Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is home to over 550 companies from more than 70 countries in the F&B sector. Several multinational companies are based in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and serve more than two and half billion (2.5 billion) consumers in the Middle East and South and East Asia, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. More than 38% are from the Middle East Region, with Halal-certified food products of particular importance.
Halal, at the present time, has turned out to be a universal conception that covers the entire concept of fresh, clean, and healthier production as well as services of food. The global halal food & beverage market size is expected to reach USD 739.59 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
What Is Halal?
Halal is any object or action that is permissible to use or engage in according to Islamic law (Shariah). The term covers and designates food and drink as well as matters of daily life such as Pharma & Cosmetics, Media & Recreation, Fashion & Travel.
Halal Products Are Considered to Be Halal When They Are Made of:
- Animals slaughtered as per the Islamic principles.
- Free from a prohibited component such as pig meat or fat.
- Processed using allowed machinery.
Halal Products Legislation in UAE
According to ministerial resolution no. 22/2004 regarding implementing regulation for the national accreditation system, Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) is authorised to manage and handle all the accreditations process and apply the terms & conditions stated therein.
Ministerial resolution no.10/2014 regarding the Emirati system for the control over halal products prescribed all the standard specifications, supervision of the facilities, slaughterhouses, National Mark Halal, controlling and market surveying and fines and penalties. ESMA board resolution no. 36/2014 regarding the accreditation regulation of National Mark Halal and licensing requirement.
ESMA can assign the power of accreditation to the approved authority (Conformity authority) by obtaining a recognition from the international organisations concerned with the affairs of accreditation or signing a mutual recognition agreement with ESMA (Halal Section).
National Mark Halal
The national brand for halal was launched on 28/9/2015 and came within the UAE system requirements for the control of halal products, which is awarded to products conforming to the requirements of the Emirati control system for halal products.
Halal Accreditation in UAE
The Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) is a mark of conformity granted to products that can demonstrate compliance with the relevant UAE National Standards, Regional and/or International Standards and are manufactured by an organization implementing an effective Quality Management System to ensure continuous compliance. The process of achieving the license to use the Emirates Quality Mark involves a comprehensive evaluation of the product as well as the quality system used by the manufacturer in production through testing and inspection.
Applying for Accreditation Certificates:
ECAS is a Product Certification Scheme being implemented by the (ESMA) as mandated by the Federal Law 28 of 2001.
Applying for ECAS and EQM Certificates will be through one of the International Notified Bodies. For more information, please visit Halal.ae’s list of certification bodies
Food, cosmetics and personal care products and slaughterhouses are the sectors covered by the halal accreditation procedure in the United Arab Emirates. 50 halal brands were issued in the year 2019, while the number of halal products registered in the country reached 7665 after fulfilling the accreditation terms & conditions.
Manufactures of food products and food services providers are entitled to apply for the National Mark Halal Service Card through the ESMA Customers Happiness Centre or ESMA website.
Service Registration Requirement:
- Valid UAE Industry/Trade License (or declaration or accountability).
- Halal Certificate from approved Halal Certification Body.
- Declaration of Compliance.
- Fees.
There will be an annual surveillance audit after issuance of the license to use the Halal National Mark by ESMA.
Halal Accreditation Advantages
- When companies obtain accreditation from a recognised international organisation it means for the consumer that the company’s products are produced with high quality, because the granting of a halal certificate has the maximum possible level of quality standards. This will give the company a competitive advantage compared to their competitors in the same field.
- Obtaining of the Halal National Mark and accreditations for commodities to sell onshore.
- Re-export the product according to the procedures followed in the country.