18 Saudi International Halal Expo
18 Saudi International Halal Expo
@ Halal | November-December . 2024
halal certification processes .
“ Ideally , there should be one global halal standard . However , the reality is that each country entering the halal market tends to establish its standards , accreditation bodies , and systems , preventing unity ,” remarked Sajjad .
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) have a halal body , the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries ( SMIIC ), which sets standards relevant to its 57 Member States .
However , most member states still adhere to their halal standards , shaped by their specific interpretations of Shariah and Fiqh .
The differences in halal standards can also be attributed to varying market trends across countries . These trends are influenced by each country ’ s cultural and taste preferences , as well as regional influences .
Driving the industry
HDC Pakistan navigating diversity , accredited certification , and regional variances
THE Halal Development Council ( HDC ) is a pioneering non-governmental organisation ( NGO ) in Pakistan dedicated to driving the development of the halal industry worldwide . It aims to achieve this through promoting awareness , educating stakeholders , and supporting trade initiatives .
By participating in events like the Saudi International Halal Expo 2024 , HDC works to expand its global influence , strengthen strategic connections , and foster international trade in the halal sector .
These efforts also help to highlight the diverse scope of the halal industry . As HDC Founder and CEO Asad Sajjad pointed out , there is a widespread misconception , especially in some Muslim-majority countries , that halal pertains only to meat and poultry .
“ Halal encompasses a diverse range of both food and non-food products . In the food sector , this includes all types of meat , poultry , processed food items , beverages and the ingredients that go into them ,” said Sajjad .
“ For non-food products , halal certification extends to cosmetics , pharmaceuticals , personal care items , animal and poultry feed , and even packaging materials .”
This shows halal as a comprehensive lifestyle standard rather than a singular dietary requirement .
There is also a broad range of halal services , where demand varies depending on the awareness of the buyer in each country . In countries with a high level of halal consciousness , consumers expect halal certification not only in food products but across diverse sectors .
The main challenge here is the lack of awareness . While countries like Malaysia have made significant strides in public awareness of halal products , much of the global market still sees halal primarily in terms of meat .
FULL AWARENESS
This underscores the need for educational initiatives , such as conferences , seminars , and workshops .
Education is also crucial in ensuring transparency and credibility within the halal
Asad Sajjad supply chain . Without full awareness , many may not realise the risk of contamination , even in products that seem unrelated to food , such as packaging , storage , and transport .
“ The entire supply chain must be halalcertified , from farm to fork ,” said Sajjad .
Ensuring compliance with halal standards requires certification from recognised bodies . A self-declaration or informal labelling is not sufficient to guarantee authenticity .
“ Without certification , labelling a product as halal is simply a self-declaration ,” he asserted .
One issue the halal industry must overcome is grappling with the lack of standardisation in
OVERCOMING INCONSISTENCIES
For example , China , Vietnam , and Taiwan have distinct halal products that cater to local tastes . This differs significantly from those countries in the Middle East , where traditional Middle Eastern flavours and dishes dominate .
The cultural context in each country influences what is considered acceptable or desirable in halal food and non-food items . In India , Pakistan , and Bangladesh , the range of halal products varies to cater to the dietary habits of the region .
Likewise , significant cultural variations emerge for non-food items like modest clothing . While the concept of modesty is shared across Muslim-majority countries , the local fashion trends vary widely .
These differences are particularly evident in food and clothing . Non-food halal products such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals tend to exhibit more global consistency .
Although variations between halal standards are often minor , they can still present significant challenges .
“ For instance , Malaysia , known for its rigorous halal standards , faces export restrictions to Pakistan due to these disparities , even though the two countries have a free trade agreement ( FTA ). Similarly , Pakistani halal products cannot be exported to Malaysia for the same reason .”
This lack of harmonisation creates global trade barriers , emphasising the urgent need for a unified approach to halal standards . Although discussions have been ongoing for years , the issue remains unresolved .
To address this , key governments within the OIC , like Malaysia , Indonesia , United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), Saudi Arabia , Turkey , and Pakistan , must come together with a clear , collective goal of standardising their halal regulations .
“ If they can ’ t agree on one standard , they should at least work towards harmonising them .
“ There needs to be a collective effort to harmonise these standards , and SMIIC , under OIC , is the right platform to facilitate this . When there ’ s a will , there ’ s a way ,” asserted Sajjad . –