Drive of IFHAB to Standardize Halal Accreditation Boosts Global Economic Opportunities

The Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies (IFHAB) has rapidly emerged as one of the most critical institutions shaping the future of the halal industry. Its mission goes beyond ensuring adherence to religious and technical standards; it is also focused on creating a transparent, standardized, and globally accepted system for halal products and services. The forum’s work, grounded in Sharia principles and international best practices, is vital not only for Muslim communities but also for the global economy as a whole. By promoting IFHAB Halal Accreditation, the organization aims to unlock new economic opportunities in an industry projected to grow substantially in the coming years.

IFHAB Halal Accreditation

The primary goal of IFHAB Halal Accreditation is to ensure that halal products and services meet uniform standards that can be recognized and trusted globally. In a world where trade is increasingly interconnected, having a standardized system that all stakeholders—accreditation bodies, consumers, and legislators—can rely on is essential. IFHAB plays a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts, especially among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

One of IFHAB’s most significant collaborations is with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), an organization that sets technical standards within OIC countries. This partnership enables IFHAB to stay at the forefront of best practices, regularly updating its halal certification processes to align with global market demands. By doing so, the forum not only ensures compliance with religious principles but also caters to international quality and safety standards, making halal products attractive to a broader audience beyond the Muslim community.

The Importance of Global Partnerships

IFHAB’s partnership with SMIIC took a significant step forward during the 21st meeting of the SMIIC Board of Directors on June 1st, 2021. A landmark decision was made to approve the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Halal Quality Global Infrastructure (OHAQ) through resolution number (03/2021). This resolution marked the beginning of a more unified and transparent global halal certification system, with the OHAQ initiative now serving as a cornerstone for halal accreditation worldwide.

SMIIC’s approval of OHAQ was a major milestone, but it was further bolstered when the decision was presented to the OIC General Secretariat for endorsement. This collaborative effort ensures that IFHAB Halal Accreditation is recognized not just within OIC countries but also on a global scale. As halal products and services expand into non-Muslim majority markets like Europe and North America, this level of global standardization becomes even more crucial.

IFHAB’s Recognition by the OIC

Another pivotal moment for IFHAB came during the 49th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in March 2023, held in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Here, IFHAB was officially recognized as an OIC-affiliated institution. This recognition was not merely symbolic; it provided the forum with a mandate to continue its work on a much larger scale, helping to foster socio-economic development and cooperation among OIC member states.

By becoming an OIC-affiliated institution, IFHAB has solidified its position as a trusted body in the halal certification process. This endorsement gives IFHAB Halal Accreditation the credibility needed to influence both regional and global markets. With halal products gaining widespread acceptance beyond the Muslim community, the role of IFHAB in ensuring quality, transparency, and adherence to religious standards is more critical than ever.

Global Market Growth

The economic potential of the halal industry is immense, and IFHAB Halal Accreditation is unlocking new growth opportunities. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2020/2021, the global Muslim consumer base exceeds 1.9 billion people. In 2020, Muslim spending on halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and lifestyle products was over $2.4 trillion. This number is projected to reach $3.2 trillion by 2024, representing a growth rate of 5.2% annually.

This massive market, driven by a young and increasingly affluent Muslim population, is not limited to Muslim-majority countries. Halal products are gaining popularity in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, where both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers associate halal certification with higher quality and ethical standards. For businesses looking to tap into this lucrative market, IFHAB Halal Accreditation provides the necessary credibility and trust to win over consumers.

The rise of halal tourism is another area where IFHAB’s work is making a significant impact. Countries like Malaysia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are already leading the way in offering halal-friendly travel experiences. However, as more non-Muslim majority countries recognize the potential of halal tourism, the demand for accredited halal services—ranging from hotels to restaurants to travel agencies—will continue to grow. By setting global standards, IFHAB Halal Accreditation is helping to facilitate this growth and ensure that halal tourism services are trusted worldwide.

Capacity Building

A key focus of IFHAB’s mission is to develop a standardized framework for halal accreditation. By unifying accreditation procedures across countries and regions, IFHAB aims to create a globally recognized halal certification system that meets both religious and technical requirements. This level of standardization is essential for fostering international trade, as it allows halal-certified products to move more freely across borders, enhancing economic opportunities for businesses.

In addition to standardization, IFHAB Halal Accreditation also emphasizes capacity building. The forum provides specialized training programs aimed at developing a broad base of expert evaluators who can ensure that halal certification processes meet the highest global standards. By equipping OIC member countries with the skills and expertise needed to manage halal certification locally, IFHAB is fostering economic growth within these nations while supporting the development of their halal industries.

For example, training programs conducted by IFHAB in collaboration with SMIIC focus on everything from halal food safety to the accreditation of halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These initiatives not only enhance the credibility of halal products but also create specialized job roles within the halal industry, contributing to broader economic development.

The Future of IFHAB Halal Accreditation

As the global halal industry continues to expand, IFHAB is positioned to play an increasingly important role in shaping its future. By promoting transparency, trust, and standardization, IFHAB Halal Accreditation ensures that halal products and services meet the highest possible standards, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. The forum’s ongoing collaboration with international bodies like SMIIC and the OIC guarantees that halal certification remains a globally respected process, opening up new economic opportunities for companies seeking to enter the halal market.

The demand for halal products and services is only set to grow, driven by both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers who associate halal certification with ethical, safe, and high-quality products. In this rapidly expanding market, IFHAB’s role in ensuring that halal standards are transparent, consistent, and globally recognized will be crucial. Whether it’s in the realm of halal food, pharmaceuticals, or tourism, IFHAB Halal Accreditation is helping to drive economic growth and foster global cooperation.

IFHAB as a Pillar of the Global Halal Economy

In conclusion, IFHAB’s work in standardizing halal accreditation is not just about ensuring compliance with religious standards; it is about unlocking the full economic potential of the global halal industry. With a growing consumer base, increasing international trade, and the rise of new industries like halal tourism, the demand for accredited halal products is higher than ever. IFHAB Halal Accreditation is playing a pivotal role in meeting this demand, ensuring that halal products are trusted, credible, and globally recognized.

As the halal industry continues to grow, the importance of organizations like IFHAB cannot be overstated. By fostering cooperation among OIC member states, collaborating with international bodies like SMIIC, and promoting transparency and standardization, IFHAB is ensuring that the global halal economy remains robust, sustainable, and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.