Harmonisation of Halal Certification Regulations to Support Consumer Protection and Ease of Doing Business in Indonesia

Abstract

Legal certainty and ease of doing business are important considerations in the regulation of halal certification in Indonesia. The development of halal certification regulations, including the implementation of the self-declare mechanism for micro and small enterprises, reflects efforts to simplify the certification process. However, procedural simplification needs to be accompanied by harmonised regulatory arrangements to ensure that ease of doing business does not undermine halal assurance and consumer protection. This study aims to analyse the harmonisation of halal certification regulations in supporting consumer protection and ease of doing business in Indonesia. The study employs a normative juridical method using a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. Legal materials are analysed descriptively, qualitatively, and prescriptively to identify the relationship between legal certainty, consumer protection, procedural facilitation, and the mechanisms for supervising halal certification. The findings indicate that the harmonisation of halal certification regulations needs to be established through the integration of simplified procedures, clear substantive halal standards, well-defined authorities, verification mechanisms, and continuous supervision. The self-declare mechanism can serve as an instrument for facilitating business activities, provided that it is accompanied by adequate requirements, verification, and accountability. Such harmonisation is necessary to establish a halal certification system that provides legal certainty for business actors while ensuring consumers' rights to products that comply with halal requirements.