Halal product certification is the prerequisite for entering the global Halal market. A halal certificate is a document issued by an Islamic organization certifying that the products listed on it meet Islamic dietary guidelines, as defined by that certifying agency. There were 3 types of Halal certificates:
- Registration of a site certificate: This type of certificate signifies that a plant, production facility, food establishment, slaughterhouse, abattoir, or any establishment handling food has been inspected and approved to produce, distribute, or market halal food. This does not mean that all food products made or handled at such a facility are halal certified. A site certificate should not be used as a Halal product certificate.
- Halal certificate for a specific product with specific duration: This type of certificate signifies that the listed product or products meet the halal guidelines formulated by the certifying organization. Such a certificate may be issued for a certain time period or for a specified quantity of the product destined for a particular distributor or importer. If the certificate is for a specific quantity, it may be called a batch certificate or a shipment certificate. Meat and poultry products, for which each batch or consignment has to be certified, generally receive a batch certificate.
- Yearly certification: This may be automatically renewed contingent on passing the annual inspection, through halal compliance and payment of the certification fee
However, there were some surveys showing that entrepreneurs facing certification challenges when entering the global Halal market:
- Reaching a consensus on certification requirements that avoids confusing, contradictory and costly requirements that will inhibit development of the Halal industry;
- Protecting the integrity of Halal certification in order to avoid a loss of confidence by consumers;
- Ensuring that claims regarding health and safety are based on science;
- The relative lack of market information on Halal markets presents a significant challenge to exporters, especially exporters new to these markets.
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