Cosmetics BPJPH Halal Certification for Export to Indonesia: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

I. Preparation 1. Factory documentation: Submit the application form, a declaration that equipment and ingredients are free of pork-derived sources, the product process flow chart, factory qualifications (business license, production license, ISO/HACCP certificates), the plant layout, and related documents. Note that the company, factory, and product details on the application form are exactly what will appear on the final certificate, so complete them accurately in both Chinese and English and double-check for errors. 2. System setup: Establish an SJPH (Halal Assurance System), including a halal policy, a materials list with supporting documents, internal training records, and internal audit / management review reports. SINOQUAL provides templates and completion guidance—simply follow the scheduled timeline and requirements. II. Application & Pre-Audit SINOQUAL submits the registered factory documentation to the BPJPH portal and pre-audits the factory against the on-site audit criteria. Common issues and tips: 1. Online documentation a. Brand. Under Indonesian halal regulations, retail products must register a brand name; prepare an English brand name in advance (it need not be a registered trademark). b. Material challenges. (1) Cosmetic material names cover trade name, common name, and INCI name; to reduce audit difficulty, ensure the names used at submission match those in your internal records or ERP system. (2) Cosmetics may involve animal-derived ingredients such as collagen or snake oil; SINOQUAL advises on what is permissible and, where permissible, what additional documentation each material requires. Fragrances—a common cosmetic material—must carry a halal certificate recognized by the certification body. (3) Alcohol from non-distillery sources may be used as a solvent, but a source declaration must be provided. (4) Cosmetic materials are generally numerous and complex; to avoid rework, ensure each material's supporting document is issued by its manufacturer. For overseas materials temporarily out of stock, prepare a COA/MSDS to verify the manufacturer and country of origin—never omit any ingredient. c. Label preparation. Labels must correspond one-to-one with the products to be certified. If a fully English label cannot be prepared in time, at minimum translate the product and brand name. If a product is waterproof, the body will require a waterproof test report (only reports from ISO 17025 laboratories are accepted). d. Other notes. Ensure documentation is complete (plans, records, reports), consistent (matching the factory's actual situation—e.g., the ingredient list must match purchasing records, and factory formula sheets must align with the BOM and matrix chart), and compliant (e.g., no text or imagery containing halal-forbidden elements). 2. Factory facilities e. If the factory produces both halal-certified and non-certified products, it is recommended to separate the facilities and label them “halal-dedicated” and “non-halal-dedicated.” If facilities must be shared, the shared-line non-halal materials must not contain halal-forbidden ingredients, and supporting documents must be provided. 3. Operating records f. Incoming-material inspection records (including country of origin and manufacturer), storage records, material-issue records, raw-material purchase contracts and invoices, production records, inbound/outbound cards, pest-control records, in-process inspection records (if any), equipment cleaning records, post-cleaning cleanliness validation records (where required by SOP), vehicle hygiene checklists (raw materials and finished goods), transport/logistics agreements, sales records, and supply-chain traceability documents (traceability drill cases, recall reports). III. On-Site Audit & Corrective Action The auditor reviews documentation and inspects production facilities, material management, and hygiene standards on site—focusing on whether halal and non-halal production areas are segregated, equipment cleanliness, and record completeness. Any non-conformities are logged in the audit report; SINOQUAL translates the report and guides the corrective actions. IV. Issuance of the Indonesian Halal Certificate Once all non-conformities are closed, the case proceeds to the Fatwa session—a certificate-review committee formed by Indonesia's Islamic jurisprudence authority, which judges from a jurisprudential standpoint whether the product meets halal standards. Once the Fatwa session approves, the certificate is issued.