Modi govt sets rules for export of 'halal certified' meat and meat products

The commerce ministry noted that the export consignments to countries where there is a regulation on halal, the producer/supplier/exporter would have to meet the importing country's requirements.

In January 2023, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) shared draft guidelines on halal certification for the export of meat and meat products. The guidelines aim to streamline the halal certification process for exporters of meat and its products by providing clear rules and regulations.

“Policy conditions for halal certification process of meat and meat products is notified,” the DGFT said in a notification.

The DGFT's move is expected to help India's meat and meat product exporters, as it will simplify the process of obtaining halal certification for their products. This will enable Indian meat exporters to tap the growing demand for halal-certified meat products in the international market.

It is worth noting that halal certification is mandatory for exporting meat and meat products to certain countries, including many Muslim-majority countries.

The ministry has given the current halal certification bodies a six-month period to obtain accreditation from NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) for the Indian Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) Halal.

"Meat and meat products shall be allowed to be exported as 'halal certified', only if produced, processed and/or packaged in facility having a valid certification under the i-CAS of the Quality Council of India (QCI), issued by a certification body duly accredited by the NABCB as per the guidelines issued/amended from time to time," the notification said.