Saudi Arabia, Malaysia Agree to Mutually Recognize Halal Certificates
The agreement was signed by SFDA CEO Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey and JAKIM Director General Dr. Hakima Yusuf, according to a statement by the SFDA, Arab News reported on Sunday.
The memorandum also covers areas of cooperation on conformity assessment procedures, standard specifications, regulations for issuing halal certificates, and knowledge exchange in training, research and laboratory analysis of halal products.
Halal is an Arabic term that means permissible according to Islamic law. It applies to food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other products that are consumed or used by Muslims.
The agreement aims to standardize halal standards and facilitate trade between the two countries, which have a large Muslim population and a strong demand for halal products.
According to the SFDA, there are more than 400 halal certificates worldwide, which vary in specifications and requirements. The SFDA said it has been working to establish a uniform international halal certification system through the Saudi Halal Center, which was launched in 2019.
The SFDA also signed a similar memorandum of cooperation with Morocco in October 2022.
Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are among the leading countries in the global halal market, which is estimated to be worth $2.3 trillion in 2021.
Source: Agencies
