4 min read
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its strict adherence to the regulations of Halal, ensuring all the food products and dietary supplements are conducted according to the regulations in the Islamic laws. Due to the emerging huge market demand globally, a country like the UAE has found a niche to become the pacesetter in implementing full certification processes as well as changes within an evolving regulatory framework.
Halal is the word for "permissible" in Arabic and defines food and dietary supplements permissible under the perspective of Islamic law. Under these certifications, every step of the supply chain – from sourcing ingredients to production processes – will be conducted based on the Islamic principle. Not only does it pertain to the type of ingredient used but also to the cleanliness and proper way of handling products.
Important Regulatory Bodies of the UAE for Halal
In the UAE, Halal certification falls under the purview of the Emirates Standards and Metrology Organization (MoIAT). Key regulatory frameworks dealing with Halal food and dietary supplements are:
- S 2055-1:2015: This is the main standard that specifies the general requirements for Halal products. It outlines the necessary qualifications for products to be deemed Halal and the certification processes.
- S/GSO 993: This standard defines the permissible Halal animal slaughtering methods, ensuring compliance with Islamic rites.
Additionally, Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department and the Halal National Mark are other influential regulatory entities that oversee the certification processes.
Food and Dietary Supplements Halal Certification Process
As a result, the process for Halal certification of food and dietary supplements in the UAE would be as follows:
- Ingredient Sourcing: All ingredients must be sourced on a Halal criterion free from forbidden substances such as alcohol, pork, or derivatives from these.
- Manufacturing and Processing: The whole production process, machinery, storage, and the practices of handling must be a Halal-certified Facilities should ensure that the outlets they have are not cross contaminated by non-Halal products.
- Slaughtering Methods: When the product is derived from animals, the slaughtering of those animals must be done by a Muslim in the name of Allah. Animals must be in good health and slaughtered according to Islamic rites.
- Audit and Inspection: There is a proper audit conducted by certified bodies for checking continuous compliance; the products also have lab testing to determine attest whether they meet Halal standards.
Halal Regulations for Dietary Supplements
Halal standards must be strictly followed in the UAE for dietary supplements. If ingredients are sourced from animals, they must comply with these standards. Gelatin, commonly used as capsule material, must be derived from Halal-certified animals. Additionally, non-animal alternatives, such as vegetable-based capsules, are permissible and are gaining popularity. No non-permissible substances should be present during the production process, and facilities must maintain strict hygiene practices.
In that case, specific standards followed by MoIAT apply to dietary supplements. While UAE.S 2055-4 addresses the Halal certification of personal care and pharmaceutical products, UAE.S 2055-2 is more relevant for dietary supplements. This standard focuses on Halal requirements for foods, making it crucial for manufacturers to ensure that all ingredients used in dietary supplements comply with these regulations.
Regulatory Dynamics: New Developments and Trends
Halal certification in the UAE is being modernized along with global cooperation. Some of the latest developments and trends include:
- Digitalization of Certification: the UAE has been increasing digital solutions in the certification process. This also makes it easier for manufacturers to get access to and maintain their Halal certifications, thus cutting down on paperwork and speeding up the approval process.
- International Cooperation: The UAE is cooperating with international bodies like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Standard and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) to harmonize the Halal standards along borders, which will make the process of certification relatively easy for exporters and importers.
- Sustainability in Halal Certification: Besides these trends, the UAE started introducing sustainability concepts into the Halal certification. Ethics on animal handling are one; sourcing and then production are other factors too, whereby the process is more environmentally friendly.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Halal certification standards can lead to serious consequences, including product rejections in the UAE market. Misuse of Halal certification logos or falsely declaring a product as Halal may result in severe penalties, including fines, product recalls, or a complete ban on market entry. Dietary supplements that fail to comply also pose health risks, especially when non-Halal substances are involved, which can further damage a brand's reputation.
How Freyr Can Help
Navigating the Halal certification regulations in the UAE can be particularly challenging for international manufacturers. However, Freyr's regulatory experts are well-equipped to support food and dietary supplement manufacturers through a wide range of services, including ingredient assessment, product evaluation, legal representation, and coordination with local authorities responsible for certification. Our team ensures that your products meet the stringent Halal requirements in the UAE, facilitating a seamless market entry process.
Conclusion
The UAE serves as a global hub for Halal-certified products, supported by a robust and transparent regulatory framework. For food and dietary supplement companies aiming to enter this market, understanding the Halal certification process and maintaining continuous compliance is crucial. The process involves regular audits and adherence to renewal procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with Halal standards. The UAE's Halal National Mark, a mandatory symbol, assures consumers that a product has been officially certified. Freyr can assist businesses in staying up to date with the latest advancements in digitalization and international collaboration, making the future of Halal certification in the UAE more streamlined and efficient.
