Register Your Foreign Halal Certificate (SHLN) to Avoid Distribution Delays in Indonesia

For overseas halal-certified products distributed in Indonesia, verifying eligibility is crucial because BPJPH must register only certificates issued by recognised foreign halal institutions through the SHLN process before distribution. 

This route applies when a BPJPH-recognised Foreign Halal Institution (LHLN) issues the certificate and the product falls within the institution’s scope, helping you stay confident in compliance. 

This requirement matters because Indonesia’s mandatory halal requirements expand to specified product categories from October 18, 2026, under Government Regulation No. 42 of 2024. Importers should therefore confirm whether their foreign certificate qualifies for SHLN registration and prepare the required documents before planned distribution. 

Key Takeaways

• A foreign halal certificate must be registered with BPJPH through the SHLN process before the covered products can be distributed in Indonesia. 
• A BPJPH-recognised LHLN must issue the certificate and cover the relevant product category within its recognized scope. 
• An Indonesian importer or official representative submits the SHLN through SIHALAL. 
• A pending SHLN registration does not, by itself, establish compliance for products subject to mandatory halal requirements. 
• Coordinate the SHLN process with other import, product registration, labelling, and conformity requirements to ensure smooth distribution. 

SHLN Registration in Indonesia at a Glance 

Item	Detail
Purpose of SHLN registration	Registration of a recognised foreign halal certificate with BPJPH before the covered imported products are distributed in Indonesia
Eligible certificate issuer	A Foreign Halal Institution (LHLN) recognised by BPJPH under a mutual recognition arrangement
Who submits the registration	Indonesian importer or official representative holding an NIB
Where to submit	SIHALAL (BPJPH’s online halal system)
Key documents required	Application documents, appointment or representation agreement, NIB, foreign halal certificate, product list and HS codes, and other supporting information required by BPJPH
Main registration process	Submission → BPJPH verification → payment → issuance of the SHLN registration number
Outcome	A Nomor Registrasi SHLN issued by BPJPH for the registered products
Validity	Generally, follows the validity period of the foreign halal certificate

Notes: The SHLN route recognises an eligible existing certificate. It doesn’t issue a new foreign halal certificate. 

Understanding SHLN in Indonesia  

Sertifikat Halal Luar Negeri (SHLN) refers to a foreign halal certificate registered with the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH) for recognised imported products to be distributed in Indonesia. This differs from applying for a new halal certificate in Indonesia. 

The registration route applies when a BPJPH-recognised Foreign Halal Institution (LHLN) issues the certificate and covers products within the institution’s recognised scope. The Indonesian importer or official representative submits the SHLN registration through SIHALAL. 

READ MORE:

• Enter Indonesia Safely with a Product License Holder Service 
• Halal Certification Procedure in Indonesia: A Complete Guide 
• Prepare Nutrition Labeling for Indonesia’s Nutri-Level Requirements 

Which Foreign Halal Certification Bodies are Recognised in Indonesia? 

Only foreign halal certification bodies (LHLN) with a mutual recognition agreement with BPJPH can issue foreign halal certificates that may qualify for SHLN registration, subject to the institution’s recognised product scope. Examples of BPJPH-recognised LHLNs include: 

Foreign Halal Certification Body	Country	Recognized Scope
AL-BAQARA CERTIFICATION	China	Food and beverages
American Halal Foundation (AHF)	United States	Food, drugs/pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemical products, and slaughtering services
ANIC Halal Authority	Australia	Food, beverages, drugs/pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and slaughtering services
China Halal Certification Shanghai Co., Ltd.	China	Food, beverages, drugs/pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods
CDIAL Halal Autoridade de Certificação Ltda	Brazil	Food, beverages, cosmetics, chemical products, and slaughtering services

An LHLN recognised for food products is not automatically recognised for supplements or cosmetics. Check BPJPH’s LHLN directory for the complete listing before preparing documents. 

Not sure if your foreign halal certificate is issued by a BPJPH-recognised LHLN? Check your eligibility with InCorp → 

Who Submits the SHLN Registration? 

An Indonesian importer and/or official representative submits the SHLN through SIHALAL. The applicant coordinates with the overseas company to prepare the required supporting documents. 

• Indonesian importers or official representatives submit the registration, provide their NIB and warehouse information, and handle communication with BPJPH. 
• Foreign manufacturers and brand owners provide the appointment agreement, foreign halal certificate, product information, and other supporting documents required for registration. 

Before submission, both parties should align the information across the certificate, product list, appointment documents, and Indonesian applicant records. 

No local importer yet? InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can act as your official representative or help you set up a PT PMA to import directly. Talk to our team → 

What Documents Are Required for SHLN Registration? 

Under BPJPH Head Decree No. 221 of 2025, applicants must prepare the following documents for SHLN registration: 

• SHLN registration application letter. 
• An appointment agreement from the overseas company authorising the Indonesian applicant. 
• The importer’s or official representative’s NIB. 
• A copy of the foreign halal certificate. 
• A product list with HS codes. 
• Warehouse name, address, and ownership or rental status. 
• Statement confirming that the submitted documents are valid. 

Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by English translations. Before submission, ensure the product name, HS code, and certificate details match across all documents.

READ MORE:

• Securing Halal Certification for Traditional Medicine: A Case Study

How to Register a Foreign Halal Certificate (SHLN) with BPJPH 

Once eligibility is confirmed and the local applicant is appointed, the registration moves through submission, verification, payment, and issuance. 

Step	Action	Responsible party
Confirm eligibility	Check LHLN recognition, product scope, and certificate validity	Foreign company + Indonesian applicant
Appoint the applicant	Execute the appointment agreement with the Indonesian importer or representative	Foreign company
Prepare documents	Compile the required documents and English translations	Both parties
Submit through SIHALAL	Complete the registration form and upload the supporting documents	Indonesian applicant
BPJPH verification	BPJPH reviews documents and may request corrections	BPJPH + Indonesian applicant
Payment	Pay the applicable fee within the deadline stated on the invoice	Indonesian applicant
Receive the SHLN registration number	BPJPH issues the SHLN number for the listed products	BPJPH

How Long Does SHLN Registration Take? 

The overall SHLN registration timeline depends on document readiness, BPJPH verification, payment, and whether clarifications or corrections are required. Businesses should prepare complete, consistent documents early to avoid unnecessary delays. 

Can You Distribute Products While SHLN Registration is Still Pending? 

Businesses importing products that fall within Indonesia’s mandatory halal categories should complete the applicable halal requirements by October 17, 2026, ahead of the next mandatory phase from October 18, 2026. 

A pending SHLN registration alone doesn’t make the product compliant. Importers should also be aware that BPJPH supervision is already increasing. 

Key points to note: 

• Before October 17, 2026: BPJPH may still inspect products and check the status of the business’s halal compliance process. 
• A pending application is not approval: Businesses should be prepared to show the status and progress of their halal registration if requested. 
• From October 18, 2026: Imported products within the mandatory halal scope will face stricter compliance requirements. 
• Import data must match: Under BPJPH Regulation No. 4 of 2026, importers need to provide information such as the halal certificate or SHLN registration number, product details, HS codes, and quantities as part of the conformity assurance process. 
• Inconsistencies may trigger further review: Products with missing or mismatched halal information may receive greater regulatory scrutiny. 

For businesses relying on a foreign halal certificate, completing SHLN registration before the deadline can help reduce the risk of delays, inspections, or disruption to product entry. 

What About Non-Halal Products? 

Products made from materials that are prohibited under halal requirements are exempt from halal certification but must comply with Indonesia’s applicable non-halal disclosure requirements. 

This is a separate regulatory category and should not be treated as an alternative for products that are still awaiting SHLN registration. 

SHLN registration is not the only requirement for imported halal products. Products entering Indonesia must also comply with the applicable conformity assurance requirements under BPJPH Regulation No. 4 of 2026. 

Depending on the product, businesses may also need to address BPOM registration, import licensing, labelling, and other market-entry requirements before distribution.

Prepare Your Foreign Halal Certificate for BPJPH Registration 

Having an overseas halal certificate is only the first step. Before relying on it for the Indonesian market, businesses need to confirm that the issuing LHLN and product scope qualify for SHLN registration and prepare the required submission to BPJPH. 

InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) can help support: 

• Eligibility Assessment: Confirm the LHLN’s BPJPH recognition, recognised product scope, and certificate eligibility. 
• Document Preparation: Prepare the required registration documents and identify missing or inconsistent information. 
• SHLN Registration: Support submission of applicant and product information through SIHALAL. 
• BPJPH Follow-Up: Coordinate responses to clarification or document correction requests. 
• Local Representation and Market Entry: Support local representation arrangements or PT PMA establishment where appropriate. 
• Product Compliance: Coordinate applicable BPOM registration, import licensing, and other market-entry requirements. 

Whether you are preparing a new registration or resolving an incomplete submission, our team can assess outstanding requirements and organise next steps. Book a free consultation using the form below. * 

*T&C apply. 

Frequently Asked Questions