Saudi Arabia, Malaysia To Mutually Recognize Halal Certification

Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have taken a significant step towards improving the reliability and standardization of halal certification by signing a memorandum of cooperation. This collaboration between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) aims to establish a framework for the mutual recognition of halal certification for locally manufactured products. The agreement, signed by SFDA CEO Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey and JAKIM Director General Dr. Hakima Yusuf, addresses the existing variations in halal standards, given the multitude of over 400 certificates worldwide.

Scope of the Agreement

The scope of the agreement covers various areas of cooperation, including:

• Conformity assessment procedures: This includes agreeing on the methods and criteria used to assess the compliance of products with halal standards.
• Standard specifications: This includes agreeing on the technical requirements that products must meet in order to be certified halal.
• Regulations related to the issuance of halal certificates: This includes agreeing on the procedures and documentation required to obtain a halal certificate.
• The exchange of knowledge in training, research, and laboratory analysis of halal products: This includes sharing information and expertise on topics such as halal training, halal research, and halal laboratory analysis.

Through this collaboration, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia aim to strengthen the overall halal certification process and ensure consistency in meeting the expectations of Muslim consumers worldwide.

Dr. Al-Jadhey highlighted the importance of establishing a regulatory framework that enhances the dependability and integrity of halal products, catering to the needs of Muslim communities globally. The Saudi Halal Center, which has been operational for several years, is actively working towards developing an internationally uniform halal certification system. In line with this goal, Saudi Arabia previously signed a memorandum of cooperation with Morocco in October of the preceding year, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing halal standardization.

The recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia represents a crucial milestone in the pursuit of harmonized halal standards. By fostering greater collaboration and exchange of expertise, both countries seek to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of halal-certified products. This partnership aims to promote a seamless global halal industry that caters to the diverse needs of Muslim consumers, ensuring that their religious and cultural requirements are met with consistency and quality.

The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia is a significant step forward in the global effort to harmonize halal standards. By working together, these two countries can help to ensure that halal products are safe, reliable, and consistent for consumers around the world. This is a positive development for the global halal industry and will help to promote trade and economic growth.