Frequently asked questions
Why does a business need a Halal Certificate?
When looking at why an outlet should consider Halal Certificates it is a matter for the business owner. Consider the market that you are targetting and then consider the market you are missing out on.
Halal Certificates can be a key that opens access to a growing marketable opportunity. So if your a local outlet and you see a number of Hijabi, Abaya or Muslim Brothers and Sisters walking past your business - then consider the benefit of providing to that market.
The Halal Certificate is an identifiable and accepted authority that the product, service or venue is Halal Compliant. Many Muslim consumers rely on the integrity of the Halal Certificate to identify suitable products for consumption.
What is a Halal Certificate?
There are a number of different categories that a business can apply for Halal Certification. Typically a business would consider Halal Certification for the purpose of exporting to regions requiring Halal Certification OR for the purpose of informing the local Australian Market that the product or service is Halal.
A business can apply for Halal Certification for a process, a product or a service. There are a number of Halal Authorities within Australia that specialise in delivering Halal Certification. It is important to note that each Authority has their own guidelines and procedures with regards to what type of Halal Certificate can be issued. Some Authorities will only become engaged with Halal Certification for Export purposes only, whilst others service Halal Certification of Pharmaceuticals or Restaurants or Meat Supplies. It is important when considering the suitability of a Halal Authority to check whether they provide certification to suit your business needs.
Halal Certificates is issued by Authorities after the Authority has been engaged by the business. The outcome of a successful assessment is the issuing of a Sealed Halal Certificate. This certificate provides vital information such as:
1. The Halal Authority Details
2. The Halal Inspector Details (often just their name)
3. The Name of the Business that the Certificate applies to
4. The Head Office or Operational Address of the Certificate Holder
5. Category or Type of Halal Certificate issued (Meat Export, Distributor etc)
6. Notice of Halal Compliance
7. Date Issued and period of Compliance
8. Seal or Stamp of Authority
9. Signatures of Inspector and/or Authority Representative
Who can issue a Halal Certificate?
There are two categories of Halal Certificates serviced by a number of Authorities.
1. Purpose of Exporting
2. Australian Market
The Department of Agriculture, a Federal Government Department, have a compiled list of suitable Halal Authorities that can be approached for the purpose of Halal Certification of red halal meat and red meat products for export (
View Link)
For the Australian Market there are a number of Authorities that issue Halal Certification. This includes Local or Regional Mosque Authorities and Local Business Operators throughout Australia. They can be a individual, not for profit or a Company. It is important when considering "Who" that you research the status of the Authority within the local markets.
Our experience in the Australian Marketplace shows that there are a variety of providers that provide Halal Certification to Restaurants, Butcher Shops, Supermarkets, Abattoirs, Pharmaceuticals and other needs. They are not restricted by traditional State borders and operate in an open market. That is to say that a Halal Authority based in Sydney ,may and can, issue Halal Certificate to a business in Adelaide.
What is the Cost of Halal Certification?
When considering a Halal Certificate it is important to consider that there will be a fee payable to the Authority. Each Authority have a cost schedule and fee rate to apply pending on the type of Certification and Process of Assessment.
Prices vary "depending on the product involved, the organisation from which certification is sought and whether the goods are for export or domestic consumption.
The fees are often modest and Authorities do not disclose the fees openly for comparison.
What is the Process involved to gain Halal Certification?
Pending on the Type of Halal Certificate being sought and the Authority being used. There is a range of procedures used some are detailed while others are a basic assessment.
A business that has identified the importance of Halal Certification will commence the process by identifying a suitable Halal Authority. (Google, Referrals, Dept of Agriculture)
Lodging an online enquiry or making a call to the Authority will often put you in contact with the right person to start the process.
Some Authorities have an online Application process to assist with identifying suitability and what type of Halal Certificate is required.
The Authority will collect information from the business with regards to the supply chain, production process, quality control, logistics, HR, Workplace and more. The purpose is to identify potential risk of contamination of Haram products or procedures that will compromise the Certification. This also includes site inspections and an audit to take place. Once the Authority has completed the Inspection and Audit and satisfied with compliance to their standards they will then issue a Halal Certificate.
Halal Certificates can be conditional upon ongoing Audit and Reviews which may occur on a regular basis (annually)
Does Australian Food and Grocery Council issue Halal Certificates?
No.
The AFGC is a peak body within Australia that represents a number of Manufacturer and Stores across Australia. The AFGC is active in providing information to Government and Members with regards to Halal Certificates but is respectfully neutral.
They do not issue Halal Certificates
Reference:
https://www.afgc.org.au/about-afgc/priorities-and-policies/halal-certification
