What is halal certification and why do you need one?

In a total diverse and interconnected world, the demand for halal food and halal products continues to rise.

For Muslim living in different part of the world, adherence to halal dietary guidelines is of utmost importance. This not only encompass the ingredients but also the entire production process. In the case of halal meat which is the most popular, this means the process from rearing the animal to slaughter and eventually getting it to the consumer.

This is where halal certification comes in.

Halal certification plays a vital role in guaranteeing the authenticity and compliance of halal products, providing assurance and peace of mind to consumers.

In this article, we will explores define what halal certification means, its importance, what the certification process is all about and most importantly, its impact on the halal industry.

 

What Is Halal?

 

Halal is an Arabic term for permissible. A Halal certified product is one that is allowed or acceptable according to Islamic law which is different from the term halal.

 

To get this certification, products must be derived from an approved source, such as a cow or chicken, and slaughtered in accordance with these laws.

 

Halal certification assures Muslim consumers that a food, beverage, or other product is Halal and adheres to Islamic Law. It also gives consumers some comfort that the food is safe to eat and that the cleanliness and sanitation standards are adequate.

 

Halal certified, on the other hand, simply indicates that a certification organisation has audited and checked the establishment to guarantee that it is Halal-compliant.

 

 

What Is Halal Certification?

Halal certification is a process through which food products and meat are verified to comply with Islamic dietary laws.

It ensures that the products have been prepared, processed, and handled in accordance with specific requirements outlined in Islamic Shariah. Halal certification is typically granted by recognized Islamic certification bodies or organizations that have the expertise to assess and confirm the halal status of the products.

 

Why is Halal Certification Important?

 

Halal certification is significant because it gives customers peace of mind. 

 

They are given the reassurance that the food or product in question is completely pure. 

 

Also, it guarantees that you are committed to offering customers high-quality goods, which can be a significant selling point.

 

With a Halal Certificate, you can be sure that the products have undergone thorough inspection in compliance with Islamic Shariah Rules. 

 

Prior to selling or exporting your items to Halal purchasers, you must receive the Halal seal since Halal consumers and buyers only accept and purchase products that bear this certification.

 

The term “Halal” refers to a broad range of goods and services utilized in a Muslim’s everyday life in order to assist the local, national, and global Muslim populations in satisfying their religious compliance. 

 

Muslim buyers pick things based on whether they follow the rules and regulations established by Islamic law.

 

Halal is for everyone. No matter if you identify as a Muslim or not, Halal is the highest seal of safety and purity, guaranteeing better products. Both Muslims and non-Muslims can eat Halal food.

 

Halal Certification Process: 

 

To complete the Halal Certification process, organizations must go through the following steps:

 

• Evaluation: Description of the company and the requirement for Halal Certification
• Inspection: examination of the facility and process on-site
• Certification: The organization will receive certification if the examination and inspection are successful once it is completed
• Post-certification: In addition to paying the certification fee, there will be post-certification monitoring.

 

Who Needs To Be Halal Certified?

 

The Halal certificate will enable you to satisfy one of the crucial requirements if you are an exporter and exporting to or intend to export to countries with a majority of Muslims.

 

Halal certification is important for the exporters, manufacturers, suppliers, and sellers. 

 

Organisations are getting their products halal certified so that they can export them to Islamic nations. It must be noted that adherents of Islam constitute the world’s second-largest religious group. 

 

More than 24% of the world’s population, or approximately 1.8 billion people, identify as Muslims. 

 

In addition, several Islamic nations only permit food that has been certified halal.

 

According to reports, the global Halal market is expected to reach USD 9.71 trillion (RM 40.7 trillion) by the year 2025, with the market for Halal food expected to reach USD 2.6 trillion by 2023.  

 

Hence, a lot of businesses are having their products halal certified in order to serve the broader markets, to satisfy demand, and to meet the supply chain.

 

Why is Halal Certification Important?

 

1: Religious significance

 

The main goal of Halal Certification is to assist the local, national, and global Muslim communities in adhering to their respective religious obligations. The term “Halal” refers to a broad range of products and services that Muslims use on a regular basis. Muslim buyers select goods because they follow the rules and regulations established by Islamic law. 

 

2: Cultural significance

 

A Halal certificate serves as proof that the goods adhere to Islamic principles. It guarantees that the relevant body has carefully inspected the products in compliance with Islamic Shariah Rules. Prior to selling or exporting your items to Halal purchasers, you must receive the Halal seal since Halal consumers and buyers only accept and purchase products that bear this certification.

 

3: Health and safety concerns

 

Halal is for everyone. Whether or not you are a Muslim is unimportant. The highest seal of safety and purity, halal, ensures that items are of the finest quality.  Non-Muslim consumers are becoming increasingly interested in halal food. Food safety, the purity and healthfulness of the substances used in processed foods, and the ethical treatment of animals are issues that many customers are concerned about. Since halal is regarded as healthy and pure, certification can boost consumer confidence in these items and make them more appealing.

 

4: Marketability

 

With halal certification, you can sell your products in many nations, particularly those with a larger Muslim population. The size of the worldwide halal food industry increased by $1,501.5 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4% from $1,300.75 billion in 2022. 

The certificate makes it simple for you to access the halal market. It assists you in fulfilling the standards of importing nations while you export your items. The marketability of your items is greatly increased by halal certification. Your items can help customers buy them with a safe and comfortable sense by having Halal certification.

 

An Overview of The Global Halal Certification Bodies

 

Each country has its own unique halal certification body, and not all halal certification organisations are the same. Which Halal certifier is best for you will depend on a few important variables. 

 

For domestic and/or international Halal product certification, it is important to assess the reputation, expertise, and worldwide reach of the certifier. Are the halal regulating bodies in the areas you intend to service accepting of the certifier, and how well-known is it in your nation? 

 

Leading certifiers have staff members who have participated in worldwide Halal conferences and official Halal training programs, and they are well-versed in international Halal standards. Formal recognition or accreditation by international Halal governing bodies that cater to specific nations and regional markets is one aspect of this.

 

It is most advantageous to select an accredited Halal certifier who comprehends, upholds, and supports worldwide standards and, more importantly, has been in operation for many years and offers prompt, competent, and value-added services.

 

• JAKIM in Malaysia
• LPPOM MUI in Indonesia
• MUIS in Singapore
• ISWA 
• HMC UK

are a few of the best-known and longest Halal regulatory agencies.

 

Halal Certification Requirements For Food and Beverage Products

 

A beverage or food must not contain any ingredients from haram (forbidden) ingredients or animals such as pigs, dogs, carnivorous animals, animals not slaughtered according to Islamic rites, etc. in order to be considered halal processed, produced, and/or stored utilizing tools, apparatus, and/or utensils that have been cleaned in accordance with Islamic law (for example, not cleaned with alcohol).

 

Throughout processing, production, preparation,  and storage, it must not be in proximity to or come into contact with a substance that is prohibited (for example, alcohol, blood, intoxicating and poisonous plants, and animals).

 

Halal Certification Requirements For Non-Food Products

 

Halal Certification did not stop on the food products. It is also essential in non-food products including cosmetics, fashion and clothing, shoes and the likes. 

 

In compliance with Halal, all packaging materials, including tin cans, drums, plastic bottles, and the like, that come into touch with halal-quality items must be free of impurities. This is because the halal grade products have to be secured from contamination and the major contaminant of the product other than the raw materials and ingredients.

 

How to Get Halal Certified

 

The certification procedure is carefully observed from beginning to end, ensuring that there is no room for error. Here is how it works:

 

• Application
• Inspection
• Registration
• Certification 
• Post-certification monitoring

 

If a product comes into contact with any of the following items, which are considered Haram by Islamic Law, it is exempted to have a Halal certification:

 

• Dog, pig, and animals that are not properly slaughtered or dead for a long time (carrion)
• Products that contain blood or blood products, such as blood pudding or blood sausage 
• Products that contain alcohol or other intoxicating substances, such as liquor, beer, or wine
• Products that come from wild animals that are not domesticated, such as lion, snakes, tigers, or sharks
• Products that come from human body parts, such as bone, or skin.

 

The presentation of the Halal Certification is a gradual process, and there are different periods of time for acquiring the Halal certification for various product categories.

 

Halal Certification Cost

 

Halal certification cost range from $400 to $60,000.

The fees may vary depending on the type and nature of the business. It also depends on your location and the type of certification agency you choose. Depending on the type of organisation and its products, it may also change from one transaction to the next.

 

The majority of fees are yearly, although depending on the agency, monthly options could also be available. This price will be established after taking all relevant criteria into account. While some businesses charge a separate travel and lodging fee that is anticipated to be reimbursed by the customer, others incorporate this expense as part of the total cost of the service.

 

Typically, the Halal certification issued by governmental organisations like Jakim (Malaysia), BRC (Brunei), and MUIS (Singapore) is less expensive. They are reputable and well-known throughout the world.

 

Advantages of Being Halal Certified

 

• Having this certificate will improve the standards of the reputation of the company in the international market
• The product has become more marketable to people across the world
• It can be easily be exported to places such as the Middle East, Indonesia, European Union, USA, and other countries
• Improvement in the hygienic systems
• Improvement in the quality of the food product
• You get to use the HALAL logo
• The products and services offered by restaurants, caterers, and hospitality service providers would enjoy greater consumer trust and confidence.

 

Controversies Surrounding Halal Certification

 

The qualifications of employees and certifying authorities are one Halal Certification misconception. Contrary to common misconception, competent food technologists—not imams—serve as Halal inspectors and certification experts. They examine the ingredients, additives, production methods, prohibited ingredients, presence or absence of pork products or byproducts, and presence or absence of alcohol.

 

Halal Certification is not a haphazard and disorganized activity; rather, it involves close to 1,000 certification firms, Islamic Organizations, Islamic Authorities, Scientists, Food Technology, and Halal Experts working together in a coordinated manner.

 

 The Challenges Faced By Halal Certification Bodies

The competition from other foreign certification bodies, a lack of manpower, the need for qualified halal auditors, introduction of the new scheme, and difficulties in reviewing halal certification applications are some of the difficulties faced by the halal certification bodies.

 

The incapacity of Halal Auditors to deal with the difficulties in the halal auditing procedure reveals their lack of competency. The biggest issue that Halal Auditors have trouble with is the discovery of new raw materials.

 

Addressing Some Misconceptions About Halal Certification

 

Misconception 1:Halal food is reserved for only Muslim people:

 

It is true that Muslim individuals often make up the majority of halal food product buyers because it is a religious practice. This does not, however, prohibit non-Muslims from consuming halal food. Halal literally means “permissible” in Arabic, not “exclusive”. If the halal meat at your grocery store is superior to all the others and you are not Muslim, feel free to keep eating it.

 

Misconception 2: Halal is only concerned about the slaughter of animals:

 

Although slaughter is necessary for the preparation of halal food, halal refers to the complete procedure, not just the killing. For instance, before being slaughtered, animals must be properly cared for, have easy access to water, and be healthy. Also, the facilities where the animals are processed must not come into contact with any haram (Arabic for “forbidden”) goods; as an illustration, food processors are not permitted to handle any pork. This is why there is a major difference between halal meat and regular meat.

 

Misconception 3: Halal majorly means never to eat pork:

This misconception presumably resulted from assumptions made based on menus at halal restaurants: there is almost always lamb, beef, and chicken but never any pig. Halal is a comprehensive set of dietary guidelines that go well beyond prohibiting the consumption of a particular animal; while pork is completely outlawed, halal regulates how all food is prepared.

 

Misconception 4: There is usually a chant on the food,  is it a curse to non-muslims?

 

Though it may sound ridiculous, the rituals of Islamic killing may look creepy to those unfamiliar with the practice. Many individuals are unaware of what is being said or why. They might believe that halal meat entails some sort of sacrifice.

 

There is nothing spooky or dangerous about the procedure at all! “Bismillah Allahu Akbar,” which translates to “In the Name of Allah (God); Allah is the Greatest,” is the phrase Muslims pronounce over meat that has been killed. 

 

Misconception 5: It’s a plan by Muslims:

 

Islamophobia is one of the biggest effects of misinterpreting halal certification. Some may believe that something like halal certification is an attempt by Muslims to seize power and convert the populace in nations where Muslims are a minority or where there is an influx of Muslim immigrants.

 

Halal certification does not seek to create social divisions. Instead, it is a way to allow a certain group to shop for goods without having to violate their religious principles. No funds are raised in support of halal-certified goods or the organisations that certify them.

 

Conclusion

 

Halal certification can help your business succeed in a competitive market by letting Muslim and non-Muslim customers know that your products are of the highest quality  and were made in line with Islamic dietary laws.

 

It is projected that in the upcoming years, the demand for and expansion of the Halal food and beverage industry would be significant. Adroit Market Research projects that the worldwide halal market would have grown to a value of $11.2 trillion by 2028.

 

Ultimately, Halal certification is significant because it gives customers confidence. They are reassured that the food or product’s purity is undeniably pure. It guarantees customers that you are committed to offering top-notch items, which can be a significant selling point.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Halal Certification

1: How do I get a halal certificate in the US?

To obtain a halal certificate in the US, you would need to contact a recognized halal certification body or organization. They typically have specific application procedures and guidelines for certification. These organizations are responsible for evaluating and verifying that your products meet the necessary halal requirements. One of the halal certification bodies in the US is the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), which is widely recognized for halal certification in North America.

2: Is Kosher the same as halal?

Kosher and halal are not the same, although there are similarities. Kosher refers to the dietary laws followed by Jewish people, while halal refers to the dietary laws followed by Muslims. While there may be some overlap in terms of certain dietary restrictions, the requirements and processes for certification differ between kosher and halal.

3: Who can give halal certificate?

Halal certificates are typically issued by recognized Islamic certification bodies or organizations. These bodies have the knowledge and expertise to assess and verify the halal status of products, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary guidelines. Examples of such organizations include IFANCA, Halal Food Council of USA (HFC-USA), and Islamic Services of America (ISA), among others.

4: What is the halal certification body in the US?

In the US, one of the prominent halal certification bodies is the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). IFANCA is known for its rigorous certification process and is widely recognized in the industry. It offers halal certification services for various food products, ingredients, and processing facilities, providing assurance to consumers regarding the halal status of the products.