FAQ – Your Questions About Halal Certification Answered

Halal certification is an official verification process that confirms products, ingredients, and manufacturing processes comply with Islamic dietary laws (Shariah). The certification is issued by accredited halal certification bodies like HCE (Halal Certification Europe) and ensures that products are permissible (halal) for Muslim consumption.

The certification process involves audits of ingredients, production methods, facility cleanliness, and supply chain traceability. Beyond religious compliance, halal certification serves as a quality assurance mark, signalling clean, wholesome products produced under stringent standards.

Learn more: For detailed information about the halal certification process, visit our What is Halal guide.

Halal certification provides significant business advantages:

Market Access:

• Opens doors to 1.8 billion Muslim consumers globally
• Legally required for exports to Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Muslim-majority countries
• Essential for products labelled as “halal” in most markets

Business Benefits:

• Access to the £1.5 trillion global halal market
• Competitive advantage in domestic and international markets
• Premium pricing opportunities
• Quality assurance signal for all consumers (not just Muslims)
• Demonstrates commitment to ethical standards and transparency

Legal Compliance:

• Mandatory for specific product categories in Muslim-majority countries
• Protects against penalties for false halal claims
• Ensures regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions

Many UK businesses report significant returns through increased export sales and access to new markets following halal certification.

Halal certification costs for UK manufacturers depends on several factors:

Cost factors:

• Number of products and raw materials
• Manufacturing sites (multiple facilities require separate audits)
• Target markets (JAKIM, BPJPH, MUIS, etc. have different requirements)
• Industry complexity (pharmaceuticals and cosmetics typically cost more than food)

What’s included:

• Initial documentation review
• On-site facility audit
• Ingredient and supplier verification
• Certificate issuance (valid for 1 year)
• Use of halal certification logo on packaging

HCE offers transparent pricing and free advice to help you understand exact costs for your specific needs.

Get a quote: Apply Now or Book Free Advice

The halal certification process typically takes 4-12 weeks and follows these stages:

1. Initial Call & Application

• Contact HCE for free advice
• Submit application with basic company information
• Discuss target markets and certification scope

2. Documentation Review

• Provide ingredient lists and supplier information
• Submit process flows and facility documentation
• Review manufacturing procedures

3. On-Site Audit

• HCE auditors visit your facility
• Inspect production processes and storage
• Verify ingredient traceability and handling procedures

4. Audit Report & Corrective Actions

• Receive detailed audit findings
• Address any non-conformities (if needed)
• Implement recommended improvements

5. Certificate Issuance

• Receive halal certificate upon approval
• Registration with relevant authority (JAKIM, BPJPH, etc.)
• Begin using halal certification logo

Timeline factors:

• Supplier information availability
• Facility readiness
• Target market requirements (BPJPH for Indonesia requires additional halal supervisor training)

HCE treats all certifications as priority and processes applications as quickly as possible to meet your export deadlines.

Start your certification: Apply for Certification

HCE (Halal Certification Europe) is recognised by major halal authorities worldwide, enabling your products to access key Muslim-majority markets:

Southeast Asia:

• Malaysia – Recognised by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia)
• Indonesia – Recognised by BPJPH (Halal Product Assurance Agency) and MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia)
• Singapore – Recognised by MUIS (Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura)

Middle East:

• UAE – Compliant with MOIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology) and EIAC (Emirates International Accreditation Centre)
• Saudi Arabia – Recognised by SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) and SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation)
• GCC Countries – Recognised by GAC (Gulf Accreditation Center) for Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman

Other Markets:

• Turkey – Recognised by HAK (Halal Accreditation Authority)
• Multiple African and Asian Muslim-majority countries
• European Muslim communities

HCE’s certification is particularly valuable for UK manufacturers seeking to export to these markets, as our certificates meet the stringent requirements of each country’s halal authority.

Verify specific market recognition: Contact us for confirmation about your target export market.

View our accreditations: HCE Accreditations

Halal is important for both religious and practical reasons:

Religious Significance:

• Core principle of Islamic faith for 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide
• Ensures food and products comply with Shariah law
• Provides peace of mind for Muslim consumers
• Extends beyond food to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care

Quality Assurance:

Halal certification ensures products are:

• Free from prohibited ingredients (pork, alcohol, non-halal animal derivatives)
• Produced in clean, hygienic conditions
• Traceable from source to final product
• Ethically manufactured

Consumer Trust:

Halal certification is increasingly valued by non-Muslim consumers for:

• Ethical sourcing and animal welfare
• Quality control and safety standards
• Transparency in ingredients and processes
• Clean label and natural product preferences

Market Demand:

• The global halal market is worth £1.5 trillion in 2025
• Growing demand in both Muslim-majority and Western countries
• Increasing awareness of halal as a quality benchmark

For businesses, understanding halal’s importance helps position products effectively in domestic and international markets.

The global halal market is substantial and growing rapidly:

Market Size (2025):

• £1.5 trillion total global halal market value
• 1.8 billion Muslim consumers worldwide (approximately 24% of global population)
• Double-digit annual growth in many sectors

Key Market Segments:

• Food & Beverages: Largest segment, worth over £800 billion
• Pharmaceuticals: £90+ billion market
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: £42+ billion (12% annual growth)
• Fashion & Lifestyle: Growing modest fashion sector
• Travel & Tourism: Halal tourism expanding rapidly

Geographic Distribution:

• Asia-Pacific: Largest market (Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh)
• Middle East: High-value market (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
• Africa: Fast-growing market (Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco)
• Europe: 20+ million Muslims, growing domestic demand
• Americas: Emerging market with increasing awareness

Growth Drivers:

• Rising Muslim population globally
• Increasing disposable income in Muslim-majority countries
• Growing awareness among non-Muslim consumers
• Mandatory certification requirements in key export markets
• E-commerce expanding halal product access

For UK businesses, this represents a significant export opportunity, particularly to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East where halal certification is mandatory.

Haram means “forbidden” or “prohibited” in Islamic law. In the context of food and products, haram refers to anything that Muslims are not permitted to consume or use.

Strictly Prohibited (Always Haram):

• Pork and all pork derivatives (gelatin, lard, bacon, pepsin)
• Alcohol from alcoholic beverage industry
• Blood and blood derivatives
• Carnivorous animals (lions, tigers, dogs)
• Birds of prey (eagles, hawks)
• Animals not slaughtered according to Islamic rites

Common Haram Ingredients in Products:

• Porcine enzymes (pepsin, lipase)
• Gelatin from non-halal sources
• Alcohol-based ingredients
• Certain emulsifiers from animal fats (E471, E472 if from pork)
• Some food colourings from insects

Important Note: Many ingredients can be halal OR haram depending on their source. For example:

• Gelatin is halal if from fish or halal-slaughtered animals
• Emulsifiers are halal if from plant sources
• Enzymes are halal if from microbial or plant sources

During halal certification, all ingredients are carefully verified to ensure they come from halal sources.

Halal certification requires compliance with several key requirements:

Ingredient Requirements:

• All ingredients must be from halal sources
• No pork, alcohol, blood, or haram animal derivatives
• Supplier halal certificates or declarations required
• Complete traceability of all materials

Facility Requirements:

• Clean, hygienic production environment
• Separation from non-halal production (or thorough cleaning protocols)
• Proper storage to prevent cross-contamination
• Staff awareness and training on halal requirements

Process Requirements:

• Documented procedures for halal production
• Quality control systems in place
• Regular internal audits
• Traceability systems from raw materials to finished products

Documentation Requirements:

• Detailed ingredient specifications
• Supplier halal certificates or declarations
• Process flow diagrams
• Cleaning and sanitation procedures
• Staff training records

Ongoing Compliance:

• Annual surveillance audits to maintain certification
• Notification of any changes to products or processes
• Continued adherence to halal standards
• Certificate renewal every 1 year

HCE guides you through all these requirements during the certification process, ensuring your facility and products meet the standards required for your target markets.

Start your certification journey: Book Free Advice

Halal certification is designed to integrate smoothly with your existing operations with minimal disruption:

Minimal Operational Impact:

• Most facilities require only minor adjustments
• Many procedures align with existing food safety standards (HACCP, ISO, BRC)
• Can often run alongside non-halal production with proper protocols

Typical Adjustments Required:

1. Documentation:

• Additional record-keeping for ingredient traceability
• Supplier halal certificates or declarations
• Batch records linking materials to finished products

2. Ingredient Verification:

• Review all ingredients for halal compliance
• May need to source alternative ingredients (usually readily available)
• Establish relationships with halal-certified suppliers

3. Production Procedures:

• Implement segregation or cleaning protocols
• Train staff on halal handling requirements
• Establish clear halal production identification

4. Storage and Handling:

• Separate storage for halal ingredients (or clear labelling)
• Prevent cross-contamination with non-halal materials
• Proper handling procedures for halal products

Benefits That Enhance Operations:

• Improved traceability systems
• Enhanced quality control procedures
• Better supplier documentation
• Increased staff awareness and training
• Stronger food safety culture

Timeline:

• Preparation phase: 2-4 weeks (implementing procedures)
• Certification audit: 1 day typically
• Ongoing: Minimal additional effort once systems established

Most clients report:

• Certification actually improves overall quality management
• Procedures often streamline existing processes
• Staff appreciate clear standards and training
• Benefits extend beyond halal requirements

HCE works closely with you to ensure certification fits seamlessly into your operations, providing guidance on the most efficient implementation approach for your specific facility.

Discuss your specific situation: Book Free Advice

Adding new products to your existing halal certification is straightforward and fast:

For Products with Pre-Approved Materials:

If your new products use ingredients and suppliers that are already approved in your current certification:

• Processing time: Within 24 hours
• Minimal documentation required
• Quick review process
• Immediate addition to your certificate

For Products Requiring Material Review:

If your new products contain ingredients or suppliers not yet in your certification:

• Documentation review needed for new materials
• Supplier halal certificates or declarations required
• Typical processing: Within 1 week
• We prioritise these reviews to minimise delays

What You Need to Provide:

• Updated product list with new items
• Complete ingredient specifications for new products
• Supplier halal certificates for any new ingredients (if applicable)
• Any changes to manufacturing processes

The Process:

1. Notify HCE about products you want to add
2. Submit documentation for new ingredients (if needed)
3. Quick review by our certification team
4. Updated certificate issued with new products

Key Benefits:

• No full facility audit required for product additions
• Leverage your existing certification
• Cost-effective expansion of product range
• Maintain market momentum without long delays

Pro Tips:

✅ Keep supplier certificates up-to-date to speed up additions
✅ Notify HCE early in product development to identify any material issues
✅ Consider certifying ingredient suppliers in advance for faster future additions

Cost:

• Product additions typically cost significantly less than initial certification
• Based on complexity of new products and materials
• Contact HCE for a specific quote for your additions

Most clients are surprised by how quick and painless product additions are once initial certification is in place. This flexibility allows you to grow your halal product range as market demand evolves.

Ready to expand your certified product line? Contact HCE

Applying for halal certification with HCE is straightforward:

Step 1: Free Initial Call

• Contact HCE through our website or phone
• Discuss your products, target markets, and certification needs
• Receive preliminary guidance on requirements
• No obligation, completely free

Step 2: Submit Application

• Complete online application form
• Provide basic company and product information
• Specify target markets (Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, etc.)
• Submit initial documentation

Step 3: Receive Quotation

• HCE reviews your application
• Provides detailed cost estimate
• Outlines certification timeline (4-12 weeks)
• Explains specific requirements for your situation

Step 4: Documentation Preparation

Once you decide to proceed:

• Submit detailed ingredient lists
• Provide supplier halal certificates or declarations
• Share process flow diagrams
• Submit facility and quality documentation

Step 5: Schedule Audit

• HCE arranges convenient audit date
• On-site inspection of your facility
• Review of all documentation and procedures
• Typically completed in one day

Step 6: Certification & Registration

• Receive halal certificate upon approval
• Registration with relevant authority (JAKIM, BPJPH, etc.)
• Begin using halal logo on packaging and marketing
• Start exporting to certified markets

What You Need to Get Started:

• Company registration details
• Product list and ingredient information
• Manufacturing facility address
• Target export markets
• Contact information

Application Timeline:

• Application submission: Immediate
• Quotation provided: Within 24 hours
• Full certification: 4-12 weeks from acceptance

No Upfront Commitment:

• Call is free
• Quotation provided before any costs
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Payment terms available

Ready to start?

• Online: Apply Now
• Advice: Book Free Advice

HCE has certified hundreds of UK and European businesses, making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Whether you need halal certification to export depends on your target market and product type:

MANDATORY FOR EXPORT (Legal Requirement):

Southeast Asia:

• Malaysia: Required for all animal products; highly recommended for products labelled as halal
• Indonesia: Required by 17 October 2026 for all food, beverages, and cosmetics sold or labelled as halal
• Singapore: Required only if products are labelled as halal

Middle East:

• UAE: Required for meat, poultry, and products labelled as halal
• Saudi Arabia: Required for meat, poultry, dairy with animal ingredients, and halal-labelled products
• Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain: Required for meat, poultry, and halal-labelled products

Without Certification to These Markets:

• ❌ Products rejected at customs
• ❌ Cannot be labelled or sold as halal
• ❌ Significant penalties for false halal claims
• ❌ Loss of market access and opportunities

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED (Not Legally Required):

• Turkey: Provides market advantages and export support
• Egypt: Required for meat/poultry; enforcement varies
• Pakistan: Halal documentation requested at customs
• Other Muslim-majority countries: Bangladesh, Morocco, African markets

VOLUNTARY (Competitive Advantage):

• UK & Europe: Growing Muslim population (20+ million in Europe)
• USA, Canada, Australia: Muslim communities and halal-conscious consumers
• Non-Muslim consumers: Increasingly choose halal for ethical/quality reasons

Key Considerations:

Product Type Matters:

• Food products: Usually required for Muslim-majority markets
• Cosmetics: Required in Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE by 2026
• Pharmaceuticals: Required in most Muslim-majority countries
• Other products: Check specific market requirements

Labelling Matters:

• If you label products as “halal,” certification is required in most countries
• Even without halal label, certification needed for many Muslim-majority markets

Business Impact:

• With certification: Access to £1.5 trillion global halal market
• Without certification: Limited to non-Muslim markets or domestic sales

Recommendations by Business Goal:

If you want to:

• Export to Malaysia/Indonesia/Middle East → Certification MANDATORY
• Expand into Muslim-majority markets → Certification ESSENTIAL
• Serve UK Muslim community → Certification HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
• Differentiate from competitors → Certification ADVANTAGEOUS

Next Steps:

1. Identify your target export markets
2. Check specific requirements for your products
3. Get free consultation to discuss your export plans
4. Start certification 3 months before planned export date

Find out your specific requirements: Book Free Advice

Country-specific guides:

• Malaysia Export Requirements
• Indonesia BPJPH Requirements

To obtain halal certification, you’ll need to provide several categories of documentation:

Don’t worry – HCE will guide you through exactly what’s needed for your specific situation. Here’s an overview of the typical documentation required:

Company Information:

• Business registration documents
• Company profile and ownership details
• Manufacturing licence/permits
• Food safety certifications (if applicable: HACCP, ISO, BRC)
• Contact information for key personnel

Product & Supplier Documentation:

• Complete ingredient lists for all products
• Specifications for each ingredient
• List of all ingredient suppliers
• Supplier halal certificates or declarations for animal-derived ingredients and questionable ingredients (emulsifiers, enzymes, flavours)
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Manufacturing & Facility Information:

• Process flow diagrams for each product
• Production procedures
• Quality control procedures
• Factory layout/floor plan
• Equipment list and specifications
• Cleaning and sanitation procedures

Halal Management:

• Halal policy statement
• Halal management procedures
• Internal audit procedures

How HCE Helps:

Document Templates Provided:

• We provide templates for required documentation
• Sample formats for procedures and records
• Checklists to ensure nothing is missed

Guidance Throughout:

• Review your documentation before submission
• Identify any gaps or missing information
• Suggest improvements to streamline approval
• Assist with supplier certificate collection

Pro Tips:

✅ Start Early: Begin collating documents early in the process
✅ Be Thorough: Complete documentation speeds up the certification process
✅ Stay Organised: Create a documentation folder/system from the start
✅ Ask Questions: HCE is here to help – contact us if you’re unsure about any requirement

Don’t Have All Documents Ready?

• That’s normal! Most companies don’t have everything initially
• Start your application – we’ll guide you through what’s needed
• We’ll help you gather and prepare all required documentation

Start the process: Apply Now or Book Free Advice to discuss your specific documentation needs.

Not all halal certifications are equal – international recognition varies significantly by certification body:

HCE (Halal Certification Europe) Recognition:

HCE is recognised by major halal authorities worldwide, making our certification valuable for international trade:

Tier 1 Recognition (Full Access):

Southeast Asia:

• ✅ JAKIM (Malaysia) – Full recognition for exports to Malaysia
• ✅ BPJPH (Indonesia) – Authorised foreign halal certification body
• ✅ MUIS (Singapore) – Recognised for Singapore market

Middle East:

• ✅ ESMA (UAE) – Compliant with UAE standards
• ✅ SFDA (Saudi Arabia) – Recognised for Saudi exports
• ✅ GCC Markets – Accepted in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman

Why Recognition Matters:

Access to Markets:

• Only recognised bodies can certify for specific markets
• Unrecognised certificates may be rejected at customs
• Recognition = legal permission to export

Credibility:

• Recognition demonstrates certification body competence
• Ensures standards meet international requirements
• Provides confidence to importers and retailers

Cost Efficiency:

• One recognised certificate can serve multiple markets
• Avoids need for separate certifications per country
• Reduces duplication and costs

What Makes a Certification Body Internationally Recognised?

Key Factors:

1. Accreditation:

• Formal recognition by government halal authorities
• Regular audits of certification body procedures
• Compliance with international halal standards

2. Competence:

• Qualified auditors and Islamic scholars
• Proper training and expertise
• Understanding of both technical and religious requirements

3. Standards Compliance:

• Adherence to JAKIM, BPJPH, MUIS standards
• Compliance with OIC/SMIIC international standards
• Following ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation principles

4. Track Record:

• Years of successful certifications
• Recognised certificate history
• Established relationships with halal authorities

HCE Advantages:

✅ Multiple Market Access:

• Single HCE certificate recognised in 15+ countries
• No need for separate certifications for each market
• Streamlined process for multi-country exports

✅ Government Recognition:

• Officially recognised by JAKIM (Malaysia)
• Authorised by BPJPH (Indonesia)
• Accepted by major halal authorities globally

✅ Industry Expertise:

• Certified hundreds of UK and European businesses
• Deep understanding of UK manufacturing context
• Experience across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

✅ Ongoing Support:

• Assistance with market-specific requirements
• Updates on regulation changes
• Support for certificate renewals and expansions

Warning Signs of Unrecognised Certifications:

❌ Not listed on JAKIM’s Foreign Halal Certification Bodies list
❌ No formal accreditation by major halal authorities
❌ Certificates rejected at destination customs
❌ Very low prices (may indicate lack of proper procedures)
❌ No audit process or very brief audits
❌ Cannot provide evidence of government recognition

Verifying Recognition:

Before choosing a certification body:

1. Check JAKIM’s list of recognised foreign bodies
2. Verify BPJPH authorisation status
3. Ask for evidence of recognition (letters, certificates)
4. Check track record with successful exports
5. Speak to other businesses who’ve used their certification

Which Markets Need Which Recognition?

For Malaysia Exports:

• MUST use JAKIM-recognised body (HCE is recognised)
• Non-recognised certificates = rejected at customs

For Indonesia Exports:

• MUST use BPJPH-authorised body (HCE is authorised)
• New requirement since October 2026

For UAE/GCC Exports:

• Must comply with ESMA/local standards
• HCE certificates meet these requirements

For Multiple Markets:

• Choose body recognised in all target markets
• HCE provides widest recognition coverage

Recommendation:

When selecting halal certification, prioritise:

1. Recognition by your target markets
2. Track record of successful exports
3. Comprehensive audit process
4. Ongoing support and guidance

HCE provides all of these, making us the preferred choice for UK businesses seeking international halal certification.

Verify our recognition for your market: Book Free Advice

View our accreditations: HCE Accreditations