UAE launches integrated ‘Arab system’ for mutual recognition of halal certificates

DUBAI - An integrated system to facilitate the mutual recognition of halal certificates among Arab countries was unveiled today in Dubai.

The new programme, by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) and the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organisation (AIDMO), was developed to boost the trade of halal products in the Middle East and North Africa.

“The first Arab halal system will include mutual recognition of halal certificates and easing the trade movement between our Arab countries and the world,” UAE Minister of Economy and ESMA Chairman Sultan Al Mansoori said today during the launch of the programme.  

The new programme will also consist of rules and procedures for a new region-wide halal certificate and mark, to be introduced in interested Arab countries as an optional label.

Companies that want to obtain the Arab halal certificate and label can apply directly to the halal authorities in any Arab country contracting with AIDMO, said the body’s Director General Adel Alsaqer.

In his presentation at the launch of the programme, Alsaqer said the Arab system will be applied in the states that are willing to sign on for the programme with AIDMO and the halal authorities in those countries.

Morocco-based AIDMO operates within the ambit of the League of Arab States, better known as the Arab League. Its 22-member countries are all part of the Arab League.

The Arab halal programme was also developed to ensure manufacturer and supplier compliance with halal standards in the Arab world and protect consumers from fake halal products or those using fake halal labels, said Alsaqer.

The programme can be applied to locally-consumed products, imports and exports.

Companies are also expected to meet the requirements of food safety management systems such as ISO 22,000, HACCP and other relevant internationally-recognised systems.

(Reporting by Seban Scaria; Editing by Emmy Abdul Alim emmy.alim@refinitiv.com)

© SalaamGateway.com 2019 All Rights Reserved