Halal certification has become an essential requirement for many manufacturers, exporters, and food businesses worldwide
Below is a list of the top 12 halal certification companies and bodies worldwide, known for their international recognition and commitment to maintaining halal integrity across industries.
Check out: Qualify Your Product(s) for Halal Certification
1. American Halal Foundation (AHF)
American Halal Foundation (AHF) is a globally accredited halal certification body based in the USA, with global offices in Canada, China, and India. AHF’s network of halal certification is widely recognized by all 2 billion Muslim consumers across 180+ countries.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Customized halal certification solutionsIntegrates with existing food safety & quality systemsBuilds trust and strengthens brand credibility across marketsEfficient 3-step certification process |
| Industries Served | Food manufacturingFood serviceBeveragesCosmeticsNutraceuticalsPharmaceuticalsPackagingChemicals |
| Other Characteristics | Recognized by international bodies such as BPJPH (Indonesia) and JAKIM (Malaysia). Is also part of the World Halal Food Council. |
2. Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is the primary authority responsible for halal certification in Malaysia. Established in 1997, JAKIM ensures that products and services comply with Islamic dietary laws, thereby safeguarding Muslim consumers’ interests.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Ensures products meet stringent halal standards; recognized internationally; enhances marketability in Muslim-majority countries. |
| Industries Served | Food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, services. |
| Other Characteristics | Collaborates with international halal certification bodies; continuously improves certification processes; addresses halal certification fraud. |
3. Canadian Halal Bureau (CHB)
The Canadian Halal Bureau (CHB) is a leading halal certification body in Canada, offering streamlined and efficient certification processes to help businesses comply with global halal standards.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Quick turnaround times; international recognition; integration with existing quality systems. |
| Industries Served | Food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, nutraceuticals. |
| Other Characteristics | No application fees; dedicated account executives; network of halal certification services recognized by leading international halal authorities. |
4. Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH)
As Indonesia’s governmental body, BPJPH oversees halal certification, ensuring products meet national halal standards.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Mandatory for products in Indonesia; recognized by international markets. |
| Industries Served | Food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics. |
| Other Characteristics | Collaborates with MUI and other bodies to implement halal certification. |
5. Halal Food Standards Alliance of America (HFSAA)
HFSAA provides halal certification services with a focus on transparency and adherence to Islamic dietary laws, ensuring consumers receive authentic halal products.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Protects consumers from mislabeling; supports businesses in maintaining halal integrity. |
| Industries Served | Food manufacturing, meat and poultry, chemicals, food service. |
| Other Characteristics | Non-profit organization dedicated to upholding halal standards in North America. |
6. Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC)
Based in the United Kingdom, HMC offers halal certification services recognized globally, assisting businesses in accessing the growing halal market.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Ensures global recognition; supports businesses in achieving halal excellence. |
| Industries Served | Food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics. |
| Other Characteristics | Accredited by GAC (GCC), Qatar, and UAE; Support from 600+ UK mosques |
7. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Halal Trust
Established in India, this trust provides halal certification services, ensuring products comply with Islamic dietary laws.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Recognized by international bodies; ensures compliance with halal standards. |
| Industries Served | Meat and poultry, food processing. |
| Other Characteristics | Recognized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). |
8. Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA)
THIDA provides halal certification services in Taiwan, ensuring products meet halal standards for Muslim consumers.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Enhances marketability to Muslim consumers; recognized by international bodies. |
| Industries Served | Food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tourism. |
| Other Characteristics | Member of the World Halal Food Council. |
9. Halal Monitoring Authority (HMA) Canada
HMA Canada offers halal certification services, focusing on stringent monitoring and adherence to halal standards.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Ensures consumer confidence; recognized across Canada. |
| Industries Served | Meat and poultry, food processing, restaurants. |
| Other Characteristics | Non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining halal integrity. |
10. Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA)
ESMA is the UAE’s official body for halal certification, ensuring products comply with national and international halal standards.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Mandatory for products in the UAE; recognized internationally. |
| Industries Served | Food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics. |
| Other Characteristics | Collaborates with international halal bodies for standardization. |
11. South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA)
The South African National Halaal Authority provides halal certification services in South Africa and plays a key role in ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws across various industries.
| Key Features | |
| Benefits | Enhances marketability to Muslim consumers across Africa; recognized by international bodies. |
| Industries Served | Consumer products, Raw Materials, etc |
| Other Characteristics | Recognized by JAKIM, GAC and all other major accreditation bodies. |
12. CICOT (Thailand)
CICOT is Thailand’s official halal certification authority, offering services to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and facilitate market access for businesses targeting Muslim consumers.
| Details | |
| Benefits | Internationally recognized halal certification standards; Collaborates with global halal authorities to ensure quality and consistency; Enhances export potential to Muslim-majority countries |
| Industries Served | – Food and beverages, Cosmetics, Pharma, Tourism |
| Other Characteristics | Member of the World Halal Food Council; Works closely with the Thai government to support halal tourism and trade initiatives |
Disclaimer
The information provided in this list of the top halal certification bodies worldwide does not constitute an endorsement or establish any affiliation with the mentioned organizations. Please conduct your own due diligence to select the certification body that best meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the leading foreign halal certification body?
A: The American Halal Foundation (AHF) is a prominent halal certification agency recognized internationally in over 180+ countries.
2. How can a business obtain halal certification?
A: To obtain halal certification, a business must apply to a recognized halal certification body, undergo an audit of its production processes, and ensure all ingredients and procedures meet halal standards.
3. Are halal certification standards consistent worldwide?
A: While the core principles of halal certification are based on Islamic dietary laws, specific standards and requirements may vary between countries and certifying bodies.
4. How long does the halal certification process typically take?
A: The duration of the halal certification process varies depending on the certifying body and the complexity of the business operations. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. For instance, the American Halal Foundation’s efficient system allows clients to achieve halal certification, on average, within 3-5 weeks.
5. Is halal certification recognized internationally?
A: Many halal certification bodies are recognized globally; however, acceptance can vary by country. It’s advisable for businesses to obtain certification from bodies acknowledged in their target markets to facilitate international trade.
6. What is the difference between halal and kosher certifications?
While both halal and kosher certifications pertain to dietary laws in Islam and Judaism, respectively, they have distinct guidelines and requirements. For example, halal prohibits the consumption of alcohol, whereas kosher laws have specific rules regarding the separation of dairy and meat products.
7. How can consumers verify if a product is halal-certified?
Consumers can look for a halal certification logo on product packaging, which indicates approval by a recognized certifying body.
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.
