Halal Certification Requirements by Country

Halal certification requirements have now become highly regulated amidst businesses entering international markets. Each nation is now following its own standards, regulatory authorities, and labeling guidelines to ensure products meet Islamic dietary laws.

Understanding these country-specific regulations is critical for manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers looking to access Muslim-majority markets.

This is the go-to guide for manufacturers to comprehend country specific halal regulations.

Halal Certification Requirements by Country

Country / Region	Key Requirements to Note
Halal Certification Requirements Indonesia	Halal certification mandatory for all food & beverages by Oct 17, 2026 highlighted by BPJPH. Foreign halal certificates must be issued via halal certification bodies accredited by Indonesia’s halal authority, like the American Halal Foundation. Specific labelling regulations – contact AHF expert to learn more details regarding your scope.
Halal Certification Requirements Malaysia	JAKIM is the only authorized body and follows strict guidelines under MS 1500:2019.Extensive audits, labeling controls, and supply-chain traceability.Widely accepted in most Muslim-majority countries.
Halal Certification Requirements Saudi Arabia	Halal logos on products must be SFDA-approved.Follows GSO 2055-1:2015 and GSO 2055-2:2015 for halal management systems and slaughter requirements.Specific halal labelling guidelines are required – contact AHF expert to learn more details regarding your scope.
Halal Certification Requirements Singapore	The sole national halal certifier and accreditation body is MUIS. Covers products, food services, catering, and manufacturing.Recognized globally, especially in Southeast Asia.
Halal Certification Requirements UAE	MOIAT is the competent authority overseeing the national halal certification framework. EIAC and ENAS are two designated accreditation bodies that accredit foreign and domestic halal certification bodies under the supervision of MOIAT.Strict rules on ingredients, packaging, labeling, storage, and transportation.Export certifiers must be audited in accordance with the UAE.S Halal Guidelines for market entry.
Halal Certification Requirements Qatar	Certificates must be issued by Qatar-approved foreign certifiers under the Ministry of Public Health. Follows GSO 2055-1:2015 for halal compliance.Requires Arabic halal labeling, proper slaughter methods, and segregation during storage and transport.
Halal Certification Requirements Pakistan	Oversees halal certification under PS: 3733-2016 Halal Standard.Mandatory for food exports to GCC, Malaysia, and Indonesia.Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) ensures traceability, slaughter compliance, and halal labeling control.
Halal Certification Requirements Thailand	CICOT is the only authorized body for halal certification in Thailand.Certification follows OIC/SMIIC halal standards.Covers food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.
Halal Certification Requirements United States	Key certifiers like American Halal Foundation are listed by USDA as US-based halal certifiers. Key leading halal authorities are members of the World Halal Food Council.

Get in Touch With AHF

American Halal Foundation has set up a special regulatory division to help U.S and international exporters comply with halal requirements. To learn more, get in touch with an expert by contacting below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is halal certification mandatory for exports?

It depends on the country. For example, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia require halal certification for certain products, while countries like Pakistan, Qatar, Thailand, and Singapore treat it as voluntary unless exporting to regulated markets.

Q. Does one halal certificate work globally?

If a halal certification body, like AHF, is recognized in multiple countries, then one halal certification for export to multiple countries will be sufficient. However, specific labelling guidelines for each destination may need to be complied with.

Q. How long does the halal certification process take?

On average, the process takes 6–8 weeks depending on:

Number of products and facilities.
Target export countries.
Required documentation and audits.

Q. Does AHF handle multi-country certification?

Yes. AHF specializes in multi-market halal certifications.
With global accreditations and partnerships, AHF helps manufacturers certify products for Indonesia, GCC, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, and more — all in a streamlined process.

Q. Can AHF integrate other certifications with halal audits?

Yes, AHF offers integrated audit programs, allowing you to bundle:

Halal Certification
Vegan Certification
Non-GMO Certification
SQF Certification

Azmi Anees

Azmi Anees is a certification and compliance specialist working with the American Halal Foundation, where he focuses on global halal certification programs, integrated audits, and market-access strategy for food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and ingredient manufacturers. He has worked closely with multinational brands and SMEs across North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. His insights emphasize on practical guidance for manufacturers looking to achieve halal compliance while improving operational efficiency and global market reach.