Unprocessed seafood is confirmed to be exempt from halal certification when exported from Norway to Indonesia.
Indonesia will introduce halal certification requirements for food and beverages starting October 17, 2024. Norwegian authorities have clarified with Indonesia that the requirements do not apply to wild-caught fish or farmed fish, whether fresh or frozen, as long as the fish is not processed. It has been confirmed that the requirements for halal certification also do not apply to fillets.
Similarly, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic invertebrates are exempt from halal certification requirements, as long as the product is not processed. Indonesia's definition of processing relates to whether ingredients other than the raw material itself have been added to the product. This means that salted and smoked products are considered processed and must therefore be halal certified before export to Indonesia.
Furthermore, Indonesian authorities have confirmed that there are no special labeling or documentation requirements for products exempt from halal certification requirements. Therefore, the seafood trade for unprocessed products to Indonesia should be able to continue as usual.
If difficulties arise in connection with halal certification requirements for seafood, Øystein Valanes at the Norwegian Seafood Council can be contacted.