Halal certification is a process that verifies whether a product complies with Islamic dietary laws and is permissible (Halal) for Muslim consumption. It is commonly applied to food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and slaughterhouses.
The certification ensures:
- No use of Haram (prohibited) substances
- Compliance with Islamic slaughtering and hygiene practices
- Absence of contamination from non‑Halal sources
In Pakistan, Halal certification is governed by the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and standards are developed by PSQCA.
Why Halal Businesses?
One certified Halal product sits on US store shelves compared to 86 non‑certified products. This industry is globally fast‑emerging, attracting 2 billion people – both Muslims and non‑Muslims – due to safer, hygienic, nutritious, high‑quality, and reliable products.
Pakistan has immense potential to capture a large share of the global Halal market. Pakistan is an agricultural state with more than 169 million heads of quality livestock (74 million cattle and buffaloes, 95 million sheep and goats).
Pakistan produces annually:
- 650,402 tons of chicken meat
- 73,000 tons of buffalo meat
- 70,600 tons of cattle meat
- 270,000 tons of goat meat
- 154,000 tons of sheep meat
Proper compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), implementation of ISO certification, Halal certification for meat‑based products, infrastructure upgrades, and storage facilities will help improve consumer satisfaction.
Requirements of Pakistan Halal Standard – PS: 3733
Pakistan Halal Standard PS:3733 follows OIC/SMIIC guidelines, adapted to local practices. Certification bodies must be accredited and recognized by the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC).
1. General Requirements
- Only Halal ingredients and processes must be used.
- No cross‑contamination with Haram materials (e.g., pork, alcohol).
- Raw materials must be traceable and verified as Halal.
2. Slaughtering Requirements
- Animals must be of Halal species (e.g., cattle, goats, poultry).
- Slaughter must be performed by a sane adult Muslim.
- Invocation of “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” before each slaughter.
- Blood must be fully drained.
3. Hygiene and Sanitation
- Facilities must follow good manufacturing and hygienic practices.
- Equipment must be free from Haram contamination.
4. Packaging and Labeling
- Products must be clearly labeled as Halal.
- Halal logo must be used as per certification body guidelines.
- Packaging materials must not contain animal‑derived Haram components.
5. Traceability and Documentation
- Maintain batch records, procurement logs, and supplier Halal certificates.
- System to track ingredients from source to final product.
6. Internal Halal Assurance System
- Halal Policy and Team must be in place.
- Training of staff on Halal handling and compliance.
Process for Third‑Party Halal Certification
- Application to Accredited Halal Certifying Body
- Document Review – Ingredients, sourcing, processes
- On‑site Audit/Inspection
- Sample Testing (if required)
- Issuance of Halal Certificate
- Surveillance audits (annually or as required)
Benefits of Third‑Party Halal Certification
- Market Access – Opens doors to Muslim markets locally and globally (Middle East, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.); often mandatory for exports.
- Consumer Confidence – Assures Muslim consumers the product meets Islamic requirements.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance – Meets national requirements under the Pakistan Halal Authority Act, 2015; satisfies international trade laws in Muslim countries.
- Enhanced Brand Image – Builds trust and strengthens brand loyalty among Halal‑conscious consumers.
- Product Differentiation – Certified Halal label sets your product apart in competitive markets.
- Operational Discipline – Encourages implementation of traceability, hygiene, and good manufacturing practices.
- Credibility through Independent Verification – Third‑party certification provides impartial and expert assurance of compliance.
Note: Global Systems Compliance (Pvt.) Ltd. (a sister company of S3iWorld) is accredited for Halal standards and provides these certification services.
Ready to Get Certified?
Contact S3iWorld today to begin your Halal certification journey and access global Halal markets.