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How to obtain Halal certification in Malaysia?
2025-05-15
Hope to get in MalaysiaHalalForeign companies seeking certification must apply to the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM). JAKIM will then conduct an on-site inspection of the applicant's premises and may take product samples for laboratory analysis.
Hope to sell in MalaysiaHalalThe company that produces the product must first obtain a government-issuedHalalCertificate.HalalThe certificate lets consumers know that the product complies with the MalaysianHalalProduct standards.
Malaysia has about 16 million Muslims and is the largest Muslim country in Southeast Asia.HalalThe main market for product production and consumption. MalaysiaHalalThe products have an annual export value of 35.4 billion ringgit ($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.
HalalCertification covers a wide range of products that use animal products, including food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Here we look atHalalHow is it defined in Malaysia and how can businesses obtainHalalCertificate.
What is in MalaysiaHalalfood?
“Halal” is a concept in Islamic law that means “permitted,” “allowed,” or lawful. “Haram” means “not permissible” or “forbidden.” Therefore,HalalThe certificate confirms that the product is permitted for Muslim consumption.
HalalCertification is most commonly used for food products. In some cases, companies develop alternative food products, such as meat products, specifically for Muslim consumers and therefore requireHalalCertificate.
Malaysia'sHalalThe term "HalalAccording to this definition, a food is aHalalfood:
Not derived from or contain any part or item of an animal prohibited to Muslims under Islamic law, ornot yetAnimals slaughtered according to Islamic law.
Does not contain any substance considered unclean in Islamic law.
Not prepared, processed, or manufactured with equipment or utensils prescribed by Islamic law that are free from impurities.
During the preparation, processing or storage stages, it will not come into contact with or be stored near any food that does not meet the requirements of the above regulations or any substance that is considered impure by Islamic law.
What other products can be certified as Halal in Malaysia?food?
In addition to food products, various other products and services are availableHalalThese certificates are mainly for products that may use animal products as ingredients or other services that may contain animal products. These include:
drinks;
Food supplements;
Food premises (e.g. restaurants, hotels);
consumer goods;
cosmetics and personal care products;
drug;
logistics;
slaughterhouses;
Original Equipment Manufacturer; and
Medical equipment.
Each industry or product type has specific requirements and is consideredHalalFor example, regarding slaughterhouses, the Malaysian National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs discussed in 2000HalalGuidelines for the production, preparation, handling and storage of food.
How to apply in MalaysiaHalalCertificate?
The Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)) is the oversight body for theHalalCertificate from a government agency.
Companies can use JAKIM-HalalCenter ApplicationHalalIf successful, the company can display the certificate issued by JAKIM on its productsHalalLogo
HalalApplicants for the certificate must fit into one of six categories. These are:
Manufacturer/producer;
Distributors/traders;
subcontract manufacturers;
repackaging;
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/certification menu;
Materials used;
Name and address of manufacturer/raw material supplier;
haveHalalProduct specifications for certified ingredients or key ingredients (if relevant)Halalstate;
Type of packaging material;
manufacturing processes 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 mustHalalThe certificate application creates a file where all relevant documents are stored during the JAKIM inspection of the site. During the inspection the inspector may take product samples for laboratory analysis.
If the application is successful, their halal certification will be valid for two years, with the exception of slaughterhouses, where the certification is valid for one year.HalalThe certificate holder must apply for renewal at least three months before the certificate expires.