If you are a logistics provider, you might be wondering why you should care about halal certification. After all, you are not producing or selling any food or beverages, right?

Well, think again. Halal certification is not only about the end products, but also about the entire supply chain that delivers them to the consumers.

And that includes logistic providers.

The Halal Boom

The halal sector is not only a potential for the future, it is the present, and yet the sector is expected to grow substantially, exceeding $5 trillion in value until 2030. Furthermore, the Muslim population is also expected to increase by more than 50% over the next few decades.

This represents quite a healthy chunk of the market for whom halal is not really a preference, but a necessity. So how can you be the business that is able to penetrate this market?

The answer is simple through halal certification.

Businesses that invest in halal certification today are already positioning themselves for long-term success and we’re here to explain how you can do the same if you’re operating in the logistics sector.

What does Halal Mean in Logistics?

It’s very likely that you may have not heard too much about halal certification for logistics.
In simple terms, halal certification for logistics is the process of ensuring that logistics operations comply with Islamic law.

Having halal certification for your logistics operations ensures that the entire journey of a product, from manufacturer to end-user, adheres to the strict ethical and quality standards set forth by Islamic law.

Here are the main areas where halal compliance in logistics is required to obtain halal certification:

• Handling & Storage: Make sure dedicated equipment and utensils are used for halal products to prevent cross-contamination.
• Transportation: Vehicles used for transporting halal goods must be cleaned and sanitized according to halal standards.
• Vendor and Supplier Compliance: Ensure that all vendors and suppliers in the supply chain are also halal-compliant or certified.
• Quality Control: Conduct regular inspections and audits by certified halal authorities to ensure ongoing compliance.

Why is Halal Certification Important in Logistics?

Muslim consumers are now trained to look for one item in product packaging before purchasing it, and that is the halal certification logo. Halal certification helps muslim consumers be confident that the products they purchase are Halal.

Getting halal certification in logistics particularly can offer multiple benefits. Here are some key advantages:

Opportunity of Exporting to Muslim Countries

The halal consumer population is expected to account for almost 30% of the world’s population over the next 10-15 years. Muslim countries account for nearly 22% of the global economy and many of them require halal certification for their imported goods.

The halal logistics market is also subsequently expanding rapidly, as more and more halal products are traded across borders and regions. Hence, by obtaining halal certification, you too can access this lucrative market and gain a competitive edge over your rivals.

Improve Operational Efficiency by Minimizing Risk

Getting halal certification is not only helpful in expanding your market and building trust, it can also help improve your internal logistical processes. By following the halal guidelines through certification, you can optimize your processes and logistical processes to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and excellence.

Moreover, you can also reduce waste, errors, risks, and costs by avoiding any potential issues or disputes related to halal compliance. Furthermore, your business can also benefit from the training and guidance of halal certifying bodies and experts as they will scrutinize those aspects of your operations that you may have not given much attention to.

How to Get Halal Certification for Logistics?

To get Halal certification for logistics, you will need to apply to a recognized Halal certification body. The certification body will then assess your operations to ensure that they meet all Halal requirements. Once your business has been certified, you will be authorized to display the Halal certification logo on your packaging and marketing materials.

Here are some considerations you will need to take to get halal certification for logistics:

Step 1- Identify the Scope of Certification Required:

Depending on your business model and activities, you may need to obtain halal certification for one or more aspects of your logistics operations, such as warehousing, transportation, distribution, or handling.

In addition to that, you may also need to consider the specific requirements of your target markets and customers as the strictness of halal requirements may vary from one country to another.

Step 2- Choose the Right Halal Certifying Body:

There are many halal certifying bodies around the world, but not all of them are recognized or accepted by all countries or regions. You should do some research and select a halal certifying body that has the necessary accreditation, experience, and reputation in the industry.

Choosing the right halal certification organization is critical as the entire purpose of getting halal certification is building trust. Hence, opting for a certifying body that is widely recognized and respected will lend greater credibility to your logistics operations.

Step 3- Implement Corrective Actions if Required:

If there are any non-conformities or gaps identified during the audit and inspection process, you will need to implement corrective actions to address them within a specified timeframe. Moreover, you may also have to provide evidence of your corrective actions to the halal certifying body for verification.

Therefore, it is recommended to prepare all relevant documents and records when applying for halal certification to facilitate the audit and inspection process and ensure the smooth issuance of your halal certificate.

Don’t Get Left Behind

Don’t take halal certification as a burden or a barrier in logistics. On the contrary, take it as an opportunity to help you grow your business. As consumer awareness grows and halal standards become more stringent, the importance of halal certification in the logistics industry will only continue to rise.

If you are interested in obtaining halal certification for your logistics operations or learning more about it, check out the American Halal Foundation (AHF) for a consultation. AHF is a leading halal logistics provider with extensive experience in the field and can also offer customized solutions to meet your business needs.

Don’t miss the opportunity to penetrate the growing halal market; sort out your halal certification as soon as possible.