LPH BMS - Nowadays, halal certification has become a key focus for many countries, including Indonesia. Halal certification not only serves as an assurance for Muslim consumers but also enhances the competitiveness of products in local markets. However, is the halal certification process for imported products as straightforward as it seems? In reality, there are several challenges that must be faced by both businesses and the authorities responsible for certification.
What Are the Challenges of Halal Certification for Imported Products?
1. Differences in International and Indonesian Halal Standards
One of the primary challenges is the disparity between halal standards in the product's country of origin and those in Indonesia. For instance, imported products from certain countries may already have halal certification in their home country. However, when entering Indonesia, those standards may not align with the regulations set by the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). This often creates confusion for businesses as they must adjust to comply with local rules.
These differences often involve raw materials, production processes, and even packaging. As a result, businesses need to exert extra effort to meet these requirements, which often entails additional time and costs.
2. Complex Certification Procedures
Halal certification procedures in Indonesia are rigorous, particularly for imported products. Imported goods must undergo thorough inspections, including checks on raw materials, documentation, and even on-site inspections at factories in the country of origin. This process is often considered complicated, especially for companies seeking halal certification for the first time.
Additionally, language barriers and communication issues between foreign parties and Indonesia's halal certification authorities can pose significant hurdles. If documents are not translated accurately or contain incomplete information, the certification process may be delayed.
3. Lack of Awareness Among Business Operators
Not all business operators understand the importance of halal certification for imported products. Many view the halal label as merely a formality, unaware of its significance for Muslim consumers in Indonesia. This lack of awareness often results in inadequate preparation to meet halal standards.
A lack of education also leaves business operators confused about the steps they need to take. For example, what documents should be prepared? How can raw materials be verified as halal? These are common questions that often remain unanswered.
4. Oversight of Imported Products Without Halal Certification
Another challenge is monitoring imported products that enter Indonesia without halal certification. Some products still circulate in the market without an official halal label. This poses a problem, particularly for Muslim consumers who prioritize the halal status of the products they consume.
On the other hand, businesses that comply with halal certification regulations feel disadvantaged by the presence of these unauthorized products. Therefore, stricter oversight by authorities is necessary to ensure that only halal-certified products are allowed on the market.
5. Costs of Halal Certification
Costs are one of the biggest obstacles in the halal certification process for imported products. This includes not only the certification fees but also expenses incurred to meet the established standards, such as replacing raw materials, conducting halal audits, and processing additional documentation.
For small businesses, these costs can be a significant burden. Therefore, support from the government or relevant parties is crucial to enable more imported products to obtain halal certification without overburdening business operators.
6. Lack of International Collaboration
Collaboration between Indonesia and other countries regarding halal certification needs to be strengthened. Currently, not all halal certificates from other countries are recognized by Indonesia. However, with better cooperation, the certification process could become more efficient, making it easier for imported halal products to be accepted in Indonesia.
For instance, countries with a majority Muslim population, such as Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, have internationally recognized halal certification systems. If Indonesia establishes partnerships with these countries, the process for business operators could be significantly simplified.
Conclusion
Halal certification for imported products indeed comes with its own set of challenges, ranging from differences in standards and complex procedures to high costs. However, with better education, stricter monitoring, and enhanced international collaboration, these challenges can be overcome.
For those who care about the halal status of products, let’s continue supporting halal certification efforts by choosing products that are guaranteed halal. If you are a business operator, don’t hesitate to start learning about the halal certification process so your products can be accepted by Muslim consumers in Indonesia. Together, let’s improve the quality and trustworthiness of halal products!
More Information :
Halal Business Certification
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