The halal certification process has long been perceived as a slow and daunting task. But what if it didn’t have to be? Thanks to new industry collaborations and groundbreaking government initiatives, businesses can now fast-track their halal certification in just 30 days—without excessive costs. At the Halal Certification Acceleration Forum hosted by SELHAC 2024, experts revealed how this transformative shift is making halal certification more efficient, accessible, and inclusive.

Muhammad Zamri Bin Mohd Shapik, Director of the Malaysia Halal Council (JAKIM), emphasized that to accelerate the halal certification process, the industry can’t sit back and wait—it needs to take charge. He pointed out that streamlining and upgrading the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is key to making the process smoother and faster. Experts at the forum agreed: the industry’s active involvement in improving these standards is crucial to speeding things up.

To help businesses navigate these evolving SOPs, third-party organizations like Halal International (HIS Toyyiba Sdn Bhd) are stepping up. These organizations play a vital role in bridging the gap between regulatory authorities and businesses, offering hands-on guidance and helping companies master the certification process.

For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), obtaining halal certification has historically been a complex and time-consuming process. However, Muhammad Syaril Bin Showkat Ali, Acting CEO of HIS Toyyiba Sdn Bhd, shared how Selangor is leading the charge to simplify things. One of the state’s key initiatives is the Certificate of Readiness Assessment program, which allows businesses to evaluate critical areas such as documentation, auditing, and compliance before submitting their application. This not only accelerates certification but also helps entrepreneurs better understand and improve their internal processes, slashing the time it takes to meet halal standards.

While halal certification is traditionally associated with Muslim markets, Rozaina Mahmod, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Manager at Wipro Unza (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, highlighted the growing appeal of halal products in non-Muslim markets as well. She explained that the halal certification stamp is increasingly being recognized as a mark of quality, safety, and ethical production.

Rozaina stressed that halal-certified products must be free from harmful substances like heavy metals, which appeals to health-conscious consumers across the globe, regardless of religious background.

Halal certification doesn’t have to be a barrier to growth. With the right resources, including third-party guidance, advanced readiness programs, and a shift in mindset, businesses can achieve certification in as little as 30 days. By embracing halal standards, companies not only gain access to a booming Muslim market but also tap into a broader audience that values transparency, quality, and ethical production.

In a world where consumers increasingly prioritize what goes into their products, halal certification is fast becoming a powerful tool for businesses seeking to gain a competitive edge—both locally and internationally. With these new approaches, the future of halal certification looks faster, more affordable, and more inclusive than ever.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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