The meaning of Halal is “permitted, allowed, authorized, approved, sanctioned, lawful, legal, legitimate or licit.” Therefore, a Halal product would be any product that can be consumed rightfully by Muslims under the Shariah Law.
When is a product Halal?
A product is halal when
- It does not contain any ingredient or extract from a previously established Haram animal or ingredient.
- It has been properly processed and stored using clean and up to the mark utensils, machinery, and equipment in accordance with Shariah Law’s guidance for cleanliness.
- It has not been in contact with any Haram substance during any stage of the manufacturing process.
Who decides?
Pakistan National Accreditation Council is the authority that controls and implements the processes of Halal Certification. Similarly, there are other authorities of each country which also provide the certification services.
Halal Certificates
- The Halal certificate is valid for only 3 years after issuance.
- Renewal application is required a month prior to its expiration.
Certification Bodies
As of now – and according to the Pakistan National Accreditation Council – there are eight institutions in Pakistan that are authorized to issue Halal certificates.
- Renaissance Inspection & Certification Agency (RI&CA) (Pvt.) Ltd.
- Punjab Halal Development Agency
- SANHA Halal Associates Pakistan
- International Halal Certification (PVT) Ltd.
- GULFTIC-EIPL (PVT) LTD
- AL-Waiz Certification & Training Services Private Limited
- Global Halal Services
- IFANCA Pakistan Halal Apex Private Limited
It is pertinent that each product in Pakistan get the Halal certification mark as it not only verifies the authenticity of the product for Muslims, but also makes the product a part of the greater Halal products community. Moreover, it is essential for export in several countries. So, Halal certification will allow a company to easily trade their products globally.