Categories Wellness-Health India Expands Halal Certification to 20 New Countries 2026年4月9日 Estimated read time 2 min read 0 comments India has broadened the range of countries that require mandatory halal certification for the export of specific meat and meat products. This significant update, communicated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, modifies an earlier order from October 1, 2024, by incorporating an additional 20 countries into the list that mandates compliance with halal certification per the India Conformity Assessment Scheme. The newly added countries are diverse, spanning regions across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. They include Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, among others. Halal certification signifies that the exported product adheres to the Islamic dietary laws laid out in the holy Quran and other Islamic texts. In Arabic, “halal” means permissible. Products certified as halal encompass various sectors, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and hygiene products, ensuring they meet Islamic standards. This recent expansion reflects India’s strategic initiatives to harmonize its export regulations with the cultural and regulatory necessities of importing nations, especially those where halal certification is critical for gaining market access. Compliance with the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (halal) will take effect following a transition period. For most of the newly included countries, these requirements will become mandatory two weeks after the notification date—specifically, starting April 7. However, for Egypt, a more extended transition period of six months has been provided. This additional time will assist certification bodies in preparing to meet the necessary standards. The government has emphasized that all other policy stipulations remain unchanged. This includes the prerequisite that certification must be conducted by bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, alongside compliance with the regulations of the importing countries. Officials have indicated that this initiative aims to bolster transparency and enhance global acceptance. Exporters of meat and meat products are likely to feel a direct impact from this change, as adhering to halal certification standards will now be mandatory for a greater number of destinations. Industry experts assert that this step is set to fortify India’s standing in the global meat export market by ensuring a higher level of compliance with international standards and enabling smoother trade flows.
