For businesses planning to import, manufacture, or sell consumable products in Malaysia, one of the most common questions is whether they need halal certification or not.
With over 60% of the population being Muslim, halal certification holds significant importance in Malaysia. While getting a halal certificate is not mandatory, if you want to sell consumable products in Malaysia and target the majority, it is advisable to obtain a halal certificate from JAKIM.
It's important to note that you can import and sell non-Halal products in Malaysia as well. However, any misleading descriptions, self-declarations of products as Halal, or portraying non-Halal items as Halal is considered an offense and is subject to penalties.
In this article, we will walk you through the requirements and process for obtaining a Halal certificate in Malaysia.
Types of Halal Certificates in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the Department of Islamic Development, commonly known as JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia), is responsible for enforcing Halal standards in the country and issuing halal certificates. Any local or international business that wants to obtain a halal certificate must go through JAKIM.
Currently, there are 9 categories of halal certifications in Malaysia depending on the type of product or service you offer. These categories include:
- Food and beverage products
- Cosmetic products
- Pharmaceutical products
- Food premises
- Used goods products
- Logistics services
- Slaughterhouse
- Contract manufacturing/ OEM
- Medical device products
Requirements to Apply for the Halal Certificate in Malaysia
A halal certificate is not just about the right product ingredients. It ensures that the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing and packaging, follows the Islamic dietary laws. Therefore, JAKIM has strict requirements and regulations in place for companies who want to apply or renew their halal certificates.
Here are the general requirements to apply for halal certification in Malaysia:
- Valid business registration certificate
- License or approval from local authorities (PBT) or relevant government agencies
- Must be fully operational for at least three months
- Must produce and handle only halal products
- Name and descriptions of products
- List of all the ingredients used
- valid halal certificate or documents indicating the source of natural materials for repackaged products
- Manufacturing process
- Information about the packaging material
- Map of premises
- Ensure that the names of the company, product menus, ingredients, or brands do not misleadingly suggest they are halal
- Depending on your business, you might need additional licenses such as:
- Food Premises Registration (BKKM)
- Veterinary Certification (JPV)
- Manufacturer’s License (NPRA)
- Establishment License (MDA)
- Food Premises Registration (BKKM)
- Veterinary Certification (JPV)
- Manufacturer’s License (NPRA)
- Establishment License (MDA)
Process of Obtaining the Halal Certificate in Malaysia
As of May 2025, all applications for halal certification are now processed electronically, replacing traditional paper-based methods. To facilitate faster and more transparent certification, the digital system now issues secure electronic certificates (e-Certs). Let's take a look at the process:
1. Submit Application via the MyeHALAL Online Platform
Create an account on the MYeHALAL portal. Complete the online application form by providing essential details about your business and the halal products or services you intend to certify.
Upload all the necessary documents including your business registration certificate, license from local authorities, product ingredient list, manufacturing processes, and halal sourcing. These documents must be scanned or converted into approved digital platforms.
2. Pay Certification Fees
After submitting your completed application and documents, you will be prompted to pay the halal certification fees online through the MYeHALAL portal. Multiple secure payment options are available, such as credit/debit cards or online banking. Confirmation of payment is immediate and linked to your application to facilitate seamless processing.
3. Wait for Digital Scheduling for JAKIM Inspection
Once the application is accepted, JAKIM schedules an inspection of your premises. During this stage, a team of auditors will conduct a thorough examination of your production facility, raw materials, and manufacturing processes.
The primary focus of the inspection is to ensure that there are no traces of non-Halal substances, such as alcohol, pork-derived ingredients, or prohibited animal proteins. The auditors may also test for the presence of DNA from non-Halal sources or if there is any possibility of contamination.
Furthermore, based on the halal certificate application category and business size, businesses are required to have atleast 1-2 Muslim employees who are Malaysian citizens for every work shift.
4. Approval of Halal Certificate
After the inspection/audit, your application will be reviewed by JAKIM's Halal certification committee. If all requirements are met and no non-compliance issues are found, the committee will approve the issuance of your Halal certificate. The digital certificate (e-Cert) will be accessible for download, printing, or digital sharing through your MYeHALAL account. This e-Cert includes secure verification features to authenticate its validity. A Halal certificate is generally valid for 2 years with renewals required before it expires.
Maintenance of Halal Certificate
Getting the approval for the halal certificate is just the starting point. In addition to requirements related to materials, and manufacturing processes, businesses are also required by JAKIM to have a Halal Management System in place depending on the size of the company.
- Small and micro businesses that have fairly simple processes in place are required to have an Internal Halal Control System (IHCS) in place to meet the minimum requirements.
- For large companies with complex processes in place, JAKIM requires them to have a Halal Assurance System (HAS) in place to obtain and maintain the halal certificate.
The Malaysian Halal Management System (MHMS) provides detailed guidelines regarding requirements such as internal audit, halal committee, halal executive, and so on.
Apply for Halal Certification in Malaysia with Emerhub
Getting a Halal certificate in Malaysia can be a complex process, involving extensive documentation, audits, and regulatory requirements. However, this process can be made easier with the right guidance and support.
Emerhub’s team of experts in Malaysia guides you through the Halal certification process, ensuring compliance with JAKIM's standards.
Fill out the form below to talk to one of our experts.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for halal certification in Malaysia?
Any business registered with valid licenses and operating halal-compliant products or services can apply. The business must have been fully operational for at least three months. Businesses that use the term "halal" improperly on names, products, or menus without certification are not eligible.
Are halal certifications mandatory for all food businesses?
Halal certification remains voluntary for most food businesses in Malaysia. However, if you're targeting Muslim consumers or exporting accordingly often seek certification for market acceptance. Mandatory certification applies for certain sectors like pharmaceuticals, with transition deadlines (e.g., October 2026).
How long does the certification process take?
The process typically takes about 15 to 30 working days after a complete and accurate application is submitted. The new digital process has reduced waiting times significantly compared to previous years.
What happens during the inspection?
JAKIM auditors physically inspect production facilities to ensure that no non-halal substances (like pork derivatives or alcohol) are present and that manufacturing and packaging comply with halal standards. The audit is scheduled and managed digitally.