<![CDATA[This research aims to examine the importance of halal certification for food MSME products in Lampung Province, specifically regarding legal compliance, consumer trust assurance, and MSME competitiveness. A qualitative research method was employed, with data collected through field observations and document analysis. Research subjects were purposively selected from MSMEs that had either obtained halal certification or were currently in the application process. Secondary data were gathered from official government documents, legislation, and relevant academic articles. The researchers utilized thematic analysis to identify patterns in the field findings and categorized them into three main themes: forms of legal compliance, consumer trust assurance, and MSME competitiveness. Data validity was reinforced by cross-referencing various sources to ensure the reliability and consistency of the information obtained. The study found that the importance of halal certification for food MSME products in Lampung Province lies in its role as a form of legal compliance—aligning with Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance and Government Regulation Number 42 of 2024, which mandate that all products circulated and sold in Indonesia possess halal certification, thereby providing a legal basis that guarantees clarity regarding the halal status of the products. The necessity of halal certification enhances consumer trust, particularly among Muslim consumers. Furthermore, halal certification serves as a competitive asset for food MSMEs; the certification elevates a product's value by guaranteeing its status amidst the fierce competition within the MSME sector.]]>
