Vietnam Launches National Authority for Halal Certification

HANOI — On Wednesday, the Vietnam Certification Centre (QUACERT) celebrated the launch of the Vietnam Halal Certification Authority (HALCERT), marking a significant stride in the country’s commitment to developing its Halal industry. This new authority was established under Decision No 689/QĐ-TĐC issued on March 29, 2024, which reflects the government’s broader strategy to enhance international relations and cooperation in the Halal sector through 2030.

HALCERT, operating as a subsidiary of QUACERT, is tasked with overseeing all certification processes within the sector. Its roles extend beyond certification to include orchestrating discussions, leading training programs, and fostering international partnerships aimed at expanding Vietnam’s footprint in the global Halal market.

Trần Quốc Dũng, the director of QUACERT, elaborated on the rigorous preparation that underpinned the creation of HALCERT, a process that began as early as 2017. He noted that in the years 2022 and 2023, QUACERT led the development of standards for Halal certification bodies, culminating in the publication of TCVN 13888:2023 by the Ministry of Science and Technology. This standard is pivotal as it lays the foundational framework necessary for HALCERT’s operations and ensures that Vietnam’s Halal certification practices meet global benchmarks.

During the inauguration ceremony, which was visually marked by delegates pressing a button to officially launch HALCERT, Dato Tan Yang Thai, the Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam, commended the timely establishment of the authority. He emphasized that HALCERT’s launch is ideally synchronized with Vietnam’s strategic goals to penetrate the global Halal market, which not only boasts over 1.9 billion Muslims but is also projected to grow to a value of US$5 trillion by 2030.

Ambassador Thai highlighted the competitive edge Vietnamese Halal-certified products will gain, noting, “The certification from a nationally recognized authority significantly boosts a product’s reputation and consumer trust. It signifies a commitment to quality and safety, key factors that enhance the attractiveness of Vietnamese products in the competitive global Halal market.”

This development is expected to open new avenues for Vietnamese exports, particularly in regions with a high demand for Halal-certified goods, and demonstrates Vietnam’s proactive approach to integrating into the global economic community while respecting cultural and religious practices.