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Halal Certification Requirements in Oman: Everything You Need to Know
Oman is now emerging as a notable center for food production, trade, and export within the Middle East region. With the rise of Halal markets globally, acquiring Halal certification is a prerequisite for companies operating in the food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. The credentials guarantee that your merchandise is fit for consumption by Muslims as it fulfills the stringent requirements of Islamic law. As a business operating in Oman with aspirations of broadening your market scope while adhering to Halal compliances, this blog is designed to guide you through the steps and requirements for Halal certification in Oman.
What is Halal Certification?
Halal certification refers to the process of ensuring that a particular product and the process of its production complies with the Islamic laws of consumption (Sharia). In Arabic, the word “Halal” translates to “permissible,” therefore, a product labeled as such is approved for consumption by followers of Islam. For Oman’s businesses, certification can increase their attractiveness to Muslim consumers and thus, access greater opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and many other Muslim dominated nations.
Understanding the Importance of Halal Certification in Oman
Oman is an Islamic nation, which means that consumers buy products based on faith. Acquiring the Halal certificate indicates that your business guarantees to observe the relevant laws and makes certain that your products serve the local market as well as other Muslim countries. In addition, it improves the perception of your business, builds your customer confidence, and raises the chances of selling products to countries that are predominantly Muslim, where acquiring Halal certification is a prerequisite.
Halal Certification Requirements in Oman
Obtaining the Halal certificate in Oman requires going through a few steps and processes to ensure your products and practices comply with Sharia law. Here are the key requirements:
> Raw Materials and Ingredients:
Ingredients are the most important components used in a product. Each ingredient should be Halal compliant and needs to be free from anything that contravenes the Islamic law. For example, the use of pork and alcohol is completely prohibited by Islam. It is the business’ duty to make sure that production processes do not mix with non-Halal ingredients.
> Processing and Handling
The raw materials used to create the product need to be kept clean, and the final product packaging does not produce any non-Halal waste. The entire cycle of production must be in compliance with Halal standards. The equipment that is used to produce Halal items must not have any contact with non-Halal products as it can contaminate the Halal products. In addition, cleanliness and hygiene is very important.
> Slaughtering Methods (For Meat Products)
For businesses that sell meat products, the animals need to be healthy when slaughtered. The Zabiha slaughter method is the only Halal method that is legal, and the animal must be treated humanely, and a prayer known as Bismillah must be said during the slaughter.
> Documentation and Compliance
A detailed document outlining the businesses processing, production, and pre-purchase tracking methods has to be kept by the business acquiring the Halal certification. In addition, the organization’s supply chain must be transparent to show that the company complies with Halal laws. Regulations are very important during the certification process, and without maintaining proper records is difficult.
> Regular Audits
Once a company is certified, it is subject to regular inspections by the certifying organization to ensure that it has not deviated from the previously set standards. The inspection can involve reviewing documents, going through the production process, and examining product samples.
Types Of Certification
- ISO Certification
- ISO 9001 Certification
- ISO 14001 Certification
- ISO 45001 Certification
- ISO 22000 Certification
- ISO 27001 Certification
- ISO 17025 Certification
- ISO 13485 Certification
- ISO 20000-1 Certification
- ISO 22301 Certification
- ISO 50001 Certification
- ISO 37001 Certification
- IATF 16949 Certification
- ISO 29001 Certification
- ISO 31000 Certification
- ISO 20121 Certification
- ISO 10002 Certification
- ISO 41001 Certification
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Cost of Halal Certification in Oman
The cost of halal certification in Oman differs by business size, the complexity of the production process, and the products themselves. Costs typically include application, audit, and renewal fees. Some business owners may resist certification because of the initial costs, however, the possibilities for market expansion as well as higher consumer acceptance usually offset the costs incurred.
For more specific estimates, Popularcert and other consultants for halal certification can offer further insights based on your business requirements.
How to Apply for Halal Certification in Oman
In Oman, applying for halal certification seems straightforward, but in reality, it needs meticulous planning and execution due to the various requirements. Here are the key steps:
- Choose A Halal Certification Body: Make sure to choose an accredited body that has international ties and a local office in Oman, such as Popularcert, which is able to assist you in the selection as well.
- Submit an Application: Fill in the proposed application and submit it to the halal certifying body you have chosen; The application will include your products, production steps, and all the raw materials.
- Go Through an Audit: The certifying body will conduct an audit of your facilities, processes, and documentation to ensure that everything complies with Halal standards. This will include your physical location and any records kept.
- Resolve Any Issues Of Non-Compliance: If there are findings that have not been addressed during the audit, those issues will have to be fixed before further proceeding with certification.
- Get Your Certification: The certification means that the business is now Halal certified and therefore products can be labeled and marketed as Halal compliant to the Muslim market.
The Role of a Halal Certification Consultants At Popularcert
To achieve the certification, a business may find it cumbersome and time consuming if it does not understand Islamic laws of food and other specific requirements of Halal standards. A Halal consultant like Popularcert will help with that. Popularcert helps during each step of the certification process, making sure that the business is compliant with the laws but at the same time, not interfering with the normal operation of the business.
Popularcert offers the following services to help businesses in Oman achieve Halal certification:
- Gap Analysis: Determining where your operations do not comply with the Halal requirements.
- Documentation Support: Filling and submitting the relevant documents needed/supporting documents.
- Audit Preparation: Getting the company ready for audits from certifying authorities.
- Ongoing Compliance: Supporting the company even after certification to achieve continued compliance with Halal requirements.
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FAQ
1. What is the timeline for obtaining the Halal certification?
It is a challenge to set the exact timeline for receiving the Halal certification but it mostly takes between one month to three months depending on how complicated the business is and compliance readiness during the audit.
2. Does Oman require Halal certification for all food products?
While it isn’t a legal requirement in Oman for all food products, Halal certification is mandatory for companies wanting to serve the meat and food products to the Muslim population as well as to other countries as Oman.
3. How often can I postpone spending on renewing halal certification?
After a year when the company has received halal certification, they will need to spend on renewals to the certification in order to keep compliant with halal standards.
4.Can Halal Certification be revoked?
Yes, firms can withdraw Halal certification if non-compliance is found with the standards for halal. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance.