MFDS, Indonesia Partner on Halal Certification to Support K-Food and K-Beauty Exports

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is strengthening cooperation with Indonesia on halal certification to support K-Food and K-Beauty exports.

MFDS said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) to cooperate on halal product certification at the fifth Halal Summit 20, held on the 18th in Depok, Indonesia.

The MOU follows a joint statement on a “special comprehensive strategic partnership” adopted by the two countries during the Indonesian president’s state visit in March. At the time, the countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on halal certification to promote trade and expand market access.

Key areas of cooperation include technical, human resources, infrastructure and research and development support for halal product assurance; sharing information on halal certification bodies in both countries; and regular exchanges of information on halal certification systems and policies.

MFDS expects that increased exchanges of information on systems and technology between the two countries will help address difficulties Korean companies face in preparing for halal certification in Indonesia and support their entry into the local market.

MFDS is also working to establish a domestic public halal certification system to expand K-Food exports. The Korea Agency of HACCP Accreditation and Services is pursuing official recognition as an Indonesian halal certification body, and the MOU is expected to establish a foundation for related cooperation.

Indonesia is phasing in mandatory halal product certification. Certification for food and cosmetics is scheduled to become mandatory on Oct. 18, making proactive preparations necessary for Korean exporters.

MFDS Commissioner Oh Yu-kyoung said, “Indonesia is a key halal market with significant potential for expanding K-Food and K-Beauty exports. We hope this MOU will take cooperation between the two countries on halal issues to the next level and help Korean companies enter the Indonesian market.”

She added, “We will continue to expand government-to-government cooperation with major Islamic countries and actively support Korean companies in obtaining halal certification more smoothly and entering overseas markets.”