Halal Certification & Business Financing Support to Make Your Products More Competitive

03 November 2025

In the midst of increasingly fierce business competition, quality and trust are two key factors that determine the success of a product. Today's consumers consider not only price and packaging, but also the values and standards embodied in the product. One standard that is gaining increasing attention is halal certification.

Halal certification is no longer just a label that indicates the halal status of a product, but has become a competitive business strategy that affects brand image, market access, and consumer loyalty. In a global context, where awareness of halal products continues to increase, having a halal certificate means opening wider doors for business growth.

Halal Certification: Standards of Trust and Competitiveness

Public awareness of halal products continues to increase, not only in Indonesia as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, but also in various other countries. Halal products are now seen as a guarantee of quality and safety, not only from a religious perspective, but also in terms of hygiene, production ethics, and raw material safety.

For businesses, halal certification serves as tangible proof that their products have undergone a rigorous verification process and meet the standards set by official institutions. In other words, halal certification enhances brand credibility and builds consumer trust.

In addition to being a benchmark of trust, halal certification also plays an important role in opening up new business opportunities. Many large retail companies, marketplaces, and export partners now require products to have halal certification in order to be marketed more widely. This means that halal certification is not only an obligation, but also a strategic investment for business growth.

What is Halal Certification?

Halal certification is official recognition that a product has met halal standards in accordance with Islamic Sharia law. This certificate is issued by the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) after the product has passed an audit process conducted by a halal inspection agency such as LPPOM (Food, Drug & Cosmetics Assessment Agency) or a similar accredited agency.

The halal certification process covers all stages of the production cycle, including:

1. Audit raw materials to ensure that all components used are free from haram and najis elements.
2. Inspect the production process to assess the cleanliness of facilities, equipment, and operational procedures.
3. Verify distribution and storage to ensure that halal products are not mixed or contaminated with non-halal ingredients.

Thus, halal certification not only assesses the end result, but also the entire production process chain from upstream to downstream.

Why Do Businesses Need Halal Certification?

There are several reasons why halal certification is necessary in the Indonesian business world, including:

1.   Enhancing Trust and Credibility

Having a halal certificate directly increases consumer trust. In today's digital age, where consumers are increasingly selective, the halal label has become one of the main indicators in purchasing decisions.

2.   Opening Up Wider Market Access

Halal certification opens up opportunities for businesses to expand their product reach to wider markets, including export markets. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Middle Eastern countries pay close attention to halal aspects in trade.

3.   Complying with Government Regulations

Halal certification is mandatory for products circulating in Indonesia. By obtaining certification early, business actors can ensure compliance with these regulations.

4.   Increasing Competitiveness and Added Value

Halal certification can be a key differentiator in the midst of competition. Products with halal labels are considered more trustworthy, safe, and hygienic. This added value can be a competitive advantage that drives increased sales and customer loyalty.

Challenges Faced by Businesses in Obtaining Halal Certification

Despite its obvious benefits, the process of obtaining halal certification is often considered complicated by some businesses. Some of the common challenges include:

1. Lack of understanding of procedures and administrative requirements

   Many businesses, especially MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), are unfamiliar with the steps and documents required to apply for halal certification.

2. Costs and time are considered an additional burden

   With the right guidance, costs can be adjusted to the business category and can become a long-term investment.

3. The audit and laboratory testing processes are quite technical

   Every ingredient and production process must be documented in detail to ensure that all elements meet halal standards.

4. Varying completion times

   The halal certification process takes approximately 21–45 business days, depending on the completeness of the documents and the readiness of the business owner.

These obstacles often cause some businesses to delay the certification process. With the support of financial institutions and the right partners, these challenges can be overcome more easily.

Maybank's Support for Halal Certification

As part of its commitment to supporting the advancement of the business sector in Indonesia, Maybank Indonesia presents a halal certification assistance program in collaboration with LPPOM DKI Jakarta.

Through this collaboration, Maybank customers who own businesses can obtain comprehensive assistance, from the registration process, document completion, audit, to the issuance of halal certificates.

Some Forms of Maybank Support:

1. Professional assistance from the DKI LPPOM team, which is experienced in halal certification.
2. A more efficient and transparent process, in accordance with BLU (what does BLU stand for?) and halal inspection agency regulations.
3. Clear and affordable costs, with a payment system that can be adjusted through Maybank facilities.
4. Special assistance for Maybank customers who already have a Maybank Giro/Giro iB account and register themselves/their business to obtain Halal Certification through a Relationship Manager (RM), Business Financial Advisor (BFA), or the nearest Maybank branch.

This halal certification support program from Maybank is valid until June 30, 2026, giving businesses ample time to prepare their businesses to be more competitive and meet global standards.

With this assistance, businesses no longer need to worry about the complexity of the halal certification process. Maybank helps connect customers with the right parties, while also providing financial solutions that support their business needs.

Halal Certification Process

For businesses that want to understand the general halal certification process, here are the steps that need to be taken:

1.   Business Registration

Registration is done through the official LPPOM Indonesia portal. At this stage, businesses need to fill in company data, product types, and complete supporting documents.

2.   Document and Field Audit

Halal auditors will examine raw material documents, production processes, and facilities used. If necessary, a direct visit to the production site will be conducted.

3.   Laboratory Testing

If there are ingredients whose halal status is unclear, laboratory testing will be conducted to ensure the halal status of these ingredients.

4.   Verification and Review

After the audit is complete, the results of the inspection will be verified by LPPOM, then submitted to BPJPH for review.

5.   Issuance of Halal Certificate

If all stages are declared to be in accordance with standards, BPJPH will issue an official halal certificate that is valid for four years and can be renewed.

With assistance from Maybank, this entire process can be carried out in a more focused and efficient manner.

The Positive Impact of Halal Certification on Products and Businesses

Halal certification is not only a form of regulatory compliance, but also brings various strategic benefits to businesses:

1. Products are More Easily Accepted by the Market

   Products with halal certification have a greater chance of entering modern retail markets, large e-commerce platforms, and even export markets.

2. Enhances Reputation and Brand Awareness

   Halal certification is a symbol of business responsibility and transparency, enhancing a positive image in the eyes of consumers and business partners.

3. Added Value Amidst Competition

   When similar products compete in the market, the halal label can be a distinguishing factor that strengthens a brand's position.

4. Opening Access to Financing and Partnerships

   Many financial institutions, distributors, and large companies now give priority to halal-certified partners.

In other words, halal certification is not only beneficial morally and legally, but also has a direct impact on business growth and long-term revenue.

Halal certification is no longer just an obligation, but a business strategy for the future. With Maybank's support, businesses can undergo the halal certification process more easily and focus on what matters most: growing their business and providing the best products for consumers.

Apply for Maybank SME financing and open a Maybank Giro/Giro iB account now. Get halal certification assistance and build a competitive, ethical, and highly competitive business with Maybank Indonesia.

Apply for a Maybank SME loan/financing and open a Maybank Giro/Giro iB account.