For 2 billion Muslim consumers, the halal certificate is one standard that holds significant value for a number of reasons, with halal adherence being religiously mandated.
Let’s take a closer look at what is a halal certificate particularly, and how can businesses get halal certified.
Did You Know: In 1970, only 10 American grocery stores carried halal products, and in 2012, over 2,300. According to existing growth figures, this is projected to reach over 5,000 in 2025.
What is a Halal Certificate?
A halal certificate is a document issued by a certifying body confirming that a product or service meets the requirements of Islamic laws.
This certificate represents more than just a physical document – it stands as a powerful symbol of dedication to the Muslim community and a strong adherence to universal values that resonate with billions of Muslims across the globe.
A halal certificate is, hence, only credible if acquired from an authorized and well-recognized body. The American Halal Foundation (AHF) is the leading global halal certification body, with international halal accreditation and recognition from major councils worldwide.
Which Products Need Halal Certification?
Halal certification is not limited to food products, contrary to common understanding. Any product that may contain animal-derived ingredients, alcohol, or any process that is not in accordance with the Islamic standards, needs to be halal certified to ensure that it is fit for consumption by Muslims.
Some of the common products that need halal certification in addition to common food items such as meat and poultry are:
- Halal Cosmetics: Lipstick, nail polish, personal care items, etc.
- Halal Supplements: Protein, vitamin, etc.
- Halal Pharmaceuticals: Medicines, drugs, etc.
Check out some of the main industries that AHF provides halal certification for.
What Does Halal Certified Mean?
Halal certified means that the product has been verified by a halal certification body to comply with Islamic laws and standards. Halal-certified products have a halal logo or seal on their packaging that indicates their halal status.
Halal-certified products must meet the following criteria:
- The product must not contain any haram ingredient or substance.
- The product must not be contaminated with any haram ingredient or substance during any stage of production, processing, handling, storage, transportation, or distribution.
- The product must be processed using equipment and utensils that are clean and free from any haram residue or contamination.
- The product must be handled by workers who are trained and aware of the halal requirements and procedures.
How To Get Halal Certified?
You can get halal certified through the following simple steps:
Step 1- Application:
The first step is to apply for halal certification with a reputable halal certification body. You will need to provide information about your company profile, product details, ingredients list, production process flowchart, quality assurance system, etc.
Step 2- Assessment
The next step is to undergo an assessment by the halal certification body. This may include document review, site inspection, product sampling, audit report, and staff training.
Step 3- Certification
The final step is to receive the halal certificate from the halal certification body. This certificate is valid for a certain period of time (usually one year) and needs to be renewed periodically.
How Long Does it Take to Get Halal Certified?
In general, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It’s important for businesses to approach halal certification with a commitment to quality and compliance – as understanding the time invested in this process is crucial for accessing the halal market and demonstrating respect for Islamic laws.
Who Provides the Halal Certificate?
There are many halal certification bodies around the world that provide halal certification services for various products and industries.
American Halal Foundation (AHF) is one of the most well-known halal certification bodies with over 10,000+ ingredients reviewed and $1 billion USD in revenue growth through certification.
AHF is also recognized by international councils and organization, some of which are:
- World Halal Food Council (WHFC)
- The Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI)
- Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)
- Association of American Halal Certifiers (AAHC)
Halal Certification Trend
The halal certification market is witnessing remarkable growth, driven by the increasing global Muslim population and rising awareness about halal products.
As of recent statistics, the global halal food market alone is projected to reach $2.55 trillion in 2024. This surge is not just confined to food – other sectors such as halal cosmetics and halal pharmaceuticals are also expected to expand significantly.
Moreover, technology is also bound to significantly transform halal certification. Blockchain-based halal traceability systems are ensuring transparency issues with halal certification, boosting trust and market confidence.
In addition to that, there is also a rise in plant-based halal alternatives and ethical consumerism among modern Muslim consumers, giving rise to a new platform of innovation for businesses wanting to target the growing Muslim consumer segment.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about the halal certificate or getting halal certified itself, contact us at American Halal Foundation (AHF).
We are a leading organization for halal certification in the US, with significant experience and expertise in halal certification. We provide halal certification for both food and non-food products, as well as in-depth halal training to employees for handling halal processes.
At AHF, we pride ourselves on having a highly qualified team of experienced auditors, inspectors, and consultants who can assist you with all your halal certification needs.
To get started, you can fill out our online application form or contact us here
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business with halal certification.
Azmi is a seasoned content and client development associate with a passion for art, history, travel, and halal lifestyle. With a sharp eye for detail and an in-depth understanding of evolving market trends, he brings his expertise and enthusiasm to the American Halal Foundation to create impactful content that resonates with a diverse audience.
