HalalHub.vn · Weekly briefing · 26 October 2026
(HalalHub.vn) – Over the past week, several developments in regional Halal markets have drawn the attention of Vietnamese businesses: Indonesia continued to clarify the postponement of mandatory Halal certification, Ho Chi Minh City implemented Decree 127/2026, and the Gulf region is finalizing an update to its Halal food standard. HalalHub.vn summarizes the main points.
Four notable Halal stories of the week. Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
1. Indonesia: President orders deadline extension for micro and small businesses
According to Kompas (26 October 2026), Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Maman Abdurrahman said President Prabowo Subianto had ordered the mandatory Halal certification deadline for these businesses to be postponed until 2028, as many were unable to meet the 18 October 2026 deadline.
The extension is to be implemented through an amendment to Government Regulation PP 42/2024. As of 26 October 2026, sources had not published the number or issue date of the amendment. According to the announced details, imported food, beverages and slaughter products must be Halal-certified from 18 October 2028, subject to progress on mutual recognition agreements; the deadline for over-the-counter medicines is 17 October 2029, and for some prescription medicines 17 October 2034.
| 🇻🇳 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR VIETNAMESE BUSINESSES The 2028 timeline is increasingly being confirmed at the highest level, but the final legal instrument is still awaited. Businesses should continue preparing for certification and monitor progress on Vietnam–Indonesia mutual recognition agreements, a key condition for imports. |
2. Ho Chi Minh City implements Decree 127/2026
On 21 October 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Sub-department of Standards, Metrology and Quality held a conference on implementing Decree 127/2026/ND-CP on Halal products and services, according to Bao Tin Tuc (Vietnam News Agency). The conference stressed the need to maintain Halal controls after certification, verify suppliers, and make Halal claims only within the certified scope.
3. Gulf region: Halal food standard GSO 2055-1 is being updated
The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) published a draft of GSO 2055-1:2026 to replace the 2015 version. According to ChemLinked, the draft tightens controls on prohibited substances, requires Halal certification for each shipment of high-risk animal products, and sets strict requirements for segregation, hygiene and conversion of facilities between Halal and non-Halal production. The consultation period ended on 18 April 2026; the final standard has not yet been published.
4. Malaysia–Indonesia: First meeting of the joint Halal council awaited
According to Malay Mail, the Malaysia–Indonesia Halal Council, announced on 25 September 2026, was expected to hold its first meeting in October, initially focusing on facilitating Halal certification between the two countries. As of 26 October, no official information on the meeting’s outcome had been published.
| 📌 BUSINESS TAKEAWAYS Indonesia: the 2028 timeline has been confirmed at presidential level; the amendment to PP 42/2024 is awaited. Vietnam: Decree 127/2026 is being implemented locally, with a focus on post-certification maintenance. Gulf region: prepare for stricter segregation and hygiene requirements when GSO 2055-1:2026 is issued. |
Glossary
UMKM (Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah): micro, small and medium enterprises in Indonesia.
PP 42/2024: an Indonesian Government regulation implementing the Halal Product Assurance Law.
GSO: GCC Standardization Organization. GSO 2055-1 is the standard on general requirements for Halal food.
Decree 127/2026/ND-CP: the Vietnamese Government decree on quality management and policies for the development of Halal products and services.
References
Legal texts and official sources
GSO – GSO TC15/DS1 2055-1:2026 – Standards Projects
Press and industry analysis (secondary sources, cited as published)
Kompas (26 October 2026) – Maman: Prabowo Perintahkan Penundaan Sertifikasi Halal UMKM sampai 2028
Liputan6 – Kewajiban Sertifikasi Halal Diundur Oktober 2028, Berikut Ketentuannya
ChemLinked – GCC Standardization Organization to Update Standard for General Halal Food Requirements
Malay Mail – Malaysia, Indonesia form joint Halal Council to strengthen bilateral trade
Graphic: HalalHub.vn.
HalalHub.vn · Published on 26 October 2026 · Legal information checked as of 26 October 2026; regulations may change. Consult official sources before making decisions.
| ℹ️ ABOUT HALALHUB.VN’S INDEPENDENCE HalalHub.vn is a platform for connections and information. HalalHub.vn is not a Halal certification body and does not issue Halal certificates. Halal certificates are issued by bodies recognized by the competent authority in the importing country (for example, BPJPH in Indonesia and bodies recognized by JAKIM in Malaysia). This article is for reference and does not replace legal advice. |
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