Indonesia loosens halal rules for US products under new trade agreements

Jakarta, Thekabarnews.com—After signing the Agreement on Reciprocal Tariff (ART) titled “Toward a New Golden Age for the US-Indonesia Alliance,” Indonesia agreed to relax several halal regulations for goods imported from the United States.

Indonesia wants to make it easier for the US to sell cosmetics, medical devices, and other manufactured goods. To do this, Indonesia will remove the requirement for halal certification and labeling from the ART’s Article 2.9, “Halal for Manufactured Goods.”

The document says that Indonesia will not need halal certification or halal labeling for US-made goods that would normally need to meet these standards. Specifically, the policy aims to facilitate trade and reduce regulatory barriers for non-food manufactured goods.

Indonesia will not require halal certification or labeling on containers and materials used to move manufactured goods either. However, the exemption does not apply to containers and materials used to move food and drinks, cosmetics, or drugs.

The agreement also makes it clear that Indonesia only requires halal labeling or certification for halal products. This step shows that the rules are becoming more flexible. This agreement is part of the bigger picture of trade cooperation between two countries.

Indonesia, on the other hand, will accept halal certifications from US officials. The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) must accept halal-certified products from the US when entering the Indonesian market. This procedure is only if both sides agree that they meet the required standards.

The government introduced the policy as part of a broader plan to strengthen trade between Jakarta and Washington. The plan focuses especially on the manufacturing and industrial sectors. 

Officials say that the new rules will make it easier for people to get into the market. At the same time, Indonesia will keep its halal assurance framework in place.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. Its strict rules about halal products recently have made this newsworthy. Observers say they will closely monitor the implementation of the rules. Our goal is to ensure consumer protection and compliance.

The ART agreement is a big step toward making trade easier between Indonesia and the US. They are doing this while still complying with the applicable regulations.