Easing entry: Korea to strengthen support for local cosmetics companies in obtaining halal certification

Starting from July, the MFDS will collaborate with research institute Korea Institute of Halal Industry for the initiative that has been in place since 2016.  

According to MFDS, Muslims account for 24.7% (approximately 1.9bn) of the world’s population, with the halal market valued at about $2tn and is growing steadily at an annual rate of 8.9%.

Alongside this growth is the expanding halal cosmetics market, which has consequently brought about an increasing demand for halal certification.

As part of the support project, MFDS will provide online training on halal cosmetics certification and licensing procedures for business operators seeking to enter the halal market.

In addition, seminars and consultations with experts from domestic and overseas halal certification agencies will be organised.

“The plan is to provide training on halal certification procedures at more than 50 locations and consultation sessions at more than 10 sites, and to conduct at least three seminars.  ​

“We will continue to do our best to support domestic cosmetics companies so that they can lead the global market with their excellent technological prowess,” ​MFDS said.

In 2023, the authority carried out training for halal cosmetics certification procedures at 73 locations, three international seminars on halal cosmetics, on-site consulting for companies at five sites, and three consultation meetings with overseas certification agencies.

Among the companies that participated in these activities last year, four firms are currently in the process of obtaining halal certification and six are preparing for it.

Helping firms meet regulatory requirements ​

In its statement, the MFDS highlighted Indonesia as a key Muslim market in South East Asia that is pushing forward with mandatory halal certification of halal cosmetics​ distributed in the country.

By October 2026, it is obligatory for halal cosmetic products to have obtained halal certificates issued by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH), and for halal-certified products to include halal labelling on the packaging.

These products include makeup and skin care such as lipstick and lip balm, as well as personal care like mouthwash, toothpaste, body lotion, soap, and nail polish.

MFDS’s support project is set to play an important role in helping Korean firms prepare for and meet these regulatory requirements.

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

“To enable domestic cosmetics companies to actively enter the Indonesian market, we requested a quick evaluation for cross-recognition between Korean halal certification agencies and BPJPH.” ​