What is Halal Certification?
Halal Certification is primarily obtained for food and food-related products but is also applicable to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, and other consumer goods. The term "Halal" means "permitted" or "lawful" in Arabic, signifying that the products comply with Islamic dietary and ethical standards. The certification ensures that food and consumables are clean, hygienic, and safe for consumption.
Importance of Halal Certification in India
A Halal Certificate in India is issued by an authorized Halal certification body, confirming that a product or service complies with Islamic dietary laws. This certification is essential for businesses involved in food production, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other consumer goods. To obtain Halal Certification, businesses must comply with relevant standards and undergo a thorough inspection and audit.
Types of Halal Certification
Halal Certification varies depending on the nature of the business. Businesses such as restaurants, hotels, slaughterhouses, food manufacturers, and packaging companies often seek this certification. Other industries that require Halal Certification include:
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products
- Herbal and traditional products
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Cleaning and hygiene products
- Daily consumer goods
Halal Certification bodies offer different certification schemes, including:
- Food and Catering Scheme
- Restaurant Scheme
- Industrial Scheme
- Abattoir Scheme
- Warehouse or Storage Scheme
- Product Endorsement Scheme
Benefits of Halal Certification
- Market Expansion: Access to a growing Muslim consumer market in India and globally.
- Consumer Trust: Builds confidence among Muslim consumers regarding the quality and compliance of products.
- Regulatory Compliance: Some states in India, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, require Halal Certification for specific products.
- Global Recognition: A Halal Certificate facilitates business expansion into international markets.
- Competitive Advantage: Certified products attract more consumers and create a trustworthy brand image.
Validity of Halal Certification
A Halal Certificate is typically valid for one year. However, it may be revoked if the product or process fails to meet Halal certification requirements.
Requirements for Halal Certification
To obtain a Halal Certificate, businesses must adhere to the following:
Ingredients: All ingredients must be Halal, free from non-Halal animals or additives.
Manufacturing Process: Equipment and utensils used must be free from non-Halal substances.
Packaging: Packaging materials should not contain or come into contact with non-Halal substances.
Storage & Transportation: Products must be stored and transported in a Halal-compliant manner.
Certification: Businesses must obtain certification from a recognized Halal Certification Body registered with the Halal Board of India.
Compliance: Adherence to all Halal-related regulations and laws in India.
Halal Certification Process in India
Step 1: Application Submission
Businesses must apply for Halal Certification through an authorized certification body. AxurTax assists businesses in understanding the application requirements and preparing the necessary documentation.
Step 2: On-Site Audit & Inspection
Once the application is submitted, a team of auditors will conduct an on-site inspection. The auditors assess:
- Documentation
- Processing, handling, and distribution of products
- Storage, display, and serving of products
- Cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety
- Tools, equipment, and machinery
- Packaging and labeling
Businesses must provide raw material acceptance criteria, a certificate of analysis, and Halal certification for individual components.
Step 3: Certification Approval
Following the audit, the Halal Certification Body’s Technical Committee reviews the report and supporting documents. If the business meets all criteria, a Halal Certificate is issued, including the business name, scope of certification, and validity period.
Why Choose AxurTax for Halal Certification?
AxurTax specializes in regulatory compliance and certification services, making the Halal Certification process seamless for businesses. Our experts provide:
- Consultation on Halal compliance
- Assistance with document preparation
- Audit support and inspection guidance
- Coordination with certification bodies
- Hassle-free certification approval
Whether you run a food business, a pharmaceutical company, or a consumer goods enterprise, AxurTax ensures a smooth certification process, helping you tap into the vast Halal market. Get in touch with us today to begin your Halal Certification journey!