New export regulations for halal meat have been implemented by India, one of the world’s biggest exporters of halal meat, and they are in force right now. The modifications are intended to augment transparency, guarantee conformity to global norms, and preserve the authenticity of halal certification procedures.
With the new laws, India will be positioned as a trustworthy competitor in the worldwide halal meat industry with an emphasis on greater compliance, and improved traceability, including certification by authorised agencies. These rules are designed to improve exporter trust, streamline processes, and reinforce India’s competitive edge in satisfying the standards of important import markets as the requirement for halal meat grows globally.
Changes in India’s Halal Meat Export Regulations
On 1st Oct, 2024, the government announced new policy requirements for the export of specific halal meats and goods. These requirements will take effect on October 16 of this year. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced the requirements, stating that only certain meat and meat products that are produced, processed, and/or packaged in a facility certified under the Quality Council of India’s (QCI) “India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) – Halal” will be allowed to be exported as halal certified to 15 countries.
Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates are the fifteen nations. Following shipping, the exporter must give the customer in the importing nation a valid certificate. “Policy conditions for export of specified halal meat and meat products are notified,” said the DGFT.
The directorate informed parties in April 2023 of the comprehensive rules for obtaining halal certification for the shipment of meat as well as its products to optimize the halal certification procedure for meat and meat products going out of India. The ministry’s division that handles matters about imports and exports is called DGFT.
Additional Changes
Since India lacks a national certification rule, there was previously no government-mandated required halal accreditation system in place. In 2021, the value of the world market for halal food was estimated to be $708 billion. It is anticipated that the market will grow to $3,907.7 billion by 2027.
The sizable Muslim community in India offers halal-based business owners’ enormous prospects. The halal business in the nation is still relatively new. Imported halal food goods into India are not subject to any special labelling regulations. Many private firms in India provide halal certification, designating food or items as acceptable. The two main halal certification agencies in India are Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust and Halal India Pvt Ltd.
With the responsibility of enforcing halal standards in their respective economies, the International Halal Accrediting Forum (IHAF) is a global network of accrediting bodies. There are halal requirements in several countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Pakistan. However, there aren’t currently any worldwide halal standards.
In addition to halal technology and developments, the halal industry’s explosive expansion has produced several halal-related legislation and regulations that are still not universally harmonised. The halal market draws both Muslim and non-Muslim customers as a result of shifting consumer perceptions.
Analysis of the Halal Food Market
- Industry Size and Increase: The study on the size of the halal food industry shows a steady increase that is ascribed to growing awareness of halal dietary requirements.
- Technology Developments: The market is expanding as a result of ongoing technology advancements in supply chain management and certification processes.
- Applications in the Industry: Products that fall under the category of halal food include processed foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Geographical Trends: The market is expanding beyond territories with a large proportion of Muslim nations to encompass Western countries as a result of the public’s demand for healthful food goods because of their ethical advantages.
- Competitive Landscape: The competitive landscape of the halal food market is comprised of both specialised food manufacturers and international food corporations. Prominent businesses are developing new products that are tailored to satisfy the various needs of consumers.
- Opportunities and Challenges: Leading businesses’ increased emphasis on logistics and certification services is expected to overcome these obstacles. However, the increased focus that leading companies are placing on halal certification services, including logistics, will help them overcome these challenges.
- Future Prospects: The adoption of rules and growing public knowledge of halal principles are driving the halal food industry’s development rate, which presents a promising picture of the business.
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Global Market for Halal Meat: Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges for Entrepreneurs
- Certification and Compliance: Acquiring a Halal certification may be a difficult and expensive procedure that involves adhering to strict guidelines and criteria established by certifying authorities. It can be difficult for business owners to make sure that their products meet Halal regulations, particularly if they operate in many areas with different certification criteria.
- Supply Chain Management: For business owners, it can be logistically difficult to keep up a Halal supply chain from acquiring raw ingredients to manufacturing and distribution. Strong quality control procedures and close attention to detail are needed to guarantee the reliability and Halal certification of components as well as manufacturing processes.
- Market Competition: As the halal market gains traction, firms are fighting for customers’ attention more fiercely. To effectively gain market share in a congested economy, entrepreneurs need to set themselves apart with their brands and products.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Localisation: Successful market penetration requires an understanding of the subtle cultural differences and preferences of various Muslim populations. Particularly in global marketplaces, entrepreneurs must customise their goods, messaging, and branding tactics to appeal to regional traditions and ideals.
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
- Diverse Customer Base: Having access to a broad and quickly expanding client base is one of the biggest opportunities presented by the halal industry. There is a significant demand for Halal-certified items across all geographies and demographics, given that there are over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.
- Market Niche: By serving certain Muslim demographics, business owners may profit from the halal market. To satisfy the unique requirements and tastes of customers, this might entail providing specialised Halal items, such as organic Halal meals, eco-friendly cosmetics, or financial services that adhere to Sharia law.
- Global Expansion: Halal products are sought after by non-Muslim customers who choose them for legitimate, health, or quality-related reasons, as well as by Muslim minorities living in countries with a majority of Muslims. By entering these varied markets, entrepreneurs may grow their companies internationally.
- Creativity and Innovation: It is possible to incorporate innovation and creativity into the creation of products and advertising tactics as the halal market develops further. Businesses may set themselves apart from the competition by providing distinctive and cutting-edge Halal goods that satisfy changing customer tastes and trends.
Read more Blogs – The DGFT Proposes Draft Guidelines on Halal Certification for the Export of Meat and its Products
Trends of the Halal Food Market
Growing Customer Knowledge, Diversity, and Globalisation
Consumers who are becoming more mindful of their health and seeking transparent food production processes are driving a growing need for high-quality, responsibly produced products.
Halal-certified food products lend support to this approach since they are produced by stringent quality standards and requirements. Aside from this, the phenomena of globalisation and diversity are increasing the availability and accessibility of halal culinary items. As they welcome diversity, several non-Muslim-majority countries are adapting their food markets to suit a variety of dietary options.
In an attempt to serve a diverse range of customers, this is leading food firms to develop a large array of items that they sell at traditional supermarkets and dining establishments. Additionally, the market is expanding due to consumers’ growing dependence on e-commerce platforms, which make it easier for them to acquire food products with halal certification online. The e-commerce industry is predicted to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.16% between 2024 and 2032, reaching US$ 183.8 trillion, according to a study analysis by the IMARC Group.
Standardisation of Regulations
Standard halal certification is being enforced by several nations and international organisations, which is reducing misunderstanding and enhancing uniformity. These standards are driving up the appeal of these culinary items and user confidence. Furthermore, data from the global halal food industry show a consistent increase in demand, which reflects consumers’ increasing desire for halal-certified goods globally.
Growing Fears for Health and Safety
The growing health consciousness of the general public fuels the need for wholesome, sustainably produced, and ethically sourced food products. Halal food is manufactured under stringent quality control and hygiene protocols to meet these criteria. This phenomenon is also leading to the use of halal food by non-Muslims seeking sanitary and nourishing food alternatives.
According to the International Food Information Council’s 2022 Food and Health Survey, prominent dietary trends include mindful eating (14%), plant-based diets (12%), calorie tracking (13%), clean eating (16%), and plant-based diets (12%). These eating patterns indicate a growing number of health-conscious individuals, focused on sustainability and mindful consumerism, who wish to make educated decisions regarding nutrition and overall well-being.
Muslim Population Growth
One of the main factors driving the market’s growth is the rate at which the Muslim population is expanding worldwide. Because of their religious beliefs, this group is driving the demand for certain food products. In many nations, there is a greater need for this meal as a result of the growing Muslim population.
Indonesia is the nation with the largest total Muslim population, estimated to be 231 million. According to the World Population Review 2024, this accounts for 86.7% of Indonesians and more than 13% of all Muslims worldwide.
Conclusion
India’s standing in the international halal market has significantly strengthened with the introduction of new export regulations for halal meat. The government wants to improve transparency, foster confidence with foreign purchasers, and guarantee that Indian exporters adhere to international norms.
To this end, it is implementing tougher compliance and certification procedures. These modifications provide fresh prospects for market growth in areas where there is a strong demand for halal goods, in addition to safeguarding the integrity of the halal certification. India stands to gain from a more competitive and regulated halal meat export market as it continues to update its export policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Halal Meat Exports
What are the issues with the halal market?
Among the most important ones are uneven Halal standards and a complex certification procedure, which are made worse by obstacles to global commerce, financial difficulties, changing marketing paradigms, a lack of innovation, and challenges with branding.
What is the size of the halal food market globally?
The value of the worldwide halal industry is currently above two trillion dollars, and it is projected to reach 2.8 trillion dollars in the upcoming years.
What regulations apply to halal meat?
When an animal is killed, it must be healthy and alive, and the corpse must be completely drained of blood. A Muslim will say the shahada, also known as the Tamiya, throughout the procedure. Certain aspects of halal, including whether or not stunning is permitted, are up for controversy.
How to get a halal certificate for export?
Companies can seek for a halal certificate from an accredited certifying authority and get one by passing a halal audit or inspection. Before granting the certificate, the certifying agency will examine the company's procedures and ingredients to make sure they adhere to halal regulations.
What are the standards for halal products?
Pork products, alcoholic beverages and their derivatives, and items with components originating from non-halal animal sources are generally prohibited on halal diets.
How is halal meat legal?
The animal must be healthy and alive, the killing must be carried out by a Muslim according to religious protocol, and the animal's throat must be sliced with a sharp knife so that the carotid artery, jugular vein, and windpipe are severed in one motion. It is necessary to drain the corpse of blood.
Who certifies halal in India?
The two main halal certification agencies in India are Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust and Halal India Pvt Ltd. Enforcing halal standards in their respective economies is the duty of the International Halal accrediting Forum (IHAF), a global network of accrediting bodies.
What standards apply to halal meat?
It is necessary to remove all of the blood from the carcass to follow the halal slaughter procedure. During the procedure, a qualified and devout Muslim will perform a brief blessing called a tasmiya. Adhering to excellent animal welfare principles and making the process as gentle as possible are imperative.
Read more Blogs – How to Establish Processed Meat Export Business in India?
