MFDS Launches Enhanced Halal Certification Support Initiative

Starting July, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) collaborates with Korea Institute of Halal Industry to strengthen an initiative originally established in 2016. This enhanced support program addresses growing demand for halal certification as the global halal cosmetics market expands rapidly.

Muslims represent 24.7% of the world’s population, approximately 1.9 billion people, with the halal market valued at about $2 trillion while growing steadily at 8.9% annually according to MFDS data.

Comprehensive Training Programs Target Market Entry Barriers

The support project provides online training covering halal cosmetics certification procedures plus licensing requirements for business operators seeking halal market entry. Additionally, seminars with consultations featuring experts from domestic plus overseas halal certification agencies will be organized throughout the program.

MFDS plans to deliver training on halal certification procedures at over 50 locations, consultation sessions at more than 10 sites, conducting at least three seminars. The authority commits to supporting domestic cosmetics companies enabling them to lead global markets through excellent technological capabilities.

Previous Program Demonstrates Measurable Success

During 2023, MFDS conducted training for halal cosmetics certification procedures at 73 locations, organized three international seminars on halal cosmetics, provided on-site consulting for companies at five locations, held three consultation meetings with overseas certification agencies.

Among companies participating in these activities last year, four firms currently pursue halal certification processes while six prepare for certification applications, demonstrating tangible program impact on industry engagement.

Indonesia’s Mandatory Requirements Create Urgent Market Pressure

MFDS highlights Indonesia as a key Muslim market in Southeast Asia implementing mandatory halal certification for halal cosmetics distributed within the country. By October 2026, halal cosmetic products must obtain certificates issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH), requiring halal labeling on packaging.

Affected products include makeup items like lipstick plus lip balm, personal care products such as mouthwash, toothpaste, body lotion, soap, nail polish, creating comprehensive regulatory requirements across cosmetic categories.

Strategic Diplomatic Engagement Facilitates Market Access

On July 3, MFDS held meetings with Shin Jun-su, director of MFDS’s Biopharmaceuticals Bureau, plus Suyitno (M. Ag), Deputy Minister of Research, Development with Training from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, discussing cooperation measures related to halal certification.

The authority requested expedited evaluation for cross-recognition between Korean halal certification agencies with BPJPH, enabling domestic cosmetics companies to actively enter Indonesian markets through streamlined certification processes.

Government Support Positions Korea Competitively

MFDS’s support project plays an important role helping Korean firms prepare for regulatory requirements while meeting mandatory certification standards in key markets. This governmental backing provides competitive advantages for Korean cosmetics companies seeking to establish presence in Muslim-majority nations.

The initiative demonstrates Korea’s strategic recognition of halal cosmetics market potential, positioning domestic companies to capitalize on growing demand through comprehensive support infrastructure addressing certification barriers systematically.

Original Article:

CosmeticsDesign-Asia. (2025, September 30). South Korea’s MFDS to strengthen support for local cosmetics companies in obtaining halal certification. CosmeticsDesign-Asia. https://www.cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/Article/2024/07/23/south-korea-s-mfds-to-strengthen-support-for-local-cosmetics-companies-in-obtaining-halal-certification/