Halal Certification for Exports to Japan | 日本のハラール認証

Apply for Halal Certification in Just 5 Minutes!

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Why Consider Halal Certification for Japan?

Halal certification is rapidly becoming a key factor for manufacturers in Japan, driven by both market demand and practical benefits.

Here are 3 reasons why manufacturers are increasingly seeking halal certification for exports to Japan:

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1. Meeting Import Requirements of Japanese Retailers

Many major retailers, supermarkets, and food service chains in Japan are now requesting halal-certified products to cater to their diverse clientele, as well as due to the government’s efforts to promote halal. Manufacturers who are halal-certified find it easier to secure contracts and shelf space in these outlets, giving them a direct advantage in the market.

Effıcient Processes

2. To Cater Halal Consumers

With Japan’s expanding tourism industry, especially from Muslim-majority countries, the demand for halal products is skyrocketing. Halal certification opens doors to this market, allowing manufacturers to meet the needs of millions of Muslim tourists and residents who actively seek halal options.

lamb

3. To Gain a Competitive Edge

Getting halal-certified (from an accredited body such as AHF) ensures manufacturers are adhering to the highest standards for Muslim consumers, subsequently allowing them to gain a competitive edge over their rivals.

Testimonials

DSM logo

Halal certification allows our customers to trust our product. We switched to AHF because they were globally accepted and nice to work with.

Renee Al jassani

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Halal Certification Requirements for Japan

Here’s a detailed look at what’s involved in obtaining halal certification in Japan:

1. Submission of Application and Documentation

To start the certification process, businesses must submit an application along with essential documentation that outlines their product details, ingredients, and production processes.

This includes:

  1. Product Information: A complete list of products or services to be certified.
  2. Ingredient List: A detailed list of all raw materials, ingredients, and additives used in the products. Each item must be verified to ensure it does not contain any haram (forbidden) substances, such as pork derivatives or alcohol.
  3. Supplier Certification/Suitability: Proof of halal certification or suitability from ingredient suppliers, especially for critical items that could impact the halal status of the final product.
  4. Production Process Flowchart: A step-by-step diagram showing the entire production process from raw material handling to packaging, ensuring there is no cross-contamination with non-halal elements.

2. Halal Assurance System (HAS) Implementation

Implementing a Halal Assurance System (HAS) is a core requirement for halal certification. This system ensures that all processes, from sourcing to production, comply with halal standards. Key aspects include:

  • Segregation of Halal and Non-Halal Products: Strict measures must be in place to prevent cross-contamination during production, storage, and distribution. This might involve dedicated production lines or thorough cleaning protocols for shared equipment.
  • Employee Training: Staff involved in the production process must be trained in halal requirements, including understanding the significance of halal and haram substances, proper handling procedures, and the importance of hygiene.
  • Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintaining comprehensive records of all halal-related activities is essential for traceability and accountability. This includes batch records, ingredient traceability, and corrective actions taken in case of non-compliance.

3. On-Site Audit and Inspection

An on-site audit is conducted by the certification body to verify that the business complies with all halal standards. The audit includes a thorough inspection of:

  • Manufacturing Facilities: Ensuring the facilities are clean, well-maintained, and free from contamination with haram substances.
  • Production Processes: Observing the handling, processing, and packaging of products to confirm adherence to halal guidelines.
  • Supply Chain Integrity: Checking supplier certifications, delivery practices, and storage conditions to ensure the halal status is maintained throughout the supply chain.

4. Certification Decision and Issuance

Following the audit, AHF’s technical team will review the findings and issue halal certification.The halal certificate issued is valid for a specific period (usually 1 to 3 years), after which re-certification is required.

5. Re-Certification

Towards the end of the certification period, businesses are required to complete the recertification application and identify any changes to the products, ingredients, or facility since the previous audit.

3- Step Halal Certification Process at AHF

The American Halal Foundation (AHF) will process your application with no cost.

1

Application

The American Halal Foundation (AHF) will process your application. Your designated account executive will guide you through the application process to determine the halal status of the facility and its products.
calendar icon5-7 Business Days

 

2

Audit

Your Account Executive will schedule a halal audit on a mutually convenient day. The audit typically lasts 4 hours and includes a training session for the employees who will be responsible for overseeing the halal production.
calendar icon1 Day

 

3

Certification

🎉  Congratulations

Upon the successful completion of the halal audit, your products and facility are now officially certified as halal and recognized as such internationally. Your products will bear the most recognized symbol of integrity, authenticity, and wholesomeness in the world. You may add products or facilities at any time by simply contacting your Account Executive.

calendar icon48 hours from the successful completion of the audit process.

 

Why Choose AHF for Halal Certification in Japan?

American Halal Foundation (AHF) is a leading globally accredited Halal certification provider—with over $1 Billion + in revenue growth achieved by businesses through its certifications.

AHF offers a streamlined and internationally recognized certification process, making it easier for Japanese businesses to enter and thrive in halal markets.

Universal Consumer Acceptance

The north star of AHF certification is Universal Consumer Acceptance. AHF uniquely certifies to the highest halal standards acceptable to all 2 billion halal consumers.

Internationally Accredited

AHF is internationally accredited and globally accepted. Learn more here.

Client Service

You will receive dedicated account executives dedicated to your success in achieving halal certification and beyond.

Wide Scope

AHF covers every applicable industry, from yogurt to pharmaceuticals, with our halal certification services. You can learn more here.

Efficient and Dynamic Processes

From the application to adding new products to your program, AHF has designed its processes to save you as much time as possible.

Integrative Approach

You have existing quality systems that may meet some halal program objectives. AHF removes the redundancy and seeks to integrate with your systems where possible.

Is AHF Halal Certification recognized in China?

Yes, AHF is widely recognized in China, and AHF also has an established office in the country.

With a presence in China, AHF is well-positioned to support businesses looking to tap into the growing demand for halal products, providing a trusted certification that aligns with both international and local standards.

Check out AHF’s accreditations below:

World Halal Food Council (WHFC) logoWorld Halal Food Council (WHFC)

Global Halal Certifiers’ Council World

World Halal Food Council (WHFC) logoThe Assessment Institute for Food, Drug and Cosmetic, The Indonesian Council of Ulama (LPPOM MUI)

Leading Religious Authority of the Republic of Indonesia

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia logoThe Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)

Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS)

Testimonials

Ivanhoe logo

AHF has a solid understanding of the chemical industry when it comes to Halal certification. AHF and their leadership made our transition seamless and have been very cost-effective. They visited our facility for an onsite process audit and we've had zero issues when it comes to having new products evaluated for certification.

Emily Rowlette

Plant Manager
DSM logo

Halal certification allows our customers to trust our product. We switched to AHF because they were globally accepted and nice to work with. They take the time to understand our process and are very responsive when we have questions.

Renee Al jassani

Quality Assurance Supervisor
Dnata logo

AHF has allowed us to build trust with the world's top Halal Airline Carriers by allowing us to present program details beyond what they have seen from other certification bodies.

Rishi Hinduja

DNATA
Butcher Packer logo

The efficiency with which AHF works has saved us a substantial amount of time and money. The custom solution that was created for quality controls for halal were logical and made sense in our operational structure and has not created any extreme changes to our process

Stu Blohm

Executive Vice-President
Sopakco logo

…American Halal Foundation provided a tailored program around SOPAKCO's very complex military assembly program. Through this effort SOPAKCO was able to prepare a meal configuration that met the US Government's strict standards within the price point required for our contract…

Lonnie Thompson

President

FAQ

What products require halal certification for export to Japan?

In Japan, halal certification is mainly sought for food and beverage items, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other consumable products.

How long does the halal certification process take?

The duration of the halal certification process can vary depending on the complexity of your supply chain and the certification body you choose. On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to complete, including document submission, audit, and approval stages.

What are the key steps involved in obtaining halal certification for exports to Japan?

The key steps include filling the halal application, submitting the necessary documentation (including product ingredients and manufacturing processes), undergoing an audit of your facilities and processes, and finally, receiving the certification if all standards are met.

What documents are required for halal certification?

The required documents generally include product specifications, ingredient lists, supplier certifications, manufacturing process details, and quality control procedures.

What happens if my product doesn’t meet the halal standards?

If your product doesn’t meet halal standards during the initial audit, AHF will typically provide a report detailing non-compliance issues. You will then need to address these issues and undergo a follow-up audit before certification can be granted.

Get Halal Certified Now!

The window to gain a competitive edge through halal certification in Japan is narrowing as more businesses recognize its growing importance.

Investing in halal certification for your products or facility is a modest commitment that can yield significant returns and open doors to new markets.

Interested in exploring halal certification for exports to Japan? Get in touch with AHF here to obtain a quote!