India introduces new export guidelines for halal meat, effective October 16

India has announced updated policy conditions for the export of Halal-certified meat and related products, which will take effect on October 16, 2024.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) outlined that only products processed or packaged in facilities certified under the “India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) – Halal” by the Quality Council of India (QCI) will be allowed to be exported to specific markets.

The guidelines apply to 15 countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Jordan, Oman, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE. Exporters must provide a valid Halal certificate issued by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) post-shipment, ensuring that both Indian and international Halal standards are met.

These new regulations cover fresh and frozen meat products from bovine animals, sheep, and goats. This move aims to streamline the Halal certification process for Indian meat exports and enhance India’s position in the global Halal market, which was valued at USD 1.97 trillion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 3.90 trillion by 2027.

Halal food, which adheres to Islamic dietary laws, is permitted for consumption by Muslims and is prepared according to specific guidelines. Despite India's large Muslim population, the country’s Halal industry is still growing, with major certification bodies such as Halal India Pvt Ltd and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust providing certifications.

The decision not only strengthens India’s trade ties with Muslim-majority countries but also positions the country to further tap into the expanding global Halal food market.