The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, began enforcing mandatory halal certification for domestic food and beverages Friday.
However, small businesses have until Oct. 17, 2026, to comply and for imported products, the requirement will be determined by the religious affairs minister no later than Oct. 17, 2026, following discussions with other countries, the agency said.
The South Korean government expressed optimism about the delay.
"This postponement will positively impact Korean exporters by providing additional time to adapt to the new regulation," said Yang Ju-pil, director of food industry policy at the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.
Yang added that South Korea has been taking various measures to prepare for this requirement.