Halal Certification Bodies: Who’s Who

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Halal Certification Bodies: Who’s Who

Halal certification is the cornerstone of consumer trust and global market access. With diverse standards across regions, understanding the key halal certification bodies can help businesses navigate compliance effectively. This week, we explore prominent halal certification authorities, their unique roles, and how to choose the right one for your business.

1. Why Halal Certification Matters

Halal certification ensures that your products meet Islamic dietary and ethical requirements. It’s essential for:

• Market Access: Many countries mandate halal certification for imported products, especially in Muslim-majority markets like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the UAE.

• Consumer Trust: Certification from a credible body assures halal-conscious consumers of product integrity.

• Global Recognition: Certification from recognised authorities can simplify exports and boost your product's credibility.

2. Key Halal Certification Bodies Worldwide

Here are some of the most influential and widely recognised halal certification bodies you need to know:

• JAKIM (Malaysia)

  • Role: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is one of the most respected halal certification bodies globally, setting rigorous and extensive standards for food, cosmetics, and logistics.

  • Recognition: JAKIM certification is ISO17065 accredited and widely accepted across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

  • Key Insight: Businesses exporting halal-labelled products to Malaysia must ensure that the Halal certificates are valid and recognised by JAKIM.

• BPJPH (Indonesia)

  • Role: The Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs was formed in Oct 2017. It oversees halal certification in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.

  • Recognition: Whilst relatively new, BPJPH is well-recognised worldwide including Malaysia and Singapore.

  • Key Insight: Starting October 18, 2024, halal certification is mandatory for food and beverage products by medium and large enterprises entering, circulating and traded in the territory of Indonesia. This ruling will be extended to small F&B enterprises and non-food products in future.

• MUIS (Singapore)

  • Role: The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) began issuing halal certificates in 1978, making it one of the world’s pioneers. It is also one of the very few government agencies in a Muslim-minority country that administers halal certification under an Act of Parliament.

  • Recognition: Highly trusted in Singapore and recognised by many other countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

  • Key Insight: Halal certification is generally optional in Singapore. However, suppliers of high-risk products (e.g. meat, flavours) to Muis-certified companies must ensure that such items possess valid halal certificates from Muis-recognised Halal certification bodies.

• HALAL CENTER GROUP (UAE)

  • Role: The Halal Centre Group (HCG) operates in five countries including UAE, Jordan and Turkey. It provides Halal, ISO22000 and HACCP certification.

  • Recognition: HCG is accredited under GSO2055 for its certification of food products and animal slaughtering.

  • Key Insight: HCG’s certification can open doors to the lucrative Middle Eastern market.

• IFANCA (USA)

  • Role: The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) is one of the most recognised and long-established halal certification bodies in North America, certifying food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

  • Recognition: Widely trusted in the US and accepted globally, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and UAE.

  • Key Insight: Partnering with IFANCA ensures access to the US market while meeting global halal standards.

• ICCV (Australia)

  • Role: The Islamic Coordinating Council of Victoria (ICCV) is Australia’s leading halal certification agency, focusing on meat exports and food products.

  • Recognition: ICCV is widely recognised in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the UAE.

  • Key Insight: Partnering with ICCV ensures access to the Australian market while meeting global halal standards.

3. Choosing the Right Certification Body

Selecting the right halal certification body depends on several factors:

• Target Market: Research which certification bodies are recognised in your destination market. Due to the absence of an international halal standard, some companies obtain more than one Halal certification to cater to a diverse export market.

• Product Type: Ensure the certification body has expertise in your product category (e.g., food, slaughtering, logistics). You can enquire directly or check its clientele listing.

• Costs: Determine the total costs you will incur before embarking on halal certification. Fee structures differ between halal certification bodies. For example, JAKIM and MUIS adopt a turnover-based and scheme-based approach, respectively. Apart from certification fee, there may be other related costs such as travel expenses, product testing, facility upgrade, etc.

• Customer Service: Good customer service involves the overall experience when engaging the halal certification body, its efficiency pre- and post-certification and ability to provide relevant advice based on your nature of business.

4. Common Challenges and Solutions

Navigating halal certification can be challenging. Here’s how to overcome common obstacles:

• Complex Requirements: Certification bodies may have unique standards. Work with consultants or e-certification platforms to streamline compliance.

• Documentation: Ensure complete and accurate documentation for raw materials, processing, and storage.

• Costs: Certification and other related fees can vary significantly. Budget accordingly and research cost-effective options without compromising on credibility.

Read more: https://halalpractitioner.com/overcoming-business-hurdles-in-the-absence-of-a-single-international-halal-standard/

5. Key Trends in Halal Certification

Stay ahead by understanding trends shaping the halal certification landscape:

• Digital Certification: Blockchain and e-certification platforms are making halal certification processes faster and more transparent.

• Global Harmonisation: Efforts are underway to harmonise halal standards across regions, simplifying compliance for businesses targeting multiple markets.

• Focus on Non-Food Categories: Certification bodies are expanding into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics as consumer demand grows.

Key Takeaways

Partnering with the right halal certification body is essential for ensuring compliance, building consumer trust, and expanding globally. By understanding the strengths and recognition of key certification bodies like JAKIM, MUIS, IFANCA, and ICCV, you can align your business strategy for success in the halal market.

Recent Industry News

1. Policy & Compliance

• Restaurant raided by KPDN for using halal logo without valid certification (The Sun, 20 Nov 2024)

• Up to RM 1mil fine or jail for those misusing symbols to deceive Muslim patrons (MSN, 20 Nov 2024)

• Selangor develops halal cert assessment system, targets 500 approvals per year (Selangor Journal, 18 Nov 2024)

• Proposal pushes for halal food sections (The Freeman, 18 Nov 2024)

2. Industry Development & Trade

• Vietnam, Malaysia to promote cooperation in Halal industry, sci-tech, green energy (Viet Nam News, 21 Nov 2024)

• Indonesia and Croatia Strengthen Ties: Fostering Peace and Halal Industry Development (UIN Jakarta, 19 Nov 2024)

• Hejaz launches Australia’s first halal investment app (IBS Intelligence, 19 Nov 2024)

• Malaysia’s Halal industry to make up 10.8% of GDP by 2030 (Vietnam Plus, 19 Nov 2024)

• Strong Malaysia-UAE trade ties in halal industry underscore high demand, trust within MENA region (Bernama, 18 Nov 2024)

That’s it for this week!
Stay tuned, stay halal, and stay competitive!

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Best Regards,
The Halal Market Mastery Team