Halal Certification in UAE
Halal certification in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a buzzing center for worldwide trade. It’s not just about location. This country values its Islamic foundation including its devotion to Halal practices across diverse businesses. Halal certification isn’t merely legal jargon in the UAE. It’s crucial for guaranteeing products, mainly food and drink items, adhere to Islamic dietary rules, establishing trust around the globe. The UAE’s ideal location, flourishing economy, and tourism appeal make it an alluring place for businesses across the world. To tap into the blooming global Halal market, knowing the ins and outs of Halal certification in the UAE is vital.
What is halal certification?
‘Halal’ is an Arabic word. It means ‘allowed’ or ‘ok.’ This is about things that are okay to do or use according to Islamic rules. These rules come from two important Islamic texts, the Quran and the Hadith. When we talk about food and drinks, ‘Halal’ is like a special mark. It tells us that a product doesn’t have forbidden things like pork or alcohol. It also shows it’s made the right way. But ‘Halal’ isn’t just about food. It also matters for things like makeup, medicine, and even services like shipping and banking. The ‘Halal’ mark is more than religion. It also means things are clean, ethical, and high-quality. So, it’s becoming more important around the world.
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Importance of halal certification
- First, the UAE has set rules requiring businesses to get Halal certification, particularly for food and drink businesses. These rules make sure all products sold and eaten in the UAE follow Islamic food laws.
- Second, because the UAE is mostly Muslim, the population demands Halal-certified goods in various areas, including food, makeup, and medicine. The people use the Halal symbol as assurance of obedience to Islamic principles.
- Third, being an international tourism hotspot, the UAE welcomes many Muslim tourists each year. For hotels and restaurants serving these visitors, Halal certification is vital because it assures guests their diet and religious needs are respected.
- Fourth, with the UAE being a primary goods re-exporter, Halal certification is essential for businesses wanting to trade goods to mainly Muslim countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Entering these markets often requires Halal certification.
- Lastly, the Halal economy worldwide is valued at trillions of dollars with promising growth rates. This certification allows UAE businesses to benefit from this profitable market, both locally and overseas.
Key halal certification authorities in UAE
These groups confirm that things meet Islamic and international Halal standards.
- Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), is the main regulator for Halal in the UAE. Working under Federal Law No. 8 of 2009, ESMA sets UAE Halal standards, called the UAE Scheme for Halal Certification.
- They give the Halal National Mark to various items from food products to cosmetics. The Halal National Mark is a badge of quality and complies with local and international standards. It shows that products have passed tough tests and follow Islamic rules.
- The International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF), set up in 2016 in Dubai, is a global network aimed at standardizing Halal certification. It helps other countries recognize Halal certificates, aiding businesses in reaching global Halal markets. Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department plays an essential part in securing food safety and Halal within Dubai.
- They do checks, audits, and lab tests to make sure food venues stick to Halal rules. ESMA also collaborates with numerous certified Halal bodies, both locally and worldwide.
- These groups can certify according to UAE Halal standards, and businesses can select which ones suit their industry and needs best.
Halal certification process in UAE
Systematic path to get UAE Halal Certification.
For products/services to match with Islamic laws, follow these steps.
Note, based on the type of product and certifying body, minor variations may exist.
Step : 1
1
Application submission: the business’s first task is to apply to a known Halal certifying body. It needs to give all important info about its product or service. Things like ingredients, how it’s made, and its supply path.
2
Step : 2
Document review: Halal certifier checks the submitted papers. All ingredients and processes need to be Halal approved. They look for Haram substances and check for Islamic rules on animal slaughter and ingredient origin.
Step : 3
3
Step : 4
4
Step : 5
5
Sectors requiring halal certification
- Food and Beverage : This is the top industry where Halal certification is compulsory. It ranges from raw materials and packaged goods to restaurants and catering services.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care : Items in this category must be Halal certified. It means they don't contain alcohol, ingredients from animals (unless Halal slaughtered), and other Haram items. This is important for local buyers and exports.
- Pharmaceuticals : Halal certification is crucial here. It confirms that health supplements and medicines don't have Haram items. This is especially vital in making gelatin-based capsules and other items containing ingredients from animals.
- Hospitality and Tourism : Many tourism businesses, resorts, and hotels require Halal certification for their food and drink services. This is to serve Muslim tourists better.
- Halal certification also applies to spa products, toiletries, and amenities for guests.
- Logistics and Supply Chain : Firms in this field manage the delivery and storage of Halal items. They must ensure there's no mixing with non-Halal products. Halal certification in logistics becomes more critical as more firms focus on compliance within their supply chains.
Benefits of halal certification
- It opens up local and global markets. The majority of buyers in the UAE are Muslims, making this certification key. It also allows exports to the Middle-East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and more.
- It helps build trust with buyers, since they'll know the products align with Islamic dietary and ethics. This trust can boost sales and loyalty.
- Halal certificate acts as an added advantage in the global market, especially when consumers are mindful of ethical and religious factors.
- It helps businesses get an edge over those without the certificate. It helps in meeting local UAE laws and avoiding any legal problems.
- It uplifts the company's image as high-quality and ethical. This image enhancement draws a wider audience, including ethical buyers, both Muslim and non-Muslim.
Being Halal-certified is crucial for companies in the UAE because Islamic values shape buying decisions and rules here. Now more than ever, the Halal economy is booming worldwide. The UAE is a big part of it.
So, getting Halal certification is not just following rules. It’s a smart business move. Take industries like food, makeup, medicine, and hotels. Halal certification boosts their prospects, home and abroad. The path to certification may bring hurdles. Yet, its lasting perks – trust from buyers, wider market reach, better brand image – make it a must for any UAE-based business hoping to score big in the global Halal market.
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