What Halal certification is and why buyers ask for it
Halal certification confirms that a product, and the process used to make it, comply with Islamic dietary law. “Halal” means permissible, and the certification covers the whole picture — the ingredients used, how the product is processed and handled, how it is kept separate from non-Halal products, and the hygiene and traceability around it.
For food and consumer-goods businesses, the driver is usually market access. Many Muslim-majority countries require Halal certification for imported products, and Muslim consumers around the world — a large and growing market — actively seek out certified products. Certification turns that demand into an opportunity rather than a barrier.
What certification covers
Certification assesses the product and operation against Halal requirements, typically including:
- Ingredients and additives — confirming the absence of prohibited substances
- Processing and production — methods consistent with Halal requirements
- Segregation — preventing cross-contamination with non-Halal products
- Hygiene, handling, storage and traceability
Who certifies, and how ABS helps
Halal certificates are issued by Halal certification bodies, and many importing countries accept certificates only from bodies they recognise — for example, those recognised by JAKIM in Malaysia or BPJPH in Indonesia, or registered with the UAE’s national authorities. Choosing a body recognised in your target markets matters as much as the audit itself.
ABS prepares your operation for that audit:
- Ingredient and supplier review — we check ingredients, additives and their sources, and the supplier documentation behind them.
- Segregation and process controls — we help you set up segregation from non-Halal products, cleaning and handling controls, and traceability.
- Documentation — we help you prepare the procedures and records the certification body will ask for.
- Readiness check and audit support — a pre-assessment before the audit, then support through it and in closing any findings.
Typical timeline
For most operations, Halal certification takes around 6–10 weeks, depending on the range of products and the complexity of the process. Each engagement begins with a fixed-price scoping call and a proposal within 24 hours.
Common questions
What does Halal certification cover?
It confirms that a product and how it is made comply with Islamic dietary law — ingredients (no prohibited substances), processing, segregation from non-Halal products, and hygiene, handling and storage.
Why do businesses seek Halal certification?
Mainly market access: many Muslim-majority countries require it for imported products, and Muslim consumers worldwide look for it. It is often pursued alongside other sector certifications such as HACCP, and is especially relevant to food manufacturers.
How long does Halal certification take?
For most operations, Halal certification takes around 6–10 weeks, depending on the range of products and the complexity of the process.
What does ABS do, and what does the certification body do?
ABS helps you prepare: ingredient and supplier review, segregation and process controls, documentation, a readiness check and support through the audit. Certification is carried out by a Halal certification body recognised by the markets you sell into, such as JAKIM in Malaysia, BPJPH in Indonesia or the UAE authorities, which audits your operation and issues the certificate.
How long is a Halal certificate valid?
It depends on the certification body: validity periods and surveillance rules differ between Halal bodies and importing countries, so we confirm the rules for your target markets at the start.
Which Halal standard applies?
It depends on your target markets. Halal bodies work to their own or their country’s standard, for example MS 1500 in Malaysia, GSO 2055-1 in the Gulf states or OIC/SMIIC 1 in many OIC member countries, so we confirm which standard and which body your buyers accept before you start.
