Halal
UAE.S GSO 2055-1
What is HALAL certification?
The meaning of “Halal” from Arabic is “permissible” or “lawful.” Halal certification for food, cosmetics, or other items involves ensuring that the products conform to Islamic dietary law, which outlines what is permissible to consume or to use by a Muslim.
This implies tight regulation on aspects such as source of ingredients, production processes, and handling. Foodstuffs mean no existence of haram products such as pork and alcohol, besides guaranteeing the slaughtering of animals according to the Islamic method.
In one sentence, Halal certification guarantees Muslim consumers that the product conforms to their religion.
importance of halal certification
Certification offers dual-purpose benefits to businesses, both in attracting Muslim consumers and in allowing it the opportunity to make informed choices on the products sold.
At nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide, such businesses tap into a vast and ever-increasing market. But beyond the Muslim consumers, “Halal” often communicates a kind of quality and ethical standard that prompts a wide range of customers to purchase such products.
Certification also increases the market size of many other firms worldwide, not matter their non-traditional country of origin, for example, traditionally non-Muslim-majority countries. Halal compliant products are sold in Muslim-majority countries as well as in supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies around the world.
How can get HALAL certification?
Once the product is concerned, the process for the attainment of Halal certification can be different for a country and which body may be involved in its cases. However, the general steps are always constant.
First, there needs to be an application by the business to a recognized certification body. Such an application will detail information concerning the product, ingredients, and production methods applied.
The certification body will then carry out a comprehensive audit, which may include checking on the production facility as well as reviewing the supply chain and ensuring that all processes meet Halal standards.
After the audit process is done and compliance is guaranteed, the product receives its certification. But that does not end the journey. Most of the time, one has to undergo regular audits and compliance checks for maintaining the certification so that the product remains compliant with standards.
The need for HALAL accreditation agencies
These kinds of organizations have to verify and monitor the compliance of a business with standards, thus they are essential to the process. Certification bodies usually undergo accreditation by national governments or Islamic authorities to operate and will assess businesses, award certifications, and monitor this compliance over time.
Some companies may need to have several certifications that one body would confer for the purpose of other international markets. For example, an exporter of food products to Malaysia and United Arab Emirates has several certifications by bodies recognized by the two countries.
HALAL certification for food products
The food industry is perhaps the sector most directly apparent to demand Halal certification. For foodstuffs to be accepted, they not only must avoid unlawful ingredients but also must meet particular requirements regarding slaughtering and processing.
In this case, animals must be healthy at the time of slaughtering and the slaughter must be performed by a Muslim who pronounces a prayer during the slaughtering process.
HALAL certification for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
In the last couple of years, demand for Halal-certified cosmetics and pharmaceuticals has increased dramatically. As such, awareness concerning what these products are made up of has driven consumers to seek more religiously-compliant products.
For example, some cosmetic products contain animal-derived ingredients or alcohol; these would be a no-go under the provisions of Halal.
HALAL certification for restaurants and catering services
Restaurants and catering businesses that would like to cater to Muslim clientele must also have a Halal certification. This not only requires acceptance of the ingredients as Halal, but the kitchen equipment and staff also must be Halal-friendly.
For instance, different tools would be used for both the Halal and non-Halal foodstuffs in order not to mix them together.
Challanges to acquire the HALAL Certification
Gaining Halal certification looks like a pretty straightforward process. However, in reality, businesses can find it nearly impossible to achieve and then maintain that status.
It requires an enormous amount of time coupled with severe regulations that are often so complex, making the entire process very hard for businesses to abide by.
If a firm is not educated on what constitutes these Islamic dietary laws, the steepness of the learning curve is high, and the likelihood of errors as to whether compliance is made or otherwise leads to delays in being granted certification or even outright rejection.
How much does HALAL Certification cost?
Varying fees are charged according to the nature of business, size, complexity of the product, and the certification body. Although the costs are pretty high, a business can gain long-term benefits once it gets the certification.
how HALAL Certification increase your business credibility?
Halal certification can be a great marketing tool. By achieving the certification, a business demonstrates its interest in serving Muslim consumers and upholds a high standard of ethics and quality. The Halal-certified products are becoming healthier and cleaner for other consumers as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
It assures compliance with the laws of Islam, and therefore they can be consumed or used by Muslims.
Every type of product that will be either consumed or used by Muslims, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even logistics services.
The whole certification process may take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the product and the certifying body involved.
Any business can apply and obtain Halal certification regardless of ownership if it meets the respective requirements.
Both certifications are based on strict dietary laws; however, they are based on different religious principles. Kosher comes from Jewish law whereas Halal originates from Islamic law.
Number of Muslims being a significant percentage, countries require Halal certification for imported goods, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
