How to Get Halal Certificate in Malaysia

Malaysia plays a significant role in the global halal industry, with its certification standards widely recognized. For businesses in F&B, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, obtaining Halal certification is not just about following regulations—it can help businesses tap into a growing market and build trust among Muslim consumers.

From paperwork to audits, the halal certification process can be complex for businesses seeking compliance with JAKIM’s strict guidelines, which require proper planning and documentation. 

Wondering how to get a Halal certificate in Malaysia? This guide will help you get started by explaining your eligibility, required documents, costs, and a step-by-step process.

Key Takeaways

• Halal certification ensures that products and services comply with Islamic dietary laws and ethical standards set by JAKIM.
• It builds consumer trust, expands market reach, enhances brand credibility, and opens opportunities in global halal markets.
• JAKIM and State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN/JAIN) oversee halal certification in Malaysia, with recognition of select foreign halal bodies.
• Covers food & beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and slaughtering/meat processing to ensure full compliance in different industries.
• Check via JAKIM’s Halal Malaysia Portal, look for the official JAKIM halal logo, or verify through the MYeHALAL system.
• Businesses must meet eligibility requirements, submit documents via MYeHALAL, undergo an audit, and pass JAKIM’s inspection to receive certification.
• Fees vary based on business size and product scope, and certification is valid for two years, with a renewal process required.
• Common challenges include documentation errors, ingredient sourcing, facility compliance, staff training, and audit failures, which can delay approval.

What Is a Halal Certification?

Halal certification is an official recognition that a product, service, or business meets Islamic dietary and quality standards set by JAKIM and other recognized halal authorities. It ensures that ingredients, preparation, and handling comply with Shariah (Islamic law), including the prohibition of pork, alcohol, and cross-contamination.

This certification also applies to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and manufacturing, ensuring ethical sourcing and production. A valid certificate allows businesses to display the official halal logo, giving consumers confidence in its compliance.

In Malaysia, JAKIM’s halal certification is globally recognized, making it essential for businesses looking to expand into Muslim-majority markets or cater to halal-conscious consumers.

5 Benefits of Having Halal Certification for Your Business

With a strong reputation in the halal industry, Malaysia offers businesses significant advantages through halal certification.

1. Builds Consumer Trust & Credibility

Halal certification assures Muslim consumers that products meet Islamic dietary and ethical standards. With over 60% of Malaysians identifying as Muslim, having a halal certificate enhances brand credibility and boosts consumer confidence.

2. Expands Business Opportunities

Certified businesses can tap into Malaysia’s halal market and expand into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, where demand for halal products is growing. It also creates opportunities to collaborate with halal-compliant suppliers, retailers, and distributors.

3. Builds Consumer Trust & Credibility

With the growing demand for halal products, businesses with halal certification stand out from competitors who are not certified. It gives brands a stronger market position, builds consumer confidence, and increases trust among Muslim and non-Muslim customers who value high production standards.

4. Strengthens Global Recognition

Malaysia’s JAKIM halal certification is one of the most trusted worldwide, making it essential for businesses looking to export to Muslim-majority countries. Compliance with international halal standards also improves marketability in global trade.

5. Meets Food Safety & Hygiene Standards

Halal certification ensures businesses adhere to strict hygiene, food safety, and ethical sourcing guidelines. This reduces the risk of contamination, enhances quality assurance, and increases trust among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.

Who Issues Halal Certification in Malaysia?

Official authorities regulate Halal certification in Malaysia to ensure compliance with Shariah law and national halal standards.

The certification process follows strict halal certification guidelines to guarantee that products, services, and businesses meet halal requirements. Here are the three main authorities responsible for issuing halal certification in Malaysia.

Authority	Roles & Responsibilities
JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia)	The main governing body overseeing halal certification in Malaysia. It sets national halal standards (MS1500:2019), manages the MYeHALAL system for applications, and ensures Malaysia’s halal certification is globally recognized
State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN or JAIN)	These state-level councils provide halal certification for local businesses, restaurants, and food premises. They operate under JAKIM’s supervision and follow its halal compliance guidelines.
Internationally Recognised Halal Certification Bodies	JAKIM approves foreign halal certification bodies for imported halal products. To maintain compliance, businesses importing goods must ensure their certifier is on JAKIM’s official list.

5 Types of Halal Certificates in Malaysia

Halal certification in Malaysia extends beyond food and beverages, covering various industries to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and ethical sourcing practices. Businesses can apply for different types of halal certification based on their industry and product category.

Type of Halal Certificate	Applicable Industries	Key Compliance Factors
Food & Beverage (F&B) Certification	Restaurants, catering, food manufacturers, packaged food producers	Ensures ingredients, preparation, and handling comply with halal dietary laws, including no pork, alcohol, or cross-contamination.
Cosmetics & Personal Care Certification	Skincare, makeup, toiletries, personal care product manufacturers	Verifies that ingredients and production processes are free from non-halal substances (e.g., alcohol, animal-derived ingredients). Ensures hygienic manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical & Health Product Certification	Medications, supplements, medical products, wellness products	Confirms products are free from non-halal animal derivatives and harmful substances. Ensures compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Logistics & Supply Chain Certification	Transportation, warehousing, retailing, cold storage, distribution centers	Ensures halal-certified products remain uncontaminated throughout the supply chain, preventing cross-contamination with non-halal goods.
Slaughtering & Meat Processing Certification	Slaughterhouses, meat producers, food processing plants	Ensures animals are slaughtered according to Islamic rites, following strict guidelines on animal welfare, hygiene, and halal handling processes.

Want to ensure your business meets international quality and halal standards? Learn more about GMP certification in Malaysia and how it enhances product safety, hygiene, and compliance with halal requirements.

How to Verify a Halal Certificate in Malaysia

Ensuring that a product or business is truly halal-certified is essential for consumers and businesses.

In Malaysia, halal verification can be done through official channels to confirm the authenticity of a JAKIM-issued halal certificate and prevent fraudulent claims.

Verification Method	How it Works
Check via JAKIM’s Halal Malaysia Portal	Visit JAKIM’s Halal Malaysia Portal to search for certified products, businesses, and manufacturers using the halal registration number or company name.
Look for the Official JAKIM Halal Logo	Ensure the product or business displays the official JAKIM halal logo, which features the word “HALAL” in Arabic with JAKIM’s name below it. Be cautious of altered or unofficial logos.
Verify Through the MYeHALAL System	Businesses can cross-check the validity of halal certificates via MYeHALAL, JAKIM’s official certification system, to confirm supplier and imported product compliance.
Report Suspicious or Fake Halal Claims	Report fraudulent halal claims to JAKIM or the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) via their hotline, official website, consumer complaint portal (Aduan), or social media channels.

5 Steps to Get a Halal Certificate in Malaysia

Getting a Halal certificate in Malaysia involves a structured process to ensure compliance with JAKIM’s halal standards. Businesses must meet eligibility requirements, submit the necessary documentation, undergo an audit, and receive approval before being certified.

Step	Details	Key Actions
Check Eligibility Requirements	Ensure compliance with JAKIM’s halal certification standards (MS1500:2019).	1) Products, ingredients, and processes must be free from non-halal substances such as pork and alcohol. 2) Business must follow Islamic dietary laws and hygiene standards.
Prepare and Submit Required Documents	Apply through the MYeHALAL system and submit necessary halal certification documents.	1) Company Registration Documents (SSM certificate, business license). 2) Product List & Ingredient Details (including supplier halal certificates). 3) Manufacturing Flow Chart & SOPs. Halal Assurance System (HAS) Manual. 4) Employee details for halal compliance.
Undergo Halal Audit & Inspection	JAKIM conducts an on-site inspection to verify compliance.	1) Ingredient verification to ensure all sources are halal certified. 2) Facility assessment to prevent cross-contamination. 3) Employee training & compliance checks.
Receive Approval & Halal Certificate	JAKIM reviews the application and issues the official halal certificate.	Business is now halal-certified and can display the official JAKIM halal logo.
Maintain Compliance & Renew Certification	Halal certification requires periodic renewal and continued compliance.	1) Update product lists & supplier certifications. 2) Conduct internal halal audits. 3) Ensure continuous staff training on halal compliance.

Cost and Validity of Halal Certification in Malaysia

Obtaining a halal certificate in Malaysia involves application fees, renewal costs, and compliance maintenance. The cost varies based on business type, industry, and number of products being certified. Additionally, businesses must ensure continuous compliance as halal certification requires periodic renewal.

Halal Certificate Application Fees and Cost Structure

The cost of halal certification depends on several factors, including:

• Business Category – SMEs, large corporations, food manufacturers, logistics providers, etc.
• Number of Products – More products require additional verification, increasing costs.
• Audit and Inspection Fees – Covers on-site inspections and compliance assessments conducted by JAKIM or state halal authorities.
• Processing Fees – Covers document review, administrative processing, and system usage (MYeHALAL platform).

Validity Period of Halal Certification

A halal certificate in Malaysia is typically valid for 2 years. After this period, businesses must renew their certification to maintain compliance.

Renewal Process and Costs

To renew a halal certificate, businesses must submit updated documents, including:

• Updated Product List & Ingredient Sources – Ensuring all ingredients remain halal-compliant.
• Annual Halal Internal Audit Report – To demonstrate continued adherence to halal certification standards.
• Employee Halal Training Certificates – Proof that staff members handling halal products have received proper halal awareness training.

Additional Costs for Non-Compliance

If a business fails to maintain compliance, it may need to undergo re-inspection or additional audits, leading to extra costs and potential delays in certification renewal.

5 Common Challenges in Getting Halal Certification in Malaysia

Obtaining a halal certificate in Malaysia can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for businesses unfamiliar with JAKIM’s halal standards. To pass audits and inspections, companies must ensure strict compliance with Islamic dietary laws, ingredient sourcing, and facility management.

Below are some common challenges businesses face when applying for halal certification.

Challenge	Description	Solution
Documentation Issues	Incomplete or inaccurate documents can delay or result in rejection of the application. Businesses must submit company registration details, product ingredient lists, Halal Assurance System (HAS) Manual, and SOPs.	Work with halal consultants, like One Island, to ensure all required documents are prepared correctly before submission. Use the MYeHALAL system to track and update documentation.
Ingredient Sourcing and Compliance	All ingredients must be halal-certified and sourced from approved suppliers. Some imported materials may not meet JAKIM’s standards, and cross-contamination risks may arise.	Verify all ingredient sources with JAKIM’s recognized halal suppliers. Conduct supplier audits and ensure alternative halal-certified ingredient options are available.
Facility and Process Requirements	Businesses must prevent cross-contamination, ensure dedicated halal production areas, and follow strict hygiene and handling protocols. Shared equipment with non-halal products may cause certification delays.	Implement dedicated halal processing lines. Develop strict cleaning and segregation procedures. Train employees on halal handling practices.
Audit and Inspection Failures	JAKIM’s on-site inspections may result in rejection due to inconsistent processes, untrained staff, or improper documentation.	Conduct internal halal audits before the official JAKIM audit. Use mock inspections and ensure staff receive proper halal awareness training.
Certification Renewal & Compliance Maintenance	Halal certification is valid for 2 years, and businesses must maintain compliance with updated supplier certifications, internal audits, and ongoing employee training.	Schedule regular halal audits and update supplier certificates on time. Provide continuous halal training for employees to stay compliant.

Get Halal Certified Without Hassle with One Island Consultancy

One Island Consultancy provides end-to-end support to help businesses obtain their halal certificate in Malaysia smoothly and efficiently.

From documentation preparation to halal awareness training and pre-audit assessments, our team ensures businesses meet all halal certification requirements with minimal hassle.

Service	What We Do	How it Helps Your Business
Pre-Assessment & Feasibility Study	1) Analyse business eligibility for halal certification. 2) Identify compliance gaps in ingredient sourcing, handling, and production. 3) Provide recommendations to meet JAKIM’s halal standards (MS1500:2019).	1) Ensures your business is ready for halal certification before applying. 2) Avoids costly delays caused by non-compliance. 3) Saves time by highlighting necessary adjustments early.
Documentation & Compliance Support	1) Application consultants handle the MYeHALAL submission process. 2) Halal documentation experts prepare the Halal Assurance System (HAS) Manual & SOPs. 3) Ingredient & supplier verification specialists ensure all raw materials meet JAKIM’s halal requirements.	1) Prevents application rejection due to missing or incorrect documents. 2) Ensures all documentation meets JAKIM’s strict requirements. 3) Provides a smooth and hassle-free certification process.
Halal Awareness Training for Employees	1) Certified halal trainers conduct staff training on halal food handling, hygiene, and ingredient compliance. 2) Special workshops for production managers and chefs. 3) Covers halal labelling, storage, and facility requirements.	1) Ensures employees understand and follow halal compliance standards. 2) Reduces the risk of non-compliance during inspections. 3) Helps businesses maintain long-term halal certification.
Pre-Audit & JAKIM Inspection Readiness	1) Mock audits and internal assessments to detect compliance gaps. 2) Facility compliance consultants ensure proper equipment segregation and halal-friendly processes. 3) Audit support specialists prepare businesses for JAKIM’s official inspection.	1) Increases chances of passing JAKIM’s halal audit on the first attempt. 2) Reduces inspection failures due to unprepared facilities or documentation. 3) Avoids costly re-audits and certification delays.
Post-Certification Support & Renewal Assistance	1) Monitor certification validity and handle renewal applications. 2) Conduct regular compliance audits to ensure continued adherence to JAKIM’s standards. 3) Troubleshoot non-compliance issues before they become a problem.	1) Prevents halal certification from expiring and affecting business operations. 2) Ensures smooth renewal process with no delays. 3) Provides continued guidance for long-term halal compliance.

With a team of experienced halal consultants, we provide comprehensive support for businesses at every stage of the certification process. From pre-application assessment to halal training and post-certification maintenance, our services help businesses achieve JAKIM halal certification efficiently and with full compliance.

Malaysian Food Manufacturing Business Achieves Halal Certification with Expert Guidance

XYZ Food Corporation is a well-established food manufacturer in Malaysia that specializes in producing ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages. With an expanding international customer base and a growing demand for certified halal products, the company realized the necessity of obtaining JAKIM halal certification for their products. The goal was to cater to the significant Muslim market, build trust with consumers, and enhance product credibility in local and global markets.

Challenges

While XYZ Food Corporation had a strong reputation for quality, it did not possess the JAKIM halal certification. This created several challenges:

• Market Access Limitations: Many Muslim-majority countries, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, require halal certification for food products, which limited market expansion opportunities.
• Consumer Confidence: Muslim consumers often prioritize halal-certified products as they guarantee adherence to Islamic dietary laws, impacting the company’s ability to build consumer trust.
• Compliance Complexity: The process of obtaining halal certification, especially JAKIM certification, was complex. It involved stringent adherence to halal food preparation standards, sourcing, and manufacturing processes, which the company had to comply with to pass the audit.

Solution

XYZ Food Corporation decided to take proactive steps toward obtaining JAKIM halal certification to address these challenges. The company took the following actions:

• Engaged Halal Certification Consultants: To navigate the certification process, XYZ Food hired a halal consultant with expertise in JAKIM certification. The consultant helped the company understand the specific requirements and standards that had to be met.
• Internal Process Review and Upgrades: The company reviewed and adjusted its entire supply chain to ensure compliance with JAKIM standards. This included sourcing halal-certified raw materials, ensuring clean and segregated production areas, and implementing halal-specific hygiene practices.
• Training for Employees: XYZ Food Corporation provided comprehensive training to its staff regarding halal requirements, including the importance of proper handling, storage, and production practices to avoid contamination with non-halal substances.
• Engagement with JAKIM: The company submitted all necessary documents, including detailed production processes, ingredient lists, and raw material sources, to JAKIM for review. They also facilitated an on-site audit by JAKIM to ensure full compliance.

Outcome

After a thorough review and on-site inspection by JAKIM, XYZ Food Corporation successfully received the JAKIM halal certification for their products. The outcome included:

• Market Expansion: The certification opened up new markets in Muslim-majority countries, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company was able to supply their halal-certified products to international retailers and food distributors.
• Increased Consumer Trust: The halal certification provided consumers with the assurance that XYZ Food Corporation’s products adhered to Islamic dietary laws, which helped boost sales within the local Malaysian market as well as internationally.
• Improved Operational Standards: The company’s internal processes were strengthened, ensuring better traceability and quality control of raw materials and finished products.
• Brand Recognition: The JAKIM halal logo added credibility to XYZ Food’s brand, giving it a competitive edge in the increasingly competitive food industry.

Conclusion

Halal certification in Malaysia is a valuable asset that helps businesses build consumer trust, expand into halal markets, and strengthen brand credibility. Obtaining JAKIM’s halal certification ensures businesses meet strict halal standards while improving operational efficiency.

The certification process can be complex, requiring proper documentation, ingredient verification, facility audits, and employee training.

This is where One Island Consultancy comes in. With end-to-end support, we help businesses navigate JAKIM’s requirements, prepare essential documents, conduct halal training, and ensure a smooth audit process.

Looking for a trusted ISO training provider to help your business achieve Halal certification? Get in touch with us today and start your compliance journey with confidence!