To unify global Halal certification standards and promote consistency among Halal certification bodies, Malaysia has made unremitting efforts. Recently, all Muslim-led Halal certification bodies recognized by member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be invited to join IHAB, as will national bodies and Halal authorities formed by OIC member state governments.

Under the inclusive membership model, bodies and authorities from non-Muslim countries can also obtain associate membership, but they have no right to vote on resolutions.

Suhaimee said: 'IHAB is a platform that unifies all Halal certification bodies, especially for OIC countries and certification bodies around the world,' adding that this association is necessary because 'Muslims [their certification methods] are not uniform.'

JAKIM Director General Othman Mustafa said the Halal industry must now work to unify the large number of certification systems and procedures in order to break down trade barriers. Currently, JAKIM alone can identify 69 different certification bodies in 42 countries.

Mustafa said: 'By harmonizing OIC and non-OIC countries, IHAB will have a positive impact on Halal authorities in the future. We hope these goals can be achieved.'

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi first announced the establishment of IHAB last June, calling it part of the Malaysia Halal Organizing Committee's 2018-2020 agenda.

FAQ

What is the membership model of IHAB (the International Halal Authority Board)?
All Muslim-led Halal certification bodies recognized by OIC member states, as well as national bodies and Halal authorities formed by OIC member state governments, will be invited to join IHAB. Under the inclusive membership model, bodies and authorities from non-Muslim countries can also obtain associate membership but have no right to vote on resolutions. IHAB is a platform that unifies all Halal certification bodies, especially for OIC countries and certification bodies.
How many fragmented bodies exist in the global Halal certification system, and why is harmonization needed?
According to the JAKIM Director General, JAKIM alone can identify 69 different certification bodies in 42 countries. Since Muslims' certification methods are not uniform, the Halal industry must work to unify the large number of certification systems and procedures to break down trade barriers. By harmonizing OIC and non-OIC countries, IHAB is expected to have a positive impact on future Halal authorities.