Stay updated on the latest news from major global Halal markets and track international industry trends.
SMIIC, the Standardization and Metrology Organization for Islamic Countries, releases updated Halal standard to harmonize certification requirements across nations.
Global Halal Data Pool is now live. Search for information and certification status of all global certification bodies.
The China Islamic Association's Halal Certification Center has upgraded its service system to provide domestic enterprises with one-stop consulting services for exporting to the Middle East.
Indonesia's LPPOM MUI launches Sihalal online registration system with data integration to the National Halal Authority (BPJPH).
Malaysia's Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) upgrades its globally recognized Halal certification system, accepted by 100+ countries with online verification and declaration services.
UAE's ESMA launches Halal regulatory portal, integrating national registry of Halal-certified institutions and certification advisory services.
Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) launches official Halal certification platform, offering SABER customs clearance system integration and global certification body directory search.
The Hong Kong Islamic Trust Fund (BOT) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the World Halal Food Council (WHFC) and the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO). The three parties will collaborate closely on harmonizing halal certification standards, training technical personnel, and sharing market information. Under the agreement, halal products certified by BOT will receive priority recognition from WHFC and GSO member countries, significantly enhancing the international credibility of Hong Kong’s halal certification. According to BOT's Chairman, this partnership will strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading halal certification hub in the Asia-Pacific region and help more Chinese halal food companies access markets in Gulf countries and among Muslim communities worldwide.
<p>The Hong Kong Islamic Trust (BOT) has launched a digital transformation project for its Halal certification services, introducing blockchain technology to ensure end-to-end traceability. The upgraded system will support online applications, video-based audits, and electronic certificate issuance, significantly reducing certification turnaround times.</p><p>BOT stated that this upgrade aims to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international Halal certification hub and better serve the Halal food trade demands of the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia. The new system is expected to go fully live in Q2025, with real-time data integration established between mainland China's Halal certification platforms.</p>
The National Halal Food Certification Platform (halal.gov.cn), jointly guided by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission and the State Administration of Religious Affairs, is now officially operational. As a national hub for halal food certification information, the platform aggregates data on certified halal food manufacturers, products, and certification agencies across China. It offers services including enterprise verification, product authenticity checks, and public access to certification standards. Integrated with the General Administration of Customs' export food filing system, it provides one-stop certification support for halal food exporters. To date, the platform has recorded over 3000 certified enterprises and 15000 types of halal products.
<p>The State Ethnic Affairs Commission of China and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) signed the "China-Malaysia Halal Certification Mutual Recognition Agreement" in Beijing. Under the agreement, both sides will mutually recognize halal certificates issued by their designated certification bodies, streamlining inspection procedures for the import and export of halal food.</p><p>The agreement covers major categories of halal food, including meat products, dairy products, condiments, and snacks. On the Chinese side, the China Islamic Association and the Islamic Associations of provinces such as Ningxia and Gansu are designated as certification bodies. On the Malaysian side, JAKIM and its authorized agencies serve as the primary certifiers. The agreement is valid for five years and can be automatically renewed upon expiration.</p>
<p>The China Islamic Association has officially launched the "China Halal Certification Service Platform," providing convenient online certification application, audit progress tracking, and certificate verification services for halal food enterprises nationwide. The platform integrates certification resources from Islamic associations across all provinces and cities, standardizing and transparentifying the certification process.</p><p>Enterprises can submit product formulas, production processes, and raw material sources online for review by a team of professional Imams. Upon approval, an electronic certificate is issued, with its information synchronized to the National Halal Food Certification Database for easy verification by domestic and international buyers.</p>
<p>The State Administration for Religious Affairs recently issued the "Guidance on Further Strengthening the Management of Halal Food," which establishes a standardized certification system for halal food, regulates the use of halal labels, and promotes the creation of a unified national regulatory platform. The guidance emphasizes safeguarding the dietary customs rights of ethnic minorities in accordance with the law while fostering the healthy development of the halal food industry.</p><p>It requires religious affairs departments at all levels to strengthen guidance and services for halal food production and operation enterprises, establish and improve a halal food traceability system, and ensure that every stage from raw material procurement to production and processing complies with Islamic Sharia requirements.</p>
World Halal Food Council holds annual conference to discuss harmonization of global halal standards and trade facilitation
Japan Halal Business Association (JHBA) officially established to advance domestic halal market development and international exchange
Halal Australia Expands Certification Services to Support Export-Oriented Businesses
SANHA Upgrades Certification Service System to Enhance Audit Efficiency
Germany releases global directory of Halal certification bodies to help companies identify compliant organizations.
UK Halal Authority updates certification standards to align with latest EU regulations
The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) Expands Halal Certification Services to Cover More Product Categories
Mainland China launches a one-stop Halal consulting platform for exports to the Middle East, integrating certification bodies and regulatory standards.
THIDA Taiwan Halal Industry Development Association: Expanded Certification Consulting Services to Help Enterprises Obtain International Certifications
Hong Kong International Religious Friendship Center (IFRC) Establishes Islamic Food Research Center to Promote Halal Food Trade
BPHC Reform Halal Certification Process to Enhance Review Efficiency
Vietnam Islamic Halal Association Launches Official Website, Offering Halal Certification Consultation and Training Services
Thailand officially establishes THAIHALAL, advancing halal product exports
MUIS Expands Halal Certification Services and Streamlines Application Process for Businesses
Bahrain's Ministry of Health launches Halal Food Certification Platform to Simplify Application Process
The Oman Ministry of Social Development's Halal Supervision Center officially begins operations, overseeing national halal certification affairs.
Qatar Standards Authority (QSAS) Updates Halal Certification Section, Optimizing Online Application Process and Review Criteria
The Kuwait Ministry of Interior's Halal General Directorate has officially launched its website, offering halal certification application and inquiry services.
The "Greater Bay Area Halal Food Standard Integration Seminar," jointly organized by the Guangdong Academy of Ethnic and Religious Studies, the Hong Kong Islamic Endowment Fund, and the Macao Islamic Society, was held in Guangzhou. The meeting discussed the feasibility of establishing a unified halal food standard system for the Greater Bay Area and reached preliminary consensus on certification mutual recognition, information sharing, and talent training. Experts at the seminar noted that the Greater Bay Area has a large Muslim consumer base and a well-developed food processing industry. Establishing a unified halal standard system will facilitate halal food trade within the region and create conditions for mainland halal products to access international markets through Hong Kong and Macao platforms.
<p>According to customs data, China's exports of halal food to the five Central Asian countries rose 32% year-over-year in the first three quarters of 2024, with the most significant growth seen in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Key export categories include beef and mutton products, dairy items, dried fruits and nuts, and traditional Chinese-style halal pastries.</p><p>Analysts attribute this deepening cooperation to trade facilitation measures under the Belt and Road Initiative and the establishment of mutual recognition mechanisms for halal certification. Halal food companies in Ningxia, Gansu, and Xinjiang are actively expanding into Central Asian markets, with some already setting up production facilities locally.</p>
<p>The Gansu Provincial Government has released the "Three-Year Action Plan for the International Development of Halal Food Industry," aiming to double hal al food export volume by 2027. The plan prioritizes supporting hal al food processing industrial clusters in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture and Zhangjiachuan Hui Autonomous County, establishing export bases targeting Central Asian and Middle Eastern markets.</p><p>Key measures include establishing mutual recognition mechanisms for halal certification aligned with international standards, cultivating export-oriented halal food brands, and organizing enterprises to participate in global halal food exhibitions. Gansu Province will collaborate with ASEAN countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia on aligning halal certification standards.</p>
<p>The newly revised "Regulations on the Administration of Halal Food in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region" have officially come into effect. The regulations further improve the licensing system for hal al food production and operation, clarify standards for halal food labeling, and define market supervision responsibilities. Under the new rules, halal food production enterprises must obtain a halal food production and operation license and undergo regular inspections by Islamic associations and imams.</p><p>The regulations also establish a credit evaluation system for halal food businesses and implement a blacklist policy for non-compliant companies. As China's largest聚居 area for the Hui ethnic group, Ningxia's experience in managing halal food will serve as a model for the rest of the country.</p>
This center aggregates the latest news from key halal markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the US, Europe, and the five Central Asian nations. Coverage includes certification updates, product information, policies and regulations, and market trends. Available in both Chinese and English to help you stay ahead of global halal industry developments.