88 Foreign Halal Certification Bodies Accredited by JAKIM

In a significant move to strengthen the global halal market, Malaysia has recognized 88 foreign halal certification bodies across 49 countries through its Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). This effort reflects the country’s commitment to setting and maintaining high standards for halal products worldwide, positioning Malaysia as a leader in the global halal economy. The recognition of these foreign certifying bodies is part of a larger strategy to promote halal integrity, boost consumer confidence, and expand Malaysia’s influence on a global scale.

Expanding Reach Across 49 Countries

The accreditation by JAKIM extends across key markets, including China, South Korea, Japan, and several European, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian countries. This international collaboration allows foreign certification bodies to issue halal certificates for products intended for the Malaysian market. By ensuring that halal standards are upheld globally, JAKIM aims to facilitate the entry of products that meet strict halal requirements into Malaysia, thus promoting international trade while ensuring compliance with Islamic guidelines.

Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), emphasized the growing impact of Malaysia’s halal certification efforts on a global scale. “With the dynamic development of the halal industry worldwide, we anticipate a surge in applications and accreditations from foreign certification bodies,” he noted during the launch of the ‘Makanan Halal: Selera Dunia’ program in Shah Alam. This program underscores Malaysia’s efforts to establish itself as a central hub for the halal market, offering a space for stakeholders to explore opportunities, learn about halal certification processes, and discuss industry trends.

JAKIM’s role as the authoritative halal certification body is central to maintaining the quality and authenticity of halal products. The department is responsible for accrediting international halal certifiers, ensuring they align with Malaysia’s rigorous guidelines. These guidelines cover everything from the sourcing of raw materials to processing, packaging, and transportation, ensuring that each step complies with Islamic principles.

This extensive network of foreign halal certification bodies enhances the credibility of halal products and bolsters the confidence of Muslim consumers around the world. The recognition by JAKIM not only validates these certification bodies but also integrates them into a unified halal ecosystem. By working in tandem with these international bodies, JAKIM helps uphold global halal standards while facilitating smoother trade between countries.

With the global halal market valued at over $2.3 trillion and expected to grow substantially in the coming years, Malaysia’s proactive approach to accrediting foreign halal certifiers is timely. According to DinarStandard, the halal food market alone is projected to reach $1.38 trillion by 2027, with increasing demand for halal products in non-Muslim-majority countries as well. The expanding reach of halal products, which now encompass food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even services, highlights the need for a standardized, transparent certification process that JAKIM aims to provide.

Fake Halal Certification

One of the critical challenges in the halal industry is combating fake halal certificates, which can jeopardize consumer trust and undermine the efforts of authentic halal businesses. The issue of counterfeit halal certificates arises when unscrupulous businesses use misleading or false labels to market their products as halal without adhering to proper guidelines. These fake certifications can often be found in public markets, grocery stores, and small supermarkets, making it a persistent problem that requires vigilant oversight.

However, Malaysia’s enforcement measures to curb counterfeit halal certificates have proven effective. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) actively collaborates with JAKIM to regulate and enforce compliance with halal standards, acting under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011. This partnership allows for swift action against entities violating halal certification laws, ensuring that the halal label retains its integrity.

Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar has assured that the situation remains under control due to the consistent efforts by JAKIM and KPDN to regulate the market. “If JAKIM receives a complaint, it coordinates with KPDN to conduct observation and legal enforcement,” he mentioned, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining the credibility of Malaysia’s halal certification. The collaboration between these agencies provides an additional layer of protection, deterring any potential misuse of halal certification and maintaining a high standard for products labeled as halal.

Related: JAKIM Considers Mandatory Halal Certification for All Restaurants

Consumer Confidence and Foreign Halal Certification

The widespread recognition of foreign halal certification bodies by JAKIM not only promotes standardization but also simplifies the trade process for businesses and exporters. For companies looking to enter the Malaysian market or expand into other Muslim-majority countries, obtaining halal certification from a JAKIM-recognized body is a crucial step. This certification assures that the product meets Malaysia’s halal requirements, which are among the most stringent globally, enhancing the product’s credibility and marketability.

This streamlined certification process benefits consumers as well, providing them with the assurance that halal-labeled products adhere to strict standards, from ingredients to production and distribution. It allows Muslim consumers to make informed choices, knowing the halal products they purchase are authentic and in line with their religious beliefs. Moreover, Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the halal industry means that JAKIM’s recognition adds a layer of quality assurance to international products, making them more attractive to Muslim and non-Muslim markets alike.

The Growing Importance

The relevance of halal certification has grown beyond the food and beverage sector. It now encompasses pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and even services, reflecting broader consumer demand for ethically produced, high-quality products that align with halal principles. As a result, there is an increasing need for certification processes that are transparent, reliable, and internationally recognized, a standard that JAKIM’s accreditations are helping to set.

Halal certification is also becoming increasingly significant in sectors like tourism, finance, and lifestyle. The concept of halal tourism, for instance, requires that services such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies adhere to halal principles, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers. Malaysia, with its recognized halal standards, is positioning itself as a key destination for halal tourism and a model for other countries looking to enter the market.

The Growing Network of Certification

The 88 recognized foreign halal certification bodies represent a vast and growing network that reinforces JAKIM’s role as a global leader in setting halal standards. As more certifiers from around the world seek JAKIM accreditation, the halal industry is set for significant expansion, helping halal-compliant products reach new markets and fostering stronger trade partnerships. JAKIM’s rigorous standards and international collaborations set a benchmark for the global halal industry, encouraging transparency, ethical practices, and high-quality production.

Malaysia’s efforts are not only benefiting businesses and consumers but are also enhancing the global halal ecosystem. As the market for halal products continues to expand, these recognized certifiers will play a crucial role in ensuring that halal integrity is maintained and that products remain accessible, reliable, and in compliance with Islamic principles.

A Global Effort Towards Halal Compliance

JAKIM’s accreditation of foreign halal certification bodies is a milestone in promoting global halal standards. It establishes a framework for trust and authenticity, simplifies trade processes, and enhances consumer confidence in halal products. With a rapidly growing halal market, the demand for reliable and recognized certification will only increase. As Malaysia continues to lead the way in global halal compliance, its network of recognized certification bodies is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of halal products and services worldwide, ensuring their growth, accessibility, and adherence to Islamic guidelines.