What Is a Halal Certificate and Why Does It Matter?

A halal certificate is the document showing that a food, cosmetic or cleaning product is produced in accordance with Islamic (halal) rules, and that its ingredients and production processes are free of forbidden (haram) elements, as inspected and certified by an independent body.

Halal covers not only the absence of pork and alcohol but the entire chain: the source of ingredients, additives and processing aids, the cleaning of equipment, and even transport and storage.

For Muslim consumers the certificate is a religious necessity; for producers it is a strong sign of trust that opens access to a large global market.