S. Korean SMEs Grapple with Indonesia’s Halal Certification Requirements

South Korean SMEs Strive to Comply with Indonesia’s Rigorous Halal Mandate: Government Steps to Facilitate Export Endeavors

In a landscape where halal certification is becoming imperative, South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups is taking decisive steps to assist the country’s Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in obtaining the coveted Halal certification requisite for the Indonesian market.

The SME Ombudsman, in a recent announcement, disclosed that it has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, urging the formulation of strategic countermeasures. This comes as Indonesia prepares to enforce a comprehensive Halal certification system for products deemed consumable or usable by the Muslim population, starting October 17th next year.

The urgency to adapt to these regulatory changes was the focal point of a gathering convened by the SME Ombudsman, involving companies with a global expansion outlook. The meeting took place at the Chungbuk Regional Small and Medium Venture Business Agency, situated in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.

During the event, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shed light on the progress made by domestic Halal certification bodies in pursuing mutual recognition with the Indonesian Halal Agency. The domestic bodies had undergone an on-site audit last year and are now awaiting a response from the Indonesian government.

It is imperative to highlight that Indonesia’s mandatory Halal certification is set to regulate not only products sold within the country but also items imported and distributed. The Indonesian Halal Agency, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, will be the sole authority in conferring the certification.

However, obtaining Halal certification directly from the Indonesian Halal Agency presents an arduous and expensive proposition for individual companies. Consequently, there is a clarion call for government intervention and support.

Furthermore, it is paramount that no company should be allowed to retail food or other items to the Muslim demographic without first obtaining Halal certification. This compliance is not only a mark of respect for religious sensibilities but is also instrumental in ensuring product integrity.

The meeting also served as a platform for deliberation on an array of topics, including streamlining the issuance process of certificates of origin for free trade agreements, augmenting the export roadmap for fledgling companies keen on entering export markets, bolstering logistical support for agri-food exporters in the Chungcheong region, and broadening the support spectrum for overseas public animal support initiatives.

This collaborative effort reflects a conscious attempt to bridge the compliance chasm and empower South Korean SMEs to effectively navigate the labyrinthine Halal certification landscape in Indonesia. The proactive stance taken by the South Korean government is indicative of a commitment to safeguarding the export competitiveness of its SMEs in an ever-evolving global marketplace.