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For businesses looking to expand internationally, understanding halal certification differences across markets is critical. Various countries have different halal standards, regulatory bodies, and compliance requirements, making it challenging for businesses to navigate the global halal landscape. This week, we explore Global Differences in Halal Certification Standards, highlight a key halal certification authority, and bring you the latest halal industry news.
📊 Fun Fact of the Day:
There are over 300 halal certification bodies worldwide, each with its own standards, approval processes, and regulatory frameworks.
📈 Key Differences in Global Halal Certification Standards
Photo by Saj Shafique on Unsplash
While halal certification aims to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws, there is no single global halal standard. Different authorities, market demands, and interpretations of halal compliance create variations in certification processes.
🌍 1. Southeast Asia – Government-Led Halal Certification
Countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand
Key Regulatory Bodies:
Malaysia: Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)
Indonesia: Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH)
Brunei: Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB)
Singapore: Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)
Distinctive Features:
✅ Strict government control over halal certification
✅ Mandatory halal certification for many product categories (e.g., food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals in Indonesia)
✅ Recognition agreements are mainly forged bilaterally, but harmonisation efforts have been ongoing through the ASEAN Working Group on Halal Food
🇸🇦 2. The Middle East – Unified Halal Standards, But Multiple Authorities
Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
Key Regulatory Bodies:
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA)
UAE: Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology
Morocco: Moroccan Institute for Standardisation (Imanor)
Distinctive Features:
✅ Strict enforcement of halal meat and slaughtering requirements
✅ Only selected certification bodies from exporting countries are approved
✅ Unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) halal standard, but each country has its own import approval process
🇪🇺 3. Europe – Private & Diverse Halal Certification Bodies
Countries: France, Germany, UK, Spain, Netherlands
Key Regulatory Bodies:
UK: Halal Food Authority, Halal Certification Europe
Netherlands: Total Quality Halal Correct Certification, Halal Feed and Food Inspection Authority
Germany: Halal Control
Distinctive Features:
✅ Private halal certifiers dominate the market
✅ No official government-mandated halal authority
✅ Main focus on halal slaughtering methods (e.g., stunning vs. non-stunning)
🇦🇺 4. Australia & New Zealand – Halal Export Powerhouses
Key Regulatory Bodies:
Australia: Islamic Co-ordinating Council of Victoria (ICCV), The Perth Mosque of Western Australia Incorporated
New Zealand: Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), NZ Islamic Meat Management & NZ Islamic Processed Foods Management
Distinctive Features:
✅ Major halal meat exporters to Muslim-majority countries
✅ Halal certification is voluntary but necessary for exports
✅ Certified by authorities recognised by major importing countries like Malaysia & UAE
Identify target export markets and ensure certification compliance with their recognised halal authorities.
Work with certification bodies approved by major importing countries (e.g., JAKIM for Malaysia, MUIS for Singapore).
Monitor updates in halal regulations as requirements frequently evolve, particularly in Indonesia and the Middle East.
Ensure supply chain transparency to meet strict halal traceability demands.
Why JAKIM is One of the Most Recognised Halal Authorities:
✔️ Generally recognised worldwide, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
✔️ Stringent compliance requirements, ensuring high credibility.
✔️ One of the most comprehensive halal certification processes, covering food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
🔥 How Businesses Can Benefit from JAKIM Halal Certification:
Access to ASEAN and global markets with high halal credibility.
Enhanced brand trust and consumer confidence in halal-certified products.
Facilitated export approval for businesses targeting Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority countries.
📰 Halal Headlines
The Malaysian Johor state government is launching the Johor Halal Development Plan 2030 by March, aiming to enhance the local halal industry with RM800,000 in funding, simplify halal certification processes, and provide support for families affected by job losses.
Klook has partnered with CrescentRating and HalalTrip to integrate Muslim-friendly ratings into its platform, enhancing accessibility and trust for Muslim travelers by providing verified information on halal food and prayer facilities.
Nigeria has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company to boost its participation in the $7.7 trillion global halal market, aiming to attract investment, create jobs, and diversify the economy.
Vietnam is aiming for 8% economic growth in 2025 by implementing key policies, boosting public investment, promoting sustainable exports including to Halal markets, and improving institutions.
AirAsia Philippines is supporting the Muslim community during Ramadan by offering convenient travel options for religious pilgrimages and Halal-certified in-flight meals.
The Malaysian government is considering using AI and blockchain to improve real-time monitoring of international halal certifications and to explore AI's use in determining Islamic law, ensuring compliance and data integrity.
JAKIM is reviewing and enhancing its procedures for recognising Foreign Halal Certification Bodies, including exploring AI and blockchain technologies, to ensure compliance with Malaysian halal standards and maintain its global leadership in halal monitoring.
The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) emphasizes the importance of halal certification for health products like vaccines to ensure safety, quality, and increased competitiveness in both domestic and international markets, while also encouraging public participation as halal auditors to support the certification process.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is intensifying efforts to attract Muslim tourists by promoting halal-certified restaurants, hosting the Salam Seoul Festival, and recruiting cultural ambassadors.
How This Impacts You:
Stay ahead by aligning your products and practices with these developments. Opportunities abound for businesses ready to adapt and innovate.
🔍 Explore More Halal Resources
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📢 Coming Next Week…
We’re diving into Best Practices for Selling Halal Products Online, exploring how e-commerce businesses can optimise their halal product listings, ensure compliance, and attract halal consumers globally.
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That’s all for this week!
Stay compliant, stay halal, and stay successful!
Best Regards,
Halal Market Mastery Team