halal certification bodies operate in the United States.
“American companies can partner with any of the five agencies to obtain halal certification, or they may also choose to apply directly through BPJPH. Both options are available,” she explained.
The Indonesian government plans to enact its Mandatory Halal Policy in October 2026. The regulation is in line with Law No. 33/2014 on Halal Product Assurance and Government Regulation No. 42/2024 on the Implementation of Halal Product Assurance.
According to Ahramjian, USDA’s commitment to supporting halal certification reflects the growing respect and collaboration between the two nations in trade, ensuring that American products meet Indonesian consumer expectations for halal-compliant goods.
Indonesianpost.com | Republika
