Halal certification ensures that products and services comply with Islamic dietary and ethical standards. The global halal industry is rapidly expanding, with increasing demand for certified food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics services. However, a significant challenge in this sector is the non-acceptance of certificates issued by different halal certification bodies (HCBs) and a lack of trust among them. This issue creates inefficiencies, increases costs for businesses, and undermines consumer confidence in halal products.

This article explores the implications of non-recognition of halal certificates and the absence of trust between certification bodies, along with potential solutions to harmonize global halal standards.

1. Causes of Non-Acceptance and Lack of Trust Between Halal Certification Bodies

Several factors contribute to the non-recognition of halal certificates and mistrust among HCBs:

A. Divergent Halal Standards

• Different countries and Islamic schools of thought (e.g., Sunni, Shia) have varying interpretations of halal requirements.
• Some certification bodies follow stricter guidelines (e.g., no machine slaughtering, specific stunning methods), while others adopt more lenient approaches.
• The absence of a universally accepted halal standard leads to disputes over certification validity.

B. Lack of International Harmonization

• Each Muslim / sometimes Non-Muslim country have their own standards.
• Regional bodies often refuse to recognize certificates from others due to differences in auditing processes, compliance criteria or just market share or economical gains.

C. Commercial and Political Influences

• Some countries impose protectionist policies, favoring local certifiers over foreign ones to boost their own halal industries.
• Geopolitical tensions between Muslim-majority nations can affect mutual recognition of certificates.

D. Credibility and Transparency Issues

• Cases of fraudulent halal certificates have eroded trust in some certification bodies.
• Weak oversight and inconsistent auditing processes raise doubts about the reliability of certain HCBs.

2. Implications of Non-Acceptance and Distrust

The refusal to recognize halal certificates and the lack of trust between HCBs have far-reaching consequences:

A. Increased Costs for Businesses

• Companies exporting halal products must obtain multiple certifications from different bodies to access various markets.
• Additional audits, fees, and compliance checks raise operational expenses, making halal products more expensive for consumers.

B. Market Access Barriers

• Exporters face rejections at borders if their halal certificates are not recognized by the importing country.
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) suffer the most, as they lack resources to comply with multiple certification requirements.

C. Consumer Confusion and Loss of Trust

• Inconsistent halal labeling leads to consumer skepticism about product authenticity.
• Cases of fake halal certifications (e.g., non-halal meat sold as halal) damage the reputation of the entire industry.

D. Fragmentation of the Global Halal Economy

• The lack of mutual recognition slows down the growth of the halal trade, estimated to be worth over $2.5 trillion annually.
• Disputes over certification validity create trade disputes between Muslim-majority nations.

E. Weakened Islamic Unity

• Halal certification disputes reflect broader divisions within the Muslim world on religious interpretations.
• Instead of fostering economic cooperation, these conflicts deepen mistrust among Muslim nations and consumers.

3. Potential Solutions to Improve Trust and Recognition

To address these challenges, the following measures can be implemented:

A. Global Halal Standardization

• Establish a universally recognized and globally accepted halal standard under organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC). All the Muslim states should adhere to this unified standard.
• Encourage major certifiers (JAKIM, BPJPH, MUIS, CICOT etc.) to align their standards.

B. Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

• Countries should sign bilateral or multilateral agreements to recognize each other’s halal certificates.
• The ASEAN Halal Agreement is a positive example where member states accept each other’s certifications.

C. Strengthening Oversight and Accreditation

• Implement third-party audits and blockchain-based traceability to prevent fraud.
• Develop an international halal accreditation body to monitor certification agencies.

D. Digitalization of Halal Certification

• Introduce e-certificates and QR-code verification to enhance transparency.
• Platforms like HalalChain use blockchain to track halal compliance across supply chains.

E. Promoting Dialogue Among Scholars and Certifiers

• Regular summits between halal authorities can help resolve theological and procedural differences.
• Encourage building trust amongst Muslims to promote Ummah and to build confidence in foreign HCBs.
• Halal Certification Bodies Federations can help streamline mutual acceptance and mutual understanding towards a greater goal

4. Conclusion

The non-acceptance of halal certificates and the lack of trust between certification bodies hinder the growth of the global halal industry. Businesses face higher costs, consumers lose confidence, and Muslim nations miss opportunities for economic collaboration.

By adopting universal standards, mutual recognition agreements, and digital verification systems, the halal sector can overcome these challenges. A unified approach will strengthen the integrity of halal certification, boost international trade, and reinforce trust among Muslims worldwide.

Key Takeaways

✅ Divergent standards and geopolitical issues cause non-acceptance of halal certificates. ✅ Businesses suffer from multiple certifications and market access barriers. ✅ Consumers lose trust due to inconsistent and fraudulent halal labels. ✅ Solutions include global standardization, MRAs, blockchain tracking, and inter-certifier dialogue.

By addressing these issues, the halal industry can achieve greater efficiency, transparency, and global acceptance.

HalalFocus Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM)
Muis
Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal (BPJPH)
SFDA - هيئة الغذاء والدواء
The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) LPPOM MUI
STANDARDS MALAYSIA