Halal Certification: Requirements, Importance, Cost and Process

Learn about the requirements, importance, cost, and process of Halal Certification. Halal certification is a process that ensures that products and services meet Islamic standards.

What is Halal certification?

Halal certification is a comprehensive examination of the product to confirm if it meets Islamic dietary standards and is permissible for Muslim consumption. This certification process involves examining the production of the product, its ingredients, packaging, storage, transportation, etc.

Products that are halal certified are free from any prohibited substances like pork, alcohol, or any toxic material forbidden in Islam. Halal certification enhances Muslims’ trust and satisfaction with the product thus increasing its sales and reputation.

Why Halal Certification is Important

Muslims are only ordered to consume halal products as per Islamic dietary laws. Halal certification holds importance not only for Muslim consumers but also for businesses as this certification ensures that the product is as per the Islamic dietary requirements.

By getting its products halal certified a company confirms its production is aligned with Islamic laws which builds trust in Muslim consumers and can result in increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Moreover, Halal certification opens the door to rapidly growing halal product markets by providing a competitive edge for businesses that aim to target Muslim consumers as their target audience. Moreover, Halal certification plays a crucial role in meeting religious obligations for Muslim consumers, allowing them to fulfill their faith and consume products that align with their beliefs.

Benefits of Halal Certification to Companies and Products

Businesses operating in diverse industries can benefit majorly from halal certification. This halal certification provides access to a market of Muslim majority as well as Muslim minority countries.

It is estimated that the global halal market is worth trillions of dollars and thus getting halal certification may enable companies to cater to this trillion-dollar market and tap into its substantial economic potential.

Added to this Halal certification increases the brand reputation of the company by enhancing its commitment to quality, and authenticity thus attracting a major customer base for not only Muslim consumers but also non-muslim consumers who value ethical and responsible business practices.

In addition, Halal certification ensures compliance with regulatory requirements in certain countries where Halal certification is mandatory. Along with providing numerous benefits to companies, Halal certification provides many advantages to products as it verifies the products are produced, processed, and handled in accordance with Halal standards which results in increased confidence in consumers.

Thus by getting a Halal certification, products can gain access to international markets, diversify the customer base, and expand their export potential.

Importance of Halal and Haram in Islam

The concept of Halal and Haram holds great importance for Muslims as adhering to halal and forbidding haram is a fundamental part of practicing Islam. In order to lead a righteous life Muslims must adhere to the rules and laws of halal and haram.

Halal certification provides Muslims with the assurance that the product they consume does not contain any forbidden or haram ingredients and is Permissible to use as per Islamic context. By abiding by the Halal laws Muslims can live a spiritual life while upholding the teachings of Islam.

Halal Certification Requirements

The requirements for Halal certification as per the HCS are as follows;

• The product does not exist or contain anything considered illegal under Islamic law and is not prepared, processed, transported, or stored using equipment or facilities that do not contain anything illegal under Islamic law.
• The product should not be in direct contact with food during preparation, processing, transportation, or storage Halal food should be prepared, processed, and stored in different departments or lines within the same facility where non-halal food is manufactured, provided that necessary measures are taken to prevent harm from contact between halal food and non-halal food.

As per IFANCA;

• As per IFANCA Islamic principles must be strictly followed throughout the process of preparing, processing, packing, transporting, and storing all products.
• This includes the preparation of the product, its processing, packaging, and transportation. The product must not contain haram ingredients such as pork, blood, alcoholic beverages, and other types of toxic substances.
• The TÜV Austria Inspection and Certification Authority is the organization responsible for dispatching specialized food inspectors. Food audits must be conducted in a manner as per Islamic law.
• These regulations ensure that food is safe to consume.

Halal Certification Cost

Halal certification costs can range from USD 100 to USD 2000 depending on different factors.

The factors that determine the cost of Halal certification include the number of products, the scope of certification whether domestic or international, the size and complexity of the company, and the body for certification that is being chosen 

The cost fees may include testing, application processing, inspection and audit fees, ongoing certification fees, or any additional or consultancy fees. In case the company opts for maintaining or renewing their certification on an annual basis some additional cost is considered.

It is important to note that investment in Halal certification is a long-term strategic decision to not only tap into the growing Muslim consumer market but also to  enhance the reputation of the brand 

Conclusion

Halal certification plays a significant role to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and to meet Muslim consumers’ expectations. It not only offers benefits to the individual product but also to the whole company by increasing the brand’s reputation, opening new doors to the market, enhancing customers’ trust, and providing export opportunities.

The role of Halal and Haram is of immense importance in Islam. Halal certification covers not only the ingredients but the process of production, packaging, and much more.