What is a Halal Certificate?
A Halal Certificate is an official document that shows your products or services follow Islamic guidelines and are suitable for Muslim customers.
In Malaysia, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) is in charge of halal certification. JAKIM's halal certificate is one of the most trusted and widely recognized certifications, making it easier for businesses to gain customer trust, especially from the Muslim community.
Categories of Malaysia Halal Certification Scheme
The Malaysia Halal Certification Scheme is divided into the following categories:
- Food Product/ Beverage/ Food Supplement
Covers items such as packaged food, drinks, and dietary supplements. - Food Premise/ Hotel
Applies to restaurants, catering services, and hotels offering halal-certified food. - Consumer Goods
Includes non-food products like household items and consumables that meet halal requirements. - Cosmetic and Personal Care
Covers beauty and personal care products, such as skincare, haircare, and makeup. - Slaughterhouse
Ensures slaughterhouses meet halal standards for the preparation and processing of halal meat. - Pharmaceutical
Covers medicines, supplements, and healthcare products that comply with halal guidelines. - Logistic
Focuses on the halal integrity of transportation, storage, and handling throughout the supply chain.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Includes companies producing halal-compliant products for other brands under OEM contracts. - Medical Devices
Covers medical tools, equipment, and devices that meet halal standards.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Halal Certificate?
The following businesses and entities are eligible to apply for a Halal Certificate in Malaysia:
- Manufacturer/ Producer
Businesses involved in producing or manufacturing halal products. - Sub-contract Manufacturer
Companies that produce halal products on behalf of other brands. - Repacking
Businesses repacking halal-certified products into smaller packaging for distribution. - Food Premise
Restaurants, food outlets, cafes, and other establishments preparing halal food. - Abattoir/ Slaughterhouse
Facilities involved in halal-compliant slaughtering and meat processing.
What Are the Conditions to Apply for a Halal Certificate?
To apply for a Halal Certificate, the applicant or manufacturer must:
- Register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) or other relevant government agencies.
- Hold a valid business license from Local Authorities (PBT).
- Be in full operation before submitting the application.
- Produce and handle only halal products while complying with halal standards.
- Ensure that ingredients are halal and sourced from certified halal suppliers.
- Apply for all products manufactured or handled at the factory/premise.
- For repackaging, include a recognized halal certificate for the products.
Who Cannot Apply for a Halal Certificate?
Applications will not be accepted if:
- The product is non-halal.
- There are no standards or guidelines for the application.
- The company produces both halal and non-halal products.
- The same brand is used for halal and non-halal products.
- The product or premise has negative implications for religion or society (e.g., entertainment centers, drugs).
- It involves natural products like fresh fish, vegetables, or eggs that don’t undergo processing.
- It includes fertilizer or animal feed, crockery, paper, or finished goods relabeled without processing in Malaysia.
- Products use names associated with non-halal items (e.g., bak kut teh, ham, beer, hotdog).
- The application is for a product still in R&D stages.
- The hotel kitchen prepares pork-based dishes.
What Documents Are Needed for the Application?
Applicants must provide:
- Printed application forms from MYeHALAL.
- Soft copies of:
- Valid Ingredient Certification (Sijil Pengesahan Hasil Bahan)
- SSM Registration
- Business License
- Financial Statement/Star Rating (for resorts/hotels)
- OEM contracts (if applicable)
- Contract and IC for Halal Executive (Muslim)
- Contracts and ICs for 2 permanent Muslim workers in processing.
- Drug Control Authority (DCA) approval (if applicable).
- Approval for imported animal-based materials (DVS).
- Production Flow Chart.
- Packaging and labelling of halal products.
- Factory location and layout.
How to Apply?
Follow these steps:
- Submit your application online via MYeHALAL.
- Submit supporting documents to JAKIM/JAIN.
- Your application will be reviewed. Incomplete submissions will be rejected, and you’ll need to reapply with full documents.
- Pay the processing fee and receive a Charges Letter.
- Audit scheduling after payment.
- On-site audit:
- Address any Non-Conformance Reports (NCR).
- Provide samples for lab analysis.
- Audit report completion.
- Decision by the Halal Certification Panel:
- Rejected applications will receive a notification letter.
- Issuance of Malaysia Halal Certificate for successful applications.
Conditions for Using the Halal Certificate
Certificate holders must:
- Not exchange, lease, sell, or alter the certificate in any way.
- Follow laws and regulations.
- Inform JAKIM/JAIN of any changes to company name, address, product brand, ingredients, or producer.
- Display the original and valid certificate at the stated address.
- Use the Malaysia Halal Logo only on certified products/premises with the MS number and reference number.
- The certificate may be withdrawn if the holder violates halal standards.
How Long is the Halal Certificate Valid?
The Halal Certificate is valid for 2 years.
- For renewal, submit your application with supporting documents at least 3 months before expiry.
Where Can I Get More Information on Halal Certification?
For more details on the halal certification process, you can refer to the following resources:
- Manual Procedure for Malaysia Halal Certification (Third Revision) 2014
Access the comprehensive manual here: MPPHM 2014 - MYeHALAL Website
Visit the MYeHALAL portal to apply or check for further information: MYeHALAL Portal
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