Foreign companies wishing to obtain Halal certification in Malaysia must apply to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). JAKIM will then conduct an on-site inspection of the applicant's premises and may take product samples for laboratory analysis.
Businesses wishing to sell Halal products in Malaysia must first obtain a government-issued Halal certificate. The Halal certificate lets consumers know that the product complies with Malaysia's Halal product standards.
Malaysia has around 16 million Muslims and is a major market for the production and consumption of Halal products in Southeast Asia. Malaysia's annual Halal product exports are 35.4 billion ringgit (US$7.46 billion), accounting for 5.1% of the country's exports, as it is a major supplier to countries with large Muslim populations such as Indonesia.
Halal certification involves various products using animal products, including food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Here, we look at how Halal is defined in Malaysia and how businesses can obtain a Halal certificate.
What is Halal food in Malaysia?
'Halal' is a concept in Islamic law meaning 'permitted,' 'allowed' or lawful. 'Haram' means 'not allowed' or 'forbidden.' Therefore, a Halal certificate confirms that a product is permitted for Muslims to consume.
Halal certification is most commonly used for food. In some cases, companies have developed alternative foods specifically for Muslim consumers, such as meat products, and therefore need a Halal certificate.
Malaysia's definition of the term 'Halal' is written in the Trade Descriptions Order 1975 (Use of the Term 'Halal'). According to this definition, food is Halal if it meets the following requirements:
It does not come from or contain any part or item of an animal that Islamic law forbids Muslims to use, or an animal not slaughtered according to Islamic law.
It does not contain any substance considered impure in Islamic law.
It is not prepared, processed or manufactured using equipment or utensils that are not free of impurities as required by Islamic law.
During the preparation, processing or storage stage, it does not come into contact with or is not stored near any food that does not meet the requirements stated above or any substance considered impure by Islamic law.
What other products can be certified as Halal in Malaysia?
In addition to food products, various other products and services can obtain a Halal certificate. These are mainly products that may use animal products as raw materials or other services that may involve animal products. These include:
beverages;
food supplements;
food premises (such as restaurants and hotels);
consumer goods;
cosmetics and personal care products;
pharmaceuticals;
logistics;
slaughterhouses;
original equipment manufacturers; and
medical devices.
Each industry or product type has specific requirements to be considered Halal. For example, regarding slaughterhouses, the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia discussed guidelines for the production, preparation, handling and storage of Halal food in 2000.
How to apply for a Halal certificate in Malaysia?
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, JAKIM) is the government body that oversees Malaysia's Halal certificates.
Companies can apply for a Halal certificate through JAKIM-Halal centers. If successful, companies can display the Halal logo issued by JAKIM on their products.
Applicants for a Halal certificate must fall into one of the following six categories. These are:
manufacturer/producer;
distributor/trader;
subcontract manufacturer;
repacker;
food premises; and
slaughterhouse/abattoir.
After determining the category, the applicant must provide JAKIM with the following information:
company profile;
company/business registration;
product name and description/certified menu;
materials used;
name and address of the manufacturer/raw material supplier;
the Halal status of ingredients with Halal certification or the product specification of key ingredients (if relevant);
type of packaging materials;
manufacturing process and procedures;
other documents such as HACCP, ISO, GHP, GMP, TQM, etc. (if any); and
site/factory location map.
JAKIM will then conduct an on-site inspection of the applicant's premises. The applicant must create a file for the Halal certificate application, storing all relevant documents during JAKIM's inspection of the premises. Inspectors may take product samples for laboratory analysis during the inspection.
If the application is successful, their Halal certification is valid for two years, except for slaughterhouses, whose certification is valid for one year. Halal certificate holders must apply for renewal at least three months before the certificate expires.