Halal Certification

Halal certification is a document that guarantees that products and services marketed towards Muslim populations meet the requirements of Islamic law. When compliant, these products and services are considered suitable for consumption by Muslims.
During the Halal certification process, the quality and features of products must comply with the rules established by the Islamic Council. While there are countless products that can be considered Halal, this certification is mainly directed towards meat, milk, canned food, and some additives.

Halal Principles

A product or service must meet these key rules:

Permitted (Halal)

No pork or pork-derived ingredients

No alcohol or intoxicants

Animals must be halal species

Meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic rules

Ingredients must be clean, safe, and uncontaminated

Prohibited (Haram)

Pork and pork by-products

Alcohol and intoxicants

Improperly slaughtered animals

Blood and harmful substances

1. Company & Legal Documents

·         Business registration / incorporation certificate

·         Trade license / factory license

·         Company profile

·         Organization chart

·         ID of company owner / authorized signatory

2. Product Information

·         List of products to be Halal certified

·         Product specifications / descriptions

·         Product labels / artwork (draft or final)

·         Shelf life details

3. Ingredient & Raw Material Documents

For each ingredient:

·         Ingredient list with percentages

·         Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Specification Sheet

·         Halal certificate of ingredient (if available)

·         Supplier details (name, address, contact)

⚠️ Special attention to:

·         Flavors

·         Emulsifiers

·         Enzymes

·         Gelatin

·         Colorants

·         Additives (E-numbers)

4. Supplier Documents

·         Supplier declaration of Halal compliance

·         Supplier Halal certificates (if applicable)

·         Purchase invoices (sometimes requested)

5. Manufacturing & Process Documents

·         Process flow chart (from raw material to finished product)

·         Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

·         Cleaning & sanitation procedures

·         Cross-contamination control procedures

·         Pest control records

6. Facility & Layout Documents

·         Factory layout / floor plan

·         Storage area details (raw, finished, packaging)

·         Equipment list

7. Halal Management System (HMS)

·         Halal policy (signed by management)

·         Appointment letter of Halal team / Halal executive

·         Halal training records

·         Internal Halal audit procedures

8. Slaughter-Specific Documents (Meat & Poultry Only)

·         Slaughter method description

·         Details of slaughtermen (Muslim status confirmation)

·         Slaughtermen training certificates

·         Animal sourcing records

9. Packaging & Logistics

·         Packaging material details (to ensure no Haram substances)

·         Transportation & warehousing procedures

·         Traceability system

10. Declaration & Application Forms

·         Halal application form (from certifying body)

·         Declaration of no Haram materials

·         Agreement to comply with Halal standards

11. Quality & Safety Certifications (If Available)

(Not mandatory, but helpful)

·         ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000

·         HACCP

·         GMP certificates

12. Renewal Documents (For Existing Certificate Holders)

·         Previous Halal certificate

·         Record of any changes in ingredients or process

·         Corrective action reports (if any)

Step 1: Application

·         Company applies to a recognized Halal Certification Body (HCB)

·         Submit documents:

o    Product list

o    Ingredient details

o    Supplier information

o    Manufacturing flow charts

Step 2: Ingredient & Supplier Review

·         All raw materials are checked

·         Verification of:

o    Source of ingredients

o    Halal status of additives (emulsifiers, enzymes, flavors)

o    Supplier halal certificates

Step 3: Facility Audit

·         On-site inspection by halal auditors

·         Review of:

o    Manufacturing processes

o    Cleaning & sanitation procedures

o    Cross-contamination controls

o    Storage and transportation

·         For meat: slaughter method is closely inspected

Step 4: Compliance & Corrective Actions

·         If issues are found, the company must correct them

·         Re-inspection may be required

Step 5: Certification Approval

·         Halal committee reviews audit findings

·         Certificate is issued if all requirements are met

Step 6: Use of Halal Logo

·         Company is allowed to use the Halal logo on approved products

·         Logo use is strictly regulated

Step 7: Ongoing Surveillance

·         Annual or periodic audits

·         Ingredient or process changes must be reported

·         Certificate renewal is required (usually yearly)

1. Access to a Large Global Market
Serves 1.9+ billion Muslims worldwide
Strong demand in:
Middle East
Southeast Asia
Africa
Europe & North America
Essential for exporting to many Muslim-majority countries

2. Increased Consumer Trust & Confidence
Halal logo assures:
Product is clean, safe, and ethical
Ingredients are transparent and traceable
Builds strong brand loyalty among Muslim and non-Muslim consumers

3. Higher Food Safety & Quality Standards
Halal requirements enforce:
Strict hygiene and sanitation
Proper handling and storage
Controlled sourcing of ingredients
Reduced risk of contamination
➡ Often aligns with HACCP, GMP, ISO standards

4. Ethical & Humane Practices
Emphasizes humane treatment of animals
Prohibits harmful, intoxicating, or unsafe substances
Encourages honesty in business and trade

5. Competitive Business Advantage
Differentiates products in crowded markets
Makes your brand more attractive to:
Retail chains
Airlines
Hotels
Export buyers

6. Wider Consumer Appeal (Not Only Muslims)
Many non-Muslims prefer Halal because it is:
Cleaner
Better regulated
Perceived as healthier
Alcohol-free

7. Easier Market & Regulatory Acceptance
Required by law in some countries
Simplifies customs clearance for exports
Recognized by governments and retailers

8. Improved Internal Management
Forces better documentation
Improves supply chain control
Reduces operational risks
Encourages staff training and discipline

9. Brand Reputation & Credibility
Shows commitment to:
Transparency
Quality
Cultural sensitivity
Enhances corporate image globally

10. Long-Term Business Growth
Opens doors to new markets and partnerships
Supports sustainable and ethical business models
Increases customer retention

Examples (varies by country):

·         JAKIM (Malaysia)

·         MUI (Indonesia)

·         ESMA (UAE)

·         IFANCA

·         Halal Food Authority (HFA)

·         Halal Certification Services (HCS)

Choosing a body recognized in your target export market is very important.

 Usually valid for1 year

  Renewal requires:

·         Updated documents

·         Audit or review

·         Confirmation of no major changes