HALAL Certification in India
The term "Halal" originates from the Arabic language, meaning "permitted" or "lawful" according to Islamic law. Halal Certification ensures that the products and services meet these requirements, making them permissible for Muslims. While Halal Certification is often associated with food, it extends to various consumables, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and services that utilize animal products. This certification guarantees that the products are hygienic, safe, and do not harm consumers.
WHAT IS HALAL CERTIFICATION?
Halal Certifications is primarily associated with food and food-related products, though it extends to pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and more. The term "Halal" comes from the Quran and means "permitted" or "lawful." Under Islamic law (Shariah), Halal Certifications guarantees that a product or service is suitable for consumption by Muslims. It emphasizes cleanliness, hygiene, and safety, ensuring that products are not harmful to health and well-being.
As awareness of Halal products grows, more businesses are seeking Halal Certification to meet the demand for safe, clean, and permissible consumables.
HALAL CERTIFICATION IN INDIA:
In India, Halal Certifications is issued by recognized bodies that confirm a product or service complies with Islamic dietary laws. For businesses operating in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, Halal Certification helps ensure your products meet these standards.
Companies seeking Halal Certifications in India must adhere to guidelines set by the certifying body and undergo a thorough inspection and audit process to ensure full compliance.
Obtaining Halal Certification offers businesses numerous advantages:
- Use of the Halal Logo: Once certified, businesses can display the Halal logo on their products, helping them earn the trust of Muslim consumers.
- Access to a Growing Market: Tap into an expanding market and reach a wider consumer base.
- Increased Consumer Trust: Build trust among Muslim consumers by ensuring that your products meet Halal standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Some states in India (such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu) require Halal Certification for specific products or services. Certification helps ensure compliance with these regulations.
- Global Recognition: Halal Certification is recognized internationally, making it easier for your business to enter global markets where Halal products are in demand.
- Competitive Advantage: Halal Certifications can provide your business with a competitive edge by appealing to a broader audience.
To obtain Halal Certificate, businesses must submit the following documents:
- PAN card of the business
- Address proof of the business
- Duly filled application on the company's letterhead
- Details of all products manufactured by the company
- List of raw materials used in the products
- Details of preservation techniques and machinery
- Letter from a government-authorized lab certifying the ingredients used in the product
- Copy of the export license, if applicable
- Product samples in original packaging
- Assurance from the company that:
- The product does not contain pork
- The product is free from alcohol
- The product does not contain animal-based gelatin
- Any preservatives used are Halal-certified
Follow these steps to obtain Halal Certifications for your business:
Step 1: Select the Certifying Body:
Choose a recognized Halal Certification body. The options available in India include:
- Halal India Private Limited
- Halal Certification Services India Private Limited
- JamiatUlama-i-Hind Halal Trust
Step 2: Selection of the Scheme: Decide which Halal Certificate scheme suits your business needs. If your business requires certifications for multiple schemes, a separate application must be submitted for each.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form: Complete the application form available on the certifying body’s website. This form will help assess your eligibility for Halal Certification and initiate the verification process.
Step 4: Audit: After the initial verification, an audit will be conducted by two auditors (one Shariah auditor and one technical auditor). They will inspect various aspects of your business, including documentation, storage, production, cleanliness, and packaging. The auditors will sign off on the audit report upon completion.
Step 5: Certification: Once the audit is completed and all requirements are met, the certifying body will review the findings. If all criteria are satisfied, the Halal Certifications will be granted to the business.
Types of HALAL Certifications:
Several Halal Certifications schemes cater to different types of businesses. These include:
- Restaurant Scheme: For restaurants, cafes, and cloud kitchens that prepare food with meat or animal-based products. Periodic renewal is required.
- Food, Beverage, and Catering Scheme: For companies involved in the production of packaged foods or beverages. The certification process closely monitors ingredients and production processes.
- Abattoirs Scheme: For slaughterhouses and butchers that require Halal Certification. Strict religious procedures must be followed, including prohibiting the slaughter of pigs.
- Industrial Scheme: Applicable to businesses processing and manufacturing products with meat or animal residues. It ensures hygiene and quality standards are maintained.
- Storage/Warehousing Scheme: For warehouses and storage facilities storing Halal meat. Proper temperature control and hygiene standards must be met to prevent contamination.
Validity of HALAL Certificate:
The validity of a Halal Certificates is typically one year. However, the certification is subject to specific conditions and may be revoked if the product or process no longer adheres to Halal requirements.
Requirements for HALAL Certification:
To obtain a Halal Certificate, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: All ingredients used must be Halal and free from non-Halal animals or additives.
- Manufacturing Process: The production process must be in compliance with Halal standards, including the use of Halal-certified equipment and cleaning products.
- Packaging: Packaging materials must not contain non-Halal substances or come into contact with them during production.
- Storage and Transportation: The products must be stored and transported in a way that preserves their Halal status.
- Certification: Businesses must obtain their certificate from a recognized Halal Certifications Body registered with the Halal Board of India.
- Compliance: Businesses must adhere to all laws and regulations concerning Halal Certifications in India.
HALAL Certifications Bodies in India:
In India, the following Halal certifications bodies can issue Halal Certifications:
- Jamiatulama-i-hind Halal Trust
- Halal Certification Services India Private Limited
- Halal India Private Limited
At FilingIn, we offer expert guidance throughout the Halal Certification process. Here’s how we can help:
- Initial Consultation: Our experts will reach out to understand your business needs and assist in selecting the most suitable Halal Certifications body and scheme.
- Documentation Preparation: We assist in gathering and preparing all the required documents for the certification application.
- Application Filing: Our team will ensure that your application is accurately filed and submitted to the certifying body.
- Audit Assistance: We provide support during the audit process, helping you meet all necessary requirements.
- Certification Support: Once the certification is granted, we ensure you receive the Halal Certificate and guide you on how to use it effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions in India
What is Halal Certification?
Halal Certification is an official endorsement given to products or services that meet the standards outlined in Islamic law, ensuring they are permissible (halal) for Muslim consumers.
What types of businesses need Halal Certification?
Businesses in the food, beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other industries using animal products or ingredients must seek Halal Certification to ensure their products are compliant with Islamic laws.
What are the benefits of obtaining Halal Certification?
Halal Certification helps businesses build trust with Muslim consumers, access international markets, improve quality and hygiene standards, and boost brand reputation.
Can non-Muslim businesses apply for Halal Certification?
Yes, businesses regardless of the owner’s religion can apply for Halal Certification, provided they meet the required standards set by certifying bodies.
How long is the Halal Certification valid?
Halal Certification typically lasts for one year and needs to be renewed annually, although some products or services may be eligible for longer validity periods.
What is the Halal Certification process in India?
The process involves selecting a certifying body, filling out an application form, an on-site audit by auditors, and receiving the certification upon meeting all requirements.
Which certifying bodies provide Halal Certification in India?
In India, some recognized certifying bodies include Halal India Private Limited, Halal Certification Services India Private Limited, and JamiatUlama-i-Hind Halal Trust.
Can a business sell Halal products without certification?
No, to officially label and market products as Halal, businesses must obtain Halal Certification from a recognized certifying body.
What is the cost of Halal Certification?
The cost varies depending on the type of business, certification body, and the scheme applied for. It typically includes application fees, audit fees, and sometimes renewal fees.
Do food businesses need Halal Certification?
Yes, food businesses, especially those involved in the production of meat or animal-based products, need Halal Certification to cater to Muslim consumers.
What documents are required for Halal Certification?
Required documents include PAN card, address proof, product details, lab certification of ingredients, a sample of the product, and an assurance letter regarding prohibited ingredients.
How do I apply for Halal Certification?
To apply, businesses need to fill out an application form available on the certifying body’s website, submit required documents, and undergo an audit before certification is granted.
What is the audit process for Halal Certification?
The audit process involves two auditors (one technical and one Shariah auditor) visiting the business premises to assess processes, cleanliness, storage, and adherence to Halal practices.
Is the Halal Certification process time-consuming?
The process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the business and the availability of necessary documents. The audit process may take 1–2 days.
What happens if a business fails the Halal audit?
If a business fails the audit, it must address the deficiencies identified by the auditors and undergo re-evaluation before certification is granted.
Can Halal Certification be used for exporting products?
Yes, Halal Certification is essential for businesses intending to export to Muslim-majority countries. It ensures that the products meet international Halal standards.
Can a business apply for multiple types of Halal Certification?
Yes, a business can apply for multiple schemes if needed (e.g., for food production and abattoirs) by submitting separate applications for each scheme.
How often should I renew my Halal Certification?
Halal Certification generally needs to be renewed annually. The renewal process may involve a review of your practices to ensure ongoing compliance with Halal standards.
What happens if I don’t renew my Halal Certification?
If you don’t renew your Halal Certification, your products can no longer be marketed as Halal, which may affect consumer trust and marketability.
Can Halal Certification help in improving product quality?
Yes, obtaining Halal Certification requires businesses to follow high standards of hygiene and quality, which can ultimately improve the overall quality of the product.
