Introduction

The global halal industry has grown exponentially, driven by increasing demand from Muslim consumers and the recognition of halal as a mark of quality and safety.

At the forefront of this development is JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), the leading authority in halal certification and standardization.

Through its Malaysian Halal Standard MS 1500, foreign certification bodies recognition system, and international collaborations—such as with Halal Certification Services Switzerland (HCS)—JAKIM has played a pivotal role in strengthening trust in halal certification worldwide.

1. The Role of JAKIM in the Halal Industry

JAKIM, under the Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia, is the central body responsible for Islamic affairs, including halal certification. Its key contributions include:

• Standardization: Developing and enforcing MS 1500:2019, the benchmark for halal compliance in Malaysia and world-wide.
• Certification: Issuing halal certificates to local and international companies.
• Global Recognition: Establishing a framework for recognizing foreign halal certification bodies to ensure global harmonization.
• Consumer Trust: Upholding strict halal compliance to maintain integrity in the halal ecosystem.

JAKIM's leadership has positioned Malaysia as a global halal hub, influencing halal standards beyond its borders.

2. The Significance of Malaysian Halal Standard MS 1500

Introduced in 2004 and revised over the years, MS 1500: Halal Food – Production, Preparation, Handling, and Storage – General Guidelines is one of the most recognized halal standards globally. Its importance lies in:

• Comprehensive Guidelines: Covers the entire supply chain—from raw materials to processing, packaging, and logistics.
• Scientific & Shariah Compliance: Ensures products meet both Islamic requirements and food safety standards.
• Global Influence: Many countries reference MS 1500 when developing their own halal regulations.
• Continuous Improvement: Regular updates align with technological advancements and industry needs.

MS 1500:2019 has been instrumental in unifying halal practices, making it a gold standard for manufacturers and exporters.

3. JAKIM’s Foreign Halal Certification Bodies Recognition System

To facilitate international trade and ensure halal integrity across borders, JAKIM established a Foreign Certification Bodies (FCB) Recognition System This system:

• Ensures Uniformity: Recognizes only those foreign halal certifiers that meet JAKIM’s stringent requirements.
• Prevents Fraud: Reduces the risk of counterfeit halal certificates in the global market.
• Enhances Market Access: Companies certified by JAKIM-recognized bodies gain easier entry into Muslim-majority markets.
• Promotes Collaboration: Encourages mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) between countries.

Over the years, this system has strengthened the credibility of halal certification worldwide.

4. The Importance of Recognition and Acceptance Between Halal Certification Bodies

With multiple halal certifiers operating globally, is crucial to: mutual recognition

• Avoid Duplication: Reduces redundant audits and certification processes for businesses.
• Ensure Consistency: Harmonizes halal standards across different jurisdictions.
• Build Consumer Confidence: Enhances trust when different certifiers acknowledge each other’s standards
• Facilitate Trade: Simplifies export-import processes for halal products.

JAKIM’s efforts in recognizing foreign certifiers and promoting MRAs have been vital in creating a unified global halal economy.

5. The Value of Collaboration Between JAKIM and Halal Certification Services Switzerland (HCS)

Halal Certification Services Switzerland (HCS) is a leading Swiss and European halal certifier known for its rigorous standards. The collaboration between JAKIM and HCS is significant because:

• Strengthens Global Halal Integrity: Combines JAKIM’s expertise with HCS’s European market knowledge.
• Enhances Cross-Border Certification: Simplifies halal compliance for businesses operating in both regions.
• Promotes Best Practices: Encourages knowledge-sharing on halal audits, laboratory testing, and compliance.
• Boosts Consumer Trust: Assures Muslim consumers that products meet the highest halal and safety standards.

Such partnerships reinforce the credibility of halal certification and support the growth of the halal industry worldwide.

Conclusion

JAKIM’s leadership in halal standardization, through MS 1500 and it's foreign certification recognition system has been instrumental in shaping the global halal landscape. By fostering collaborations—such as with Halal Certification Services Switzerland—JAKIM ensures that halal certification remains transparent, reliable, and universally trusted.

Halal Certification Services Switzerland proudly announces the extension of their recognition through Department of Islamic Development Malaysia JAKIM till May 2028

As the halal market continues to expand, such initiatives will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of halal products, protecting consumer rights, and facilitating international trade. The partnership between Malaysia and Switzerland exemplifies how global cooperation can elevate halal certification to the highest standards, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.

Key Takeaways:

✅JAKIM is a global leader in halal standardization and certification.

✅MS 1500:2019 is a benchmark for halal compliance, influencing international standards.

✅Foreign Certification Recognition ensures global halal integrity.

✅Mutual recognition between certifiers simplifies trade and builds trust.

✅JAKIM-HCS collaboration strengthens halal certification credibility in Switzerland, Europe and beyond.

By upholding these principles, the halal industry can continue to thrive as a symbol of quality, safety, and trust.