Halal Certification Online in India

Halal certification is a process that verifies whether the products or services offered by a business comply with Islamic dietary and lifestyle laws or not. In India, authorized Islamic organizations are responsible for issuing Halal certification. It ensures that your food is prepared following halal standards, making it suitable for Muslim consumers.

Obtaining Halal Certification shows that your business follows proper preparation methods and uses approved ingredients. It is important to understand that India does not have a unified central law for Halal labeling, and recognition of various certifying bodies may differ.

Without this certificate, you may lose customer trust, miss out on Muslim buyers, and limit your chances to grow in international markets. According to the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023, global spending on Halal food was about USD 1.27 trillion in 2021 and is expected to rise to USD 1.67 trillion by 2025.

Permissible in Islamic Law

The word Halal means “permissible” in Arabic. For food to be certified as Halal, it must be:

• Free from any forbidden (Haram) substances (e.g., alcohol, pork)
• Processed and prepared using clean and hygienic methods
• Obtained from animals that are slaughtered following Islamic religious guidelines
• Free from cross-contamination with non-Halal products

This certification helps Muslim consumers trust that the food or product aligns with their religious beliefs.

Halal certification is more than religious compliance. It acts as a quality assurance mark and helps businesses grow, especially in Muslim-majority markets. Key benefits include:

• Global Market Access: Many countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe require Halal certification for food and personal care imports.
• Consumer Trust: A Halal certification symbol builds confidence among Muslim buyers. It assures them that the product follows Islamic guidelines.
• Wider Customer Reach: Even non-Muslim consumers view Halal as clean, ethical, and safe, making it more appealing.
• Compliance Advantage: For exporters, Halal food certification is often required by trade laws. It helps avoid delays and rejection.
• Better Brand Image: It reflects ethical sourcing, clean practices, and respect for cultural values.

Halal certification is not just for food products. Many industries in India are adopting it to meet global standards and consumer demand. Such as:

1. Food and Beverages

This is the most common area for Halal certification in India. It covers:

• Meat, poultry, and seafood
• Packaged foods and snacks
• Beverages, including juices and non-alcoholic drinks
• Food processing and catering services

Certified products carry the Halal certification symbol to assure Muslim consumers of their permissibility.

2. Consumer Products

Beyond food, many consumer goods require Halal compliance:

• Cosmetics and skincare products are free from prohibited substances
• Pharmaceuticals and health supplements
• Personal care items like soaps, deodorants, and toothpaste
• Packaging materials ensure no contamination with non-Halal items

These certifications help businesses tap into a growing market for ethical and religiously compliant products.

3. Financial Services

Halal certification also extends to Islamic finance, ensuring products and services comply with Shariah principles:

• Interest-free banking and financing
• Islamic insurance (Takaful)
• Investment products following ethical guidelines

This sector offers alternative financial services aligned with Muslim consumers’ beliefs.

4. Lifestyle and Travel

Halal certification influences lifestyle sectors, including:

• Halal-friendly hotels and resorts
• Travel agencies offering Halal-compliant tours and services
• Halal restaurants and catering services abroad

These services ensure that Muslim travelers have access to permissible food, prayer facilities, and cultural respect during their journeys.

In India, Halal certification is issued by authorized Islamic organizations. Although no central law exists for Halal labeling in India, its certification is increasingly valued by producers and exporters.

These bodies inspect and audit the business operations to ensure they follow Halal standards. Here’s the list:

1. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust

One of the oldest and most respected Islamic organizations, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust, issues certification for food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It has widespread recognition in India and abroad.

2. Halal India Pvt Ltd

Halal India Pvt Ltd offers certification services for manufacturers and exporters. It covers a range of industries, including food, personal care, and logistics, ensuring compliance with global Halal standards.

3. Halal Certification Services India (HCS)

HCS is known for its rigorous auditing process. It provides certification to food processing units, restaurants, and exporters, with a focus on international market acceptance.

4. Halal Council of India

The Halal Council of India works closely with both domestic and international Halal bodies. It offers certification for food, cosmetics, and other consumer products, helping businesses reach Muslim consumers worldwide.

5. Jamiat Ulama Maharashtra

Based in Maharashtra, this organization issues Halal certificates primarily for meat, poultry, and processed foods. It is well-recognized in Western India and plays a key role in local certification.

6. Indian Halal Development Council

The Indian Halal Development Council promotes Halal awareness and provides certification services across multiple sectors, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. It focuses on enhancing export opportunities.

Note: India has no central law for Halal labeling, and certifiers vary in acceptance; some have faced disputes and legal action, including allegations of misuse by the UP government.

The QCI i-CAS (Quality Council of India – India Conformity Assessment Scheme) Halal Scheme is a government-backed certification program designed to support Indian exporters targeting Muslim-majority countries.

QCI i-CAS was established under DGFT Notification No. 03/2023. It applies to meat and meat product exporters and will be mandatory from October 16, 2024. The scheme covers shipments to Bahrain, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE.

Key features of the QCI i-CAS Halal Scheme include:

• Compliance with global Halal standards, ensuring acceptance in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other Islamic markets
• Strict audit and inspection processes to verify Halal practices in manufacturing and handling
• Issuance of a trusted Halal certification symbol recognized by importing countries
• Support for businesses in meeting export regulations and enhancing market access

Exporters looking to boost their presence in international Halal markets should consider obtaining certification under this scheme for credibility and smoother trade.

To obtain Halal certification in India, businesses must meet several important requirements that ensure compliance with Islamic law:

• Ingredient Verification: All ingredients must be free from Haram substances like pork, alcohol, and non-Halal animal derivatives.
• Proper Slaughtering: Animals must be slaughtered following Islamic rites, ensuring humane treatment and proper drainage of blood.
• Clean and Hygienic Facilities: Manufacturing, storage, and transportation must prevent contamination with non-Halal items.
• Separate Equipment: Use dedicated machinery and utensils or ensure thorough cleaning to avoid cross-contamination.
• Documentation and Traceability: Maintain detailed records of sourcing, production processes, and supply chains for audit purposes.
• Employee Training: Staff must be trained on Halal standards and handling procedures to maintain compliance.

Meeting these prerequisites is crucial before applying for Halal certification and audit processes. Proper compliance ensures certification approval and builds consumer trust.

You need to submit specific documents to complete your application successfully:

• Completed the application form for your certification type
• Business registration documents (GST registration, Company Registration/LLP registration)
• FSSAI Registration certificate or license
• Complete list of ingredients with sources
• Process flow charts for manufacturing/preparation
• Facility layout plans showing production areas
• Product labels and packaging samples
• Supplier certificates for all ingredients
• Quality management system documentation
• Staff training records on halal procedures

Additional Requirements by Business Type

• Restaurants: Menu items and recipe details
• Manufacturers: Equipment cleaning procedures
• Slaughterhouses: Animal welfare and handling protocols
• Exporters: Target country-specific documentation

Getting Halal certification in India requires a structured process to ensure compliance with Islamic guidelines. Below is a step-by-step overview of how businesses can get certified.

Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Application Submission

• The first step is to contact a recognized Halal certification body (such as Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust or Halal India Pvt Ltd.).
• Submit an initial inquiry to understand requirements and process details.
• Then, fill out and submit the official application form with basic company and product information.

Step 2: Fee Payment and Service Agreement

Once the application is accepted, pay the required Halal certification fees. Sign a service agreement outlining the terms, scope of certification, and responsibilities of both parties.

Step 3: Document Submission and Review

Next, you will need to submit detailed documentation, such as:

• Ingredient lists and sources
• Manufacturing and processing flowcharts
• Supplier certifications
• Storage and handling procedures

The agency reviews these documents carefully to ensure all ingredients and processes comply with Halal requirements.

Step 4: Audit Process

A physical audit is conducted at your premises. Inspectors verify:

• Proper slaughtering methods (if applicable)
• Cleanliness and hygiene standards
• Equipment and utensils to prevent cross-contamination with Haram substances
• Storage and transport practices

Step 5: Evaluation and Corrective Actions

After the audit, the certifying body evaluates the findings. If there are any deviations or non-compliances, you will receive a report detailing required corrective actions. You must complete these within a set timeline and submit evidence for re-evaluation.

Step 6: Certification Decision and Issuance

Once all criteria are met, the certification body issues the official Halal certificate, which is usually valid for 1 year. Along with the Halal certificate, you also receive the right to:

• Use the Halal certification symbol on your product labels
• Display the symbol on packaging materials (e.g., boxes, wrappers, bottles)
• Add the symbol to your marketing materials (e.g., brochures, websites, menus)

Build trust with Muslim consumers by showing verified Halal compliance and enhance export acceptance in Muslim-majority countries.

The cost of Halal certification in India depends on several business-specific factors. Certification bodies usually provide customized quotes based on your business size and operations. Here are the details:

What Determines Your Halal Certification Fees?

Several key aspects affect how much you will pay for Halal certification in India. Such as:

1. Type of Organization

• Small businesses (e.g., single-location restaurants) generally pay less.
• Large manufacturers, exporters, and processing plants may incur higher fees due to scale.

2. Location of Organization

• Facilities in major cities may have higher audit fees due to travel and logistics.
• Remote areas may require additional arrangements or audit days.

3. Nature of Business

• Food, meat, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and packaging businesses have different audit requirements.
• Meat processing facilities undergo more detailed inspections.

4. Total Number of Employees

• Larger teams may require more time during audits and more training, increasing costs.

5. Number of Products

• Certifying multiple products increases the scope of document review and inspection, thus increasing fees.

Halal certification fees in India range from ₹15,000 to ₹75,000, depending on these factors.

Certificate Validity

• Halal certificates are usually valid for 1 year, but for exporters to the UAE, validity can extend up to 3 years based on requirements.
• Surveillance audits are usually conducted annually or biannually.
• Renewal applications must be submitted before the certificate expires to avoid disruption in Halal status.

After applying for Halal certification in India, the audit process plays a crucial role in verifying your facility and practices. The audit process usually involves both a Shariah auditor and a technical auditor to ensure religious and operational compliance.

The goal is to ensure full compliance with Islamic laws and Halal standards. Key elements of the audit include:

• Inspection of production, storage, and packaging areas
• Verification of ingredients and suppliers
• Assessment of hygiene and cleanliness
• Evaluation of slaughtering methods (for meat businesses)
• Checking of documentation and traceability records
• Staff knowledge of Halal handling practices

Once certified, your business is subject to ongoing surveillance audits. These are typically conducted annually or biannually, depending on the certification body’s policy.

Ongoing compliance involves:

• Maintaining Halal production practices
• Updating records and documentation
• Informing the certifying body before making changes to processes or suppliers
• Cooperating during unannounced audits (if required)
• Renewing the certificate before expiry

Failure to maintain compliance can result in suspension or cancellation of the Halal certificate and removal of the Halal certification symbol from products.

A Halal certificate confirms that a product or facility meets Islamic dietary laws and standards. It is issued by authorized certification bodies after thorough inspection and audit.

This certificate helps businesses build trust among Muslim consumers and access domestic and international markets. Keeping the certification valid is important to ensure continuous compliance and acceptance in the market.

How to Download a Halal Certificate Online?

To download your Halal certificate online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the certifying authority that issued your Halal certificate.
2. Log in using your registered details or application number.
3. Go to the “Certificate” or “Downloads” section.
4. Find your Halal certificate and click to download.
5. Save or print the certificate for your records.

Note: The exact steps may vary depending on the certification authority.