Halal Certification in sri lanka

Halal Certification in sri lanka

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In Sri Lanka, the official authority responsible for issuing Halal certification is the Halal Accreditation Council (Guarantee) Limited, commonly known as the HAC. It is a non-profit organization established under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 and operates independently with the primary goal of ensuring that products and services in the country meet Islamic dietary guidelines and Halal standards. The HAC is the only internationally recognized body in Sri Lanka for Halal certification, and it plays a critical role not only in facilitating the religious needs of the local Muslim population but also in supporting businesses aiming to export products to global Halal markets, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The HAC has received international accreditation, halal in sri-lanka including recognition from the Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC) and compliance with the GSO 2055-2:2015 and ISO/IEC 17065:2012 standards, which relate to Halal certification and conformity assessment.

 Furthermore, the council has also achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System through the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), reflecting its commitment to maintaining high operational and ethical standards in certifying Halal products and services.The process of obtaining Halal certification from the HAC is structured and methodical to ensure full compliance with Islamic law (Shariah) and international food safety standards. It begins with the submission of an application, where the business must provide comprehensive details about the product(s), ingredients used, manufacturing processes, and the supply chain. Following this, a document review is conducted by HAC’s technical and Shariah experts. This review includes evaluating ingredients, checking for the presence of any non-Halal or “haram” components (such as pork derivatives, alcohol, or improperly slaughtered animal products), and ensuring that all additives and processing aids are permissible under Islamic law. 

Once the documentation is approved, an on-site audit is arranged. During this audit, HAC inspectors visit the production facility to examine the production line, assess hygiene and cleanliness, inspect storage areas, and evaluate whether there is any risk of cross-contamination between Halal and non-Halal items. Staff knowledge, training in Halal practices, and the company’s overall quality management system are also reviewed during this phase.Once the audit is completed and any corrective actions are addressed (if necessary), the business may be granted Halal certification, halal Cost in sri-lanka which is valid for a specified period—usually one year. However, this certification is not permanent. Surveillance audits are conducted periodically to ensure continuous compliance. Businesses are expected to maintain meticulous records, demonstrate ongoing adherence to Halal protocols, and notify HAC of any changes to ingredients, suppliers, or production processes. If at any point a company fails to comply, HAC has the authority to suspend or revoke the certification.

There are several key requirements that a business must meet to be eligible for Halal certification. First and foremost is the compliance of raw materials and ingredients—everything used in the manufacturing process must be Halal and traceable. This includes ensuring that meat is sourced from animals slaughtered according to Islamic rites, avoiding contamination with non-Halal substances, and verifying that any enzymes, emulsifiers, or additives are Halal-certified. Second, the manufacturing process must maintain integrity throughout—meaning the equipment, storage, and transportation used for Halal products must not be used for non-Halal items unless proper cleaning and segregation measures are followed. Third, the business must demonstrate transparency across the supply chain, including supplier declarations and Halal certifications from ingredient vendors. Fourth, employee training is essential—staff must be educated on Halal practices, food safety, and hygiene standards. Finally, facilities must maintain high sanitary conditions and ensure that Halal and non-Halal products are clearly labeled and segregated.

Halal certification is especially important in the Sri Lankan context because it enables businesses to access and compete in major export markets. According to HAC and various trade bodies, Halal-certified products from Sri Lanka account for a significant portion of the country’s exports in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, particularly to nations within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Moreover, Halal certification also enhances brand trust and marketability domestically, among the Sri Lankan Muslim community, which constitutes about 10% of the population.In conclusion, the Halal Accreditation Council of Sri Lanka is the sole and internationally accredited authority responsible for Halal certification in the country. halal Consultancy in sri-lanka It ensures that products meet rigorous Halal and food safety standards through a detailed and systematic certification process. For businesses aiming to gain consumer trust, improve product credibility, and access global Halal markets, obtaining certification from HAC is both a strategic and ethical imperative.