Necessity and Benefits of Halal Certification

In Malaysia, Halal certification is more than a religious requirement; it is a significant indicator of quality and safety that benefits both businesses and consumers. For businesses, obtaining Halal certification opens vast market opportunities, not only within Malaysia but also in the global Halal market, which is estimated to be worth over USD 2 trillion.

The certification instills consumer confidence, particularly among Muslim customers who strictly adhere to Halal dietary laws and can also attract non-Muslim customers who perceive Halal products as being of high quality and hygienic.

Halal certification ensures that the food products comply with Islamic dietary laws, which cover every aspect of food preparation, from sourcing ingredients to the final product. This comprehensive approach to quality assurance can enhance a brand’s reputation and expand its market reach, especially in Muslim-majority countries and regions with significant Muslim populations.

Basic Steps for Obtaining Certification

Obtaining Halal certification in Malaysia involves a structured process managed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and various state Islamic religious departments. Here are the detailed steps involved:

• Preparation and Understanding Requirements:

  a) Research: Companies need to thoroughly understand Halal standards and requirements as defined by JAKIM.
  b) Training: It's advisable to send staff for Halal training programs to ensure they are familiar with Halal procedures.

• Application Submission:

  a) Online Application: Companies must submit an application through the MYeHALAL portal (https://myehalal.jakim.gov.my/). This involves filling out detailed information about the business, products, and manufacturing processes.
  b) Required Documents: The application should be accompanied by essential documents such as the business license, product list, ingredient list, and a detailed manufacturing process flowchart.

• Documentation Review:

  a) Compliance Check: JAKIM will review the submitted documents to ensure that all aspects of the product and process comply with Halal standards.
  b) Corrective Actions: If there are discrepancies, companies may be asked to make necessary corrections.

• Inspection and Audit:

  a) Site Inspection: JAKIM officials will conduct an on-site inspection of the manufacturing facility to verify compliance with Halal standards.
  b) Audit Process: The audit includes checking the source of raw materials, storage, handling, and overall hygiene practices.

• Certification Decision:

  a) Approval or Rejection: Based on the inspection and audit results, JAKIM will decide whether to grant Halal certification.
  b) Issuance of Certificate: If approved, the Halal certificate is issued, allowing the company to use the Halal logo on their products and their premises.

How to Choose a Certification Body

Choosing the right certification body is crucial for a smooth certification process. In Malaysia, JAKIM is the primary body responsible for Halal certification, but there are also state-level Islamic religious departments that can issue Halal certificates. Here are key points to consider:

• Accreditation and Recognition:

  Ensure the certification body is accredited by JAKIM and recognized both locally and internationally. This ensures the Halal certification will be accepted in various markets.

• Experience and Expertise:

  Select a certification body with a proven track record and expertise in the industry relevant to your products. This can facilitate a smoother and more efficient certification process.

• Support and Guidance:

  Choose a body that provides comprehensive support throughout the certification process, including training and pre-certification audits to help identify potential issues.

• Reputation and Reviews:

  Research the reputation of the certification body by seeking feedback from other businesses that have undergone the certification process with them.

Costs and Time Required for Obtaining Certification

The costs and time required to obtain Halal certification can vary depending on several factors including the size of the business, the complexity of the products, and the certification body chosen. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Application Fees:

  There are initial application fees that must be paid when submitting them to JAKIM. These fees can vary based on the type and number of products being certified.

• Inspection and Audit Fees:

  Costs associated with the on-site inspection and audit by JAKIM officials. This includes travel expenses if the manufacturing facility is located far from the JAKIM offices.

• Consultation and Training Costs:

  Businesses might incur additional costs for consultation services and training programs to ensure compliance with Halal standards.

• Annual Renewal Fees:

  Halal certification is not a one-time process. Annual renewal fees are required to maintain the certification.

• Time Frame:

  The entire process from application to certification can take several months. On average, businesses should expect a time frame of 4-6 months, though this can vary depending on the efficiency of the documentation and the readiness for the inspection and audit.

Maintaining and Managing Certification

Once a business has obtained Halal certification, maintaining and managing it requires ongoing effort and commitment to Halal standards. Here are the key points to consider:

• Regular Audits and Inspections:

  JAKIM conducts periodic audits and inspections to ensure continuous compliance with Halal standards. Businesses must be prepared for these audits by maintaining high standards of hygiene and proper documentation.

• Staff Training:

  Regular training programs for staff are essential to keep them updated on Halal requirements and ensure they adhere to the standards in their daily operations.

• Ingredient and Process Changes:

  Any changes in ingredients or manufacturing processes must be reported to JAKIM. The new ingredients or processes must be reviewed and approved to maintain Halal certification.

• Record Keeping:

  Detailed records of sourcing, handling, and processing must be maintained. This includes keeping logs of ingredient origins, storage conditions, and cleaning procedures.

• Customer Feedback and Complaints:

  Establish a system to handle customer feedback and complaints regarding Halal compliance. This helps in addressing issues promptly and maintaining consumer trust.

• Renewal Process:

  Halal certification needs to be renewed periodically. The renewal process involves re-submitting documents and undergoing another round of inspection and audit. It’s important to start this process well before the current certification expires.

Conclusion

Obtaining Halal certification in Malaysia is a systematic process that requires thorough preparation, understanding of Halal standards, and choosing the right certification body. The benefits of Halal certification are significant, offering businesses access to a vast and growing market, enhancing brand reputation, and ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws.

By following the steps outlined and maintaining strict adherence to Halal requirements, companies can achieve and sustain Halal certification, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the local and global markets.