Halal food certification in Pakistan is regulated by the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) under the Pakistan Halal Authority Act, 2016. The purpose of certification is to ensure that food and other consumables comply with Islamic dietary laws and meet Halal standards. It is a mandatory requirement for businesses involved in the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of Halal-certified products, both for domestic markets and exports.
Companies seeking Halal certification must demonstrate compliance with Islamic principles throughout food sourcing, preparation, storage, handling, transportation, and packaging.
Regulatory Authorities & Certification Bodies
Halal certification in Pakistan is overseen by multiple entities to ensure proper enforcement and adherence to Islamic laws.
- The Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) is the primary regulatory body responsible for Halal certification, compliance, and enforcement.
- The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) accredits private third-party Halal certification bodies that issue Halal certifications.
- The TÜV Austria Bureau of Inspection & Certification is one of the independent certification organizations conducting Halal audits for businesses.
- Shariah Advisory Boards review and approve products to confirm compliance with Islamic dietary principles.
These institutions ensure that Halal food products meet both local regulations and international Halal standards.
Halal Certification Process
1. Application Submission
Businesses seeking Halal certification must apply through PHA or an accredited certification body. The application requires:
- Business registration documents.
- A detailed list of ingredients and raw materials with proof of Halal sourcing.
- Information on manufacturing, processing, and packaging.
- Documentation related to Halal compliance, hygiene, and food safety procedures.
At this stage, businesses must show that they fully comply with Halal food handling requirements, employee training, and operational standards.
2. Halal Audit & Inspection
After reviewing the application, an independent audit team conducts a thorough inspection of the business. The audit focuses on:
- Ingredient verification to ensure raw materials are Halal-certified.
- Processing, handling, and storage conditions to prevent contamination.
- Sanitation and hygiene standards in the facility.
- Equipment and machinery inspection to ensure no cross-contamination with non-Halal substances.
- Packaging and labeling compliance to ensure that Halal-certified products are clearly marked.
The audit process ensures that businesses meet Islamic dietary laws and global food safety standards.
3. Certification Approval
Once the audit is complete, a Technical Committee reviews the findings. If all requirements are met, the Halal Certificate is issued, usually valid for one year, with an option for renewal upon re-evaluation.
To maintain certification, businesses must:
- Continue to follow Halal production and hygiene standards.
- Allow random audits and inspections.
- Ensure that product packaging and labeling comply with Halal requirements.
If a company is found to be in violation of Halal standards, the certification can be suspended or revoked.
Key Requirements for Halal Certification
Halal certification requires businesses to follow strict compliance guidelines:
- All raw materials and additives must be Halal-certified and free from any prohibited substances such as pork, alcohol, and blood.
- Food processing and handling must prevent contamination with non-Halal ingredients.
- Meat products must follow Islamic slaughtering guidelines to ensure compliance with religious laws.
- Products must be labeled accurately to inform consumers about their Halal status.