In India, HALAL certification is a crucial aspect of the food industry, and it ensures that products meet the highest standards of compliance with Islamic dietary laws. This article provides a comprehensive guide to obtaining HALAL certification in India.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for Halal-certified food products, not only in Muslim-majority countries but also in non-Muslim countries. This has led to an increased emphasis on Halal certification and compliance. The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India has authorized the Quality Council of India (QCI) for establishing the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) – Halal, to ensure the highest standards of Halal compliance. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been designated as the monitoring authority for this scheme.
What is Halal certification?
Halal certification is a process by which a certification body, authorized by the relevant Islamic authorities, verifies that the food products comply with Islamic dietary guidelines. The certification process involves a thorough examination of the entire production process, from the sourcing of ingredients to the final product. The certification body checks whether the food products contain any prohibited ingredients and whether the production process adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
The India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) – Halal
The India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) – Halal is a certification scheme established by the Quality Council of India (QCI) to ensure the conformity of food products with Islamic dietary guidelines. The certification process involves the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) as required in the country of export.
Benefits of Halal certification
Halal certification provides several benefits to food business operators, including:
- Increases consumer trust and credibility
- Assures Muslim consumers about the compliance of products with Islamic dietary guidelines
- Helps in increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Enhances the brand value of the food business
- Opens up new markets and business opportunities
New Requirement for Halal Certification
Recently, the Department of Commerce issued a new requirement for Halal certification. As per this new regulation, all food business operators seeking Halal certification must comply with the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) – Halal. This scheme requires Halal certification bodies to comply with ISO/IEC 17065 and the General Guidelines for the Use of the Term ‘Halal’. This new requirement will help to ensure that all Halal-certified food products meet the highest standards of quality and safety.
What You Should Know
- Halal Food Product Certification Schemes require the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) as required in the country of export.
- Enzymes, Emulsifiers, Blood & Blood by-products, Pork, lard, its by-products, and Alcohol are not to be used for production or preservation. They cannot be used in any of the animal-based ingredients, such as Gelatin and Shortenings. They must be derived from a Halal source.
- Halal products should not, in the course of preparation, processing, transportation, or storage, be in contact with Non-Halal products.
- Mixing of Halal and Non-Halal foods and materials, which may occur during preparation, collection, washing, or storing must be avoided. Separate washing and drying equipment for such items must be provided.
- Muslim staff must be appointed at Halal manufacturing units, and all staff must not bring Non-Halal Foods or Beverages into the production area.
- An establishment that is awarded a Halal certificate is allowed to affix the Halal Logo of the certifying authority on its products and display it on its premises.
Conditions of Application
- Halal productions must start before any inspection can be carried out.
- Application on the official letterhead is required, along with the name and nature of each product individually.
- Details of materials used for manufacturing and preserving the product are also required.
- Assurance from the company that the products are manufactured as per the Halal certifying conditions of the Halal Certificate of India and the products are not preserved with Pork, its lard and by-products, Alcohol, and any of the animal-based ingredients, such as gelatin and shortenings. The preservatives must be derived from Halal sources.
- A Govt. licensed Laboratory certificate showing the ingredients of the product is also required.
- A copy of the Export license and of the products with their original packing must be provided.
- If certification for the whole manufacturing unit is needed, a diagram of the production area attached to the Laboratory is required.
- Upon receipt of the application, a team of Halal experts will visit the unit for inspection.
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