Halal certification is one of the main reasons buyers choose Malaysia for food and beverage sourcing. Here is a plain explanation of how the system works and what an importer should verify.
In short: In Malaysia, halal certification is administered by JAKIM and the state Islamic religious departments, and food certification follows the MS 1500 standard. Check that the certificate is valid, covers the product and the factory, and is accepted in your country.
Who issues halal certificates in Malaysia?
Halal certification is administered by JAKIM, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, together with the state Islamic religious departments. Certified companies carry the Malaysian halal logo on approved products and hold a certificate listing what is covered.
What standard does it follow?
Malaysian halal food certification is based on the national standard MS 1500 for halal food, together with related guidelines and Islamic requirements. The standard covers areas such as ingredients, handling, preparation, storage, transport and cleanliness. Ask your supplier which scope and category their certificate covers.
What a buyer should check
- Validity: the certificate must be current and not expired.
- Scope: it must cover the specific product and the specific factory, not just the company.
- Logo use: the halal logo on your packaging must match what the certificate allows.
- Your market: some countries only accept certificates from approved foreign halal bodies. Confirm your authority's current list before ordering.
Cross-checking a certificate
JAKIM provides an online directory of certified companies and products. Compare what the supplier shows you with what the directory lists, and ask for a fresh copy of the certificate with every new order.
Halal is not the only requirement
Halal status does not replace food safety or quality checks. Depending on the product, you may also want HACCP or GMP certification, a certificate of analysis and a shelf life agreed in writing.
Next steps
Read our full buyer's guide to importing halal food from Malaysia, or send us your product requirements and we will check certificates for you.
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