No one Halal certification is acknowledged in all export markets
Halal certification is an important standard for many food and beverage businesses. When exporting, this certification is vital to enter some markets. Within Australia there are a number of Islamic Bodies that are authorised to issue Halal certificates for companies wishing to be certified. However, there is no consistent acknowledgement of these organisations across all export markets.
An Australian exporter had its certification approved by the Western Australian Halal Authority (a recognized certifier by the Australian Department of Agriculture). Before they began to export their produce to Singapore, they ensured that their plants in WA were accredited.
Despite possessing a Halal certification, this exporter found itself unable to sell its beef in Malaysia since the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) did not acknowledge that particular Halal certification.
This has been an ongoing barrier that has barred them from conducting business in Malaysia, costing the business more than $20,000 AUD.
The main barrier that has emerged is that there is not one internationally recognized Halal certification in Australia. In order for this exporter to sell its produce in Malaysia, they must apply for an alternative Halal certification that is recognized by JAKIM. One organisation that meets this criterion is Perth Mosque Incorporated.
This barrier was launched on the Trade Barriers Register by the exporter in 2020. The Export Council of Australia has since provided its support throughout the process, advised by the Australia Malaysia Business Council.