Last updated: June 12th, 2023 5:28 PM

Understanding Halal Certification: Why Companies Seek It for Their Products

The demand for Halal-certified products has grown significantly in an increasingly diverse global marketplace. Halal certification from Islamic dietary laws has become crucial for companies catering to Muslim consumers worldwide. The certification signifies that a product has meticulously adhered to Islamic guidelines, rendering it permissible for Muslim consumption. This article aims to provide insight into Halal certification and explore why companies increasingly seek it for their products.

Understanding Halal Certification

Halal certification assures Muslim consumers that a product is permissible according to Islamic guidelines. It ensures no forbidden ingredients or procedures are used during manufacturing or processing. Companies seek this certification to access the growing global market, enhance their brand reputation, and comply with international Halal standards. This certificate has become a symbol of quality, safety, and ethical production practices, attracting Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.

Halal and Haram: Definitions and Significance

Halal certification guarantees that food or products are permissible for followers of Islam, indicating that no haram (forbidden) ingredients or procedures were involved during manufacturing or processing.

Halal

The term "halal" means "permissible or lawful" in Arabic, and it is closely tied to Islamic dietary laws, particularly about meat prepared according to specific requirements.

Haram

Conversely, "haram" is an Arabic term meaning "prohibited or forbidden." According to the Quran, several products deemed haram for Muslims, including alcohol, meat from an animal not adequately slaughtered, blood and its by-products, pork, and meat that has not undergone the halal process.

Halal Law: Principles and Practices

• Authorization of Slaughter: According to Halal law, the slaughtering of animals should ideally be performed by a Muslim man. However, some texts also mention that if Jews or Christians adhere to the proper Halal procedure, their slaughtering can be considered Halal per Islamic dietary laws.
• Method of Slaughter: The animal must be slaughtered using a sharp knife, ensuring a quick and precise cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery, and windpipe. This method aims to cause minimal suffering to the animal.
• Recitation of Quranic Verse: While slaughtering the animal, the person conducting the process should recite the appropriate Quranic verse known as Tasmiya or Shahada. This recitation serves as a declaration of the animal being slaughtered for permissible consumption.
• Animal Well-being and Blood Draining: The animal must be alive and healthy during slaughter. Furthermore, the slaughter should be conducted to allow for maximum blood drainage from the carcass's veins. Draining the blood is a crucial aspect of Halal compliance.
• Prohibition of Consuming Forbidden Meat: Islam strictly prohibits the consumption of meat from animals that are already dead or have not undergone the proper Halal procedure. Such meat is considered haram (forbidden) and is not permissible for Muslims.

Authority Issuing Halal Certification in India

The authority is responsible for issuing Halal Certification in India is not a centralized government body but private organizations and Islamic bodies that provide Halal certification services. These organizations have established themselves as reputable certifying bodies in the country. They ensure that the products and services they certify meet the requirements of Islamic dietary laws and are permissible for consumption by Muslims.

Importance of Halal Certification for Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals undergo halal certification due to the potential use of animal by-products in their formulations. For example, perfumes often contain alcohol, lipsticks, and lip balms may contain pig fat, and various cosmetic products utilize by-products sourced from animals such as pigs, chickens, and goats. According to Islamic laws, these ingredients are considered haram (prohibited). Hence, obtaining halal certification for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals ensures that these products do not contain any forbidden substances, making them permissible for consumption and use by followers of Islam. Halal certification assures Muslim consumers that these products align with their religious beliefs and meet the requirements outlined in Islamic dietary laws.

Reasons for Obtaining Halal Certification

• Accessing Islamic Markets: Companies seek halal certification for their products to facilitate export to Islamic countries. With approximately 1.8 billion followers, constituting 24.1% of the world's population, catering to this significant consumer base becomes a strategic advantage.
• Compliance with Halal Requirements: Many Islamic countries mandate that only halal-certified foods are permitted for consumption. By obtaining halal certification, companies ensure compliance with these regulations, allowing their products to enter and thrive in these markets.
• Expanding Market Opportunities: The halal food market represents a substantial portion of the global food industry, accounting for approximately 19% of its market share. Companies obtain halal certification to tap into this lucrative market and meet the growing demand for halal products.
• Meeting Supply Chain Requirements: By acquiring halal certification, companies align their products with the requirements of the halal supply chain. This enables them to participate in the distribution network and supply their products to retailers and consumers seeking halal-certified options.
• Diversifying into Halal Tourism: Halal certification extends beyond food and encompasses other sectors, such as hospitality and tourism. In halal tourism, hotels and restaurants comply with halal guidelines, offering alcohol-free environments and serving only halal-certified food. This niche market caters to Muslim travelers seeking accommodations and services aligned with their religious beliefs.
• Providing Gender-Separated Facilities: In line with halal tourism, hotels often offer separate spa and swimming pool facilities for men and women, respecting Islamic principles of modesty and ensuring a comfortable experience for guests.

In summary, companies obtain this certification to access Islamic markets, comply with halal requirements, seize market opportunities, meet supply chain demands, diversify into halal tourism, and provide gender-segregated facilities. By catering to the needs and preferences of Muslim consumers, businesses can expand their reach, tap into a significant market share, and enhance their competitive advantage in the global economy.

Comprehensive Halal Certification Services by IndiaFilings

IndiaFilings offers comprehensive services for businesses seeking Halal Certification, including consultation, document preparation, audit assistance, and support; it can be a convenient option for businesses seeking Halal Certification. By availing of our services, businesses can benefit from a streamlined process and professional assistance throughout the certification journey.