Halal Certification Standards

The gold standard for product certification bodies. Requires that the certifying body is competent, impartial and consistent. Covers the body's internal processes, staff qualifications, decision-making, complaints handling, and record-keeping. A body accredited to ISO 17065 has been independently verified to be operating to international best practice.

✓ What this means for you: The certification process itself is trustworthy and independently checked.

Governs bodies that audit and certify management systems (e.g. a factory's quality or food safety system). Ensures the auditors are qualified and the audit process is rigorous.

✓ What this means for you: The auditors checking factories and facilities know what they're doing.

A general quality management standard — not halal-specific. When a certification body holds ISO 9001, it shows the organisation runs professionally with documented processes and continual improvement.

✓ What this means for you: The certification body is professionally run and quality-focused.

The Gulf Cooperation Council's standard specifically for halal certification bodies. Required to access GCC markets (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman). Covers the specific Islamic requirements that a certification body must enforce.

✓ What this means for you: Certification is recognised in Gulf countries — relevant for export businesses.

The halal food standard of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation — the broadest international Islamic body. Covers what halal food must and must not contain, and how it must be handled, processed and stored.

✓ What this means for you: Certification is recognised across 57 OIC member countries.

The UAE's specific standard for how animals must be slaughtered to be halal. Covers the Islamic requirements for slaughter, permitted stunning methods, and conditions. Required for meat exported to the UAE.

✓ What this means for you: Meat products meet UAE Islamic slaughter requirements.

Malaysia's national halal standard — widely considered one of the most rigorous halal standards globally. Covers food production, preparation, handling and storage. Required to access the Malaysian market and widely respected internationally.

✓ What this means for you: Among the most stringent halal standards in the world.

Not a standard per se, but a mutual recognition framework. WHC member bodies recognise each other's certifications. A business certified by a WHC member body has its certification accepted by all other WHC members globally.

✓ What this means for you: Certification is internationally recognised across WHC member countries.

Indonesia's government-mandated halal assurance framework. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country. BPJPH accreditation is required to export halal products to Indonesia.

✓ What this means for you: Certification recognised in Indonesia — the world's largest Muslim market.

NIHT's own proprietary assurance programmes for specific industries and product types. These supplement the international standards with sector-specific requirements.

✓ What this means for you: Industry-specific halal requirements beyond the general standard.