[Industry Trend] The Era of Japanese Halal Certification Being Accepted in Indonesia - JETRO Reports Industry Changes
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As the distribution of halal food expands across borders, a significant milestone has been reached for Japanese halal certification. According to a report by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), the Indonesian government agency "BPJPH" has signed Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with three Japanese halal certification bodies.
This development is also of great importance to us at HALAL ICHIBA, who handle Japanese halal food. In this article, we will explain this industry news from the perspective of a company that actually works with certification bodies.
What is Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) - and why is it important?
A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) is a system in which a government agency in one country recognizes the validity of a halal certification issued by a certification body in another country.
With this in place, for example, "halal food certified in Japan can be sold as is in Indonesia." Conversely, without an MRA, it would be necessary to obtain certification anew from local agencies for each export, placing a significant burden of procedures.
Key Points of the Report
・In October 2024, the MRA signing ceremony was held at the international conference "H20 Halal World 2024" in Indonesia.
・51 halal certification bodies from around the world participated.
・From Japan, 3 organizations - JHA (Japan Halal Association), JMA (Japan Muslim Association), and MPJA (Muslim Professional Japan Association) - signed MRAs with BPJPH.
・NAHA (Nippon Asia Halal Association) is also in the process of applying for an MRA.
・The number of Indonesian BPJPH certified products has increased to 5.3 million (8-fold increase since 2019), and the processing time has been significantly reduced from 10 months to 21 days.
The Three Significances of this Agreement
① Expansion of export opportunities for Japanese halal food
Indonesia is a massive market with the world's largest Muslim population (approximately 240 million). If "Japanese certification" becomes directly valid in this market, the export hurdles for Japanese manufacturers will significantly decrease. Japanese cuisine, wagashi (Japanese sweets), and seasonings will become more accessible to the world than ever before.
② Rapid development of Indonesia's BPJPH system
What is particularly striking in this news is that the number of products certified by BPJPH has increased 8-fold (5.3 million items) compared to 2019, and the certification processing time has been significantly reduced from 10 months to 21 days. This demonstrates Indonesia's serious commitment to growing the halal market, both in terms of the system's effectiveness and processing capacity.
③ A crucial step towards the "mandatory certification" in October 2026
In Indonesia, from October 2026, the acquisition and display of halal certification will become mandatory for many food categories. The framework of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) can be considered the establishment of essential international infrastructure to cope with this mandatory certification. For Japanese companies, it is increasingly important to prepare now.
Relationship with Certification Bodies handled by HALAL ICHIBA
At HALAL ICHIBA, we handle products certified by multiple halal certification bodies in Japan. Among the certification bodies mentioned in this report, our store handles the following:
- NAHA (Nippon Asia Halal Association): Certification obtained for approximately 120 products handled by our store - in the process of applying for MRA
- JHA (Japan Halal Association): Certification obtained for approximately 20 products handled by our store - MRA concluded
- JHF (Japan Halal Foundation): Certification obtained for approximately 80 products handled by our store
- Others: LPPOM MUI (Indonesia), MHC, Japan Halal Development Trust, etc.
Many of the products you choose at HALAL ICHIBA have obtained internationally recognized certifications. In particular, the progress of international mutual recognition by certification bodies should further solidify the reliability of the products we deliver.
Future of the Industry - Impact on Customers
Let's organize how this development will affect HALAL ICHIBA's customers from two perspectives.
To BtoB customers (restaurants, exporters)
For restaurant owners considering overseas expansion and businesses promoting Japanese food exports to ASEAN, the options for obtaining certification will expand. The premise that "certification obtained in Japan is valid in Indonesia" makes export planning more realistic.
To BtoC customers (general consumers)
Some people may be concerned, "Is this certification really trustworthy?" The progress of international mutual recognition serves as an indicator that the reliability of certification bodies is also recognized by third parties. This will provide more grounds for you to choose with confidence.
HALAL ICHIBA's Initiatives
Along with market changes, HALAL ICHIBA will maintain "reliable procurement routes" and deliver more choices to our customers.
An trial set that allows you to get 10 essential Japanese seasonings at once. It consists of products certified by NAHA, JHF, JHA, and other organizations.
In addition to this, we handle a wide range of halal-certified seasonings, meats, cheeses, teas, and more. Please feel free to visit us.
Summary
The progress of international mutual recognition of halal certification means that the "infrastructure of trust" for the entire industry is being established. This agreement between Indonesia's BPJPH and three Japanese organizations (and NAHA, which is in the process) is a major step in that direction.
At HALAL ICHIBA, we will continue to monitor these industry trends and deliver products that our customers can choose with confidence.
