Discover the halal requirements for exporting products to the UAE, including certification standards, eligible products, labelling, documentation, and a step-by-step process for compliance and market access. Exporting halal products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires more than just meeting basic export standards — it demands compliance with specific halal regulations and certification frameworks. For many consumers in the UAE, halal certification is a key indicator of ethical sourcing, ingredient transparency, and compliance with Islamic dietary principles. As demand for halal-certified goods grows, exporters must understand not only the technical requirements but also how these standards influence market access and consumer confidence. Knowing the UAE’s halal requirements helps businesses plan effectively and avoid costly delays or compliance issues at the border.
Understanding the UAE Halal Certification Framework
The UAE governs its halal certification system under Cabinet Decree No. 10 of 2014, which establishes legal obligations for halal verification, product conformity, and regulatory oversight. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) is responsible for administering halal certification, while entities such as the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) oversee accreditation of halal conformity assessment bodies. These authorities ensure that halal certification bodies operate according to consistent standards and that the certification process is transparent and reliable.
UAE halal standards, including UAE.S 2055-1 for halal food products and UAE.S 2055-2 for certification bodies, align with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Gulf Standards Organisation (GSO) frameworks.
This alignment helps facilitate harmonised halal compliance not only within the UAE but across GCC markets. For exporters, understanding this certification structure is essential to ensure that products arrive ready for consumer purchase and regulatory acceptance.
Why Halal Certification is Essential for the UAE
Halal certification in the UAE is either mandatory or practically necessary for many categories of goods, especially those marketed as halal. Products that carry the halal label — such as meat, poultry, or consumable food and beverage items — must have a valid certification to enter and circulate in the UAE market legally. Without appropriate halal documentation, products may face regulatory hold-ups, clearance delays, or even rejection at customs checkpoints.
Also Read: Why Halal Certification is Important for Businesses
Types of Halal Certifications Relevant to UAE Exports
1. Halal Certification by Accredited Bodies
To gain acceptance as halal-certified in the UAE, products must have a halal certificate issued by a certification body accredited locally or internationally and recognised by UAE authorities. Customs or regulatory agencies may invalidate certificates from unaccredited or non-recognised bodies, causing significant delays. Therefore, exporters should confirm that their certifier is recognised under the UAE scheme before shipping.
2. Halal National Mark (Optional but Advantageous)
MoIAT offers the UAE’s Halal National Mark to certify that a product, service, or production system meets the highest halal standards in the UAE. While it is optional, this mark enhances trust among consumers and importers, often helping products stand out in competitive retail and food service environments. It also communicates a deeper commitment to halal integrity beyond baseline certification.
Helpful for you: How to Get Halal Certification in Australia
Requirements to Apply for Halal Certification in the UAE
1. Halal-Compliant Product Scope
Businesses must clearly define the products, services, or operations requiring Halal certification. Each product must comply with Shariah requirements based on its category. Certification scope is reviewed before application approval. Only compliant items are assessed.
2. Ingredient and Raw Material Verification
All ingredients and raw materials must be Halal-compliant and free from Haram substances. Documentation must verify ingredient origin and composition. Animal-derived materials require additional scrutiny. Transparency is essential for approval.
3. Approved Supplier Documentation
Suppliers must provide Halal certificates or declarations where applicable. Businesses are responsible for ensuring supplier compliance. Records must be current and traceable. Supplier verification supports supply chain integrity.
Must Read: Role of Islamic (Fiqh) Experts in Halal Certification
4. Manufacturing Process Compliance
Production processes must align with Halal principles throughout manufacturing. This includes processing methods, equipment use, and handling procedures. Cross-contamination risks must be controlled. Processes are reviewed during audits.
5. Facility Hygiene and Sanitation Controls
Facilities must maintain high hygiene standards consistent with Halal and food safety regulations. Cleaning procedures must be documented and monitored. Equipment must be suitable for Halal operations. Sanitation compliance is mandatory.
6. Segregation of Halal and Non-Halal Operations
Halal products must remain segregated from non-Halal materials at all stages, using physical separation or validated cleaning protocols, while maintaining proper labelling and identification. Segregation ensures Halal integrity.
7. Halal-Compliant Packaging and Labelling
Packaging materials must not contain Haram substances or cause contamination. Labels must accurately reflect Halal status and product information. Misleading claims are not permitted. Packaging is reviewed as part of certification.
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8. Storage and Transportation Compliance
Store and transport halal products in clean, controlled environments. Segregation during logistics is required. Handling procedures must prevent contamination. Logistics compliance supports supply chain continuity.
9. Documentation, Traceability, and Record Keeping
Businesses must maintain complete records covering sourcing, production, and distribution. Traceability must be demonstrated for each certified product. Records support audits and regulatory inspections. Documentation accuracy is essential.
10. Audit Readiness and Ongoing Compliance Commitment
Applicants must be prepared for on-site audits by approved Halal authorities. Businesses must conduct halal audit procedures internally to stay audit-ready at all times. Corrective actions must be implemented when required. Certification requires continuous compliance. Ongoing monitoring supports long-term certification validity.
Process to Apply for Halal Certification in the UAE
1. Choose a Recognised Halal Certifier
First, select a halal certification company accredited under the UAE and GSO halal standards and accepted by UAE authorities for your product category. Verifying that the certifier is accepted before starting certification prevents unnecessary delays later in the export process.
2. Prepare & Submit Documentation
Compile all necessary materials, including ingredient lists, supply chain records, production SOPs, and any existing halal certificates. These documents are submitted to your certifier or accreditation body as part of the halal application. Accurate documentation streamlines review and supports compliance evaluations.
3. Conduct Audit/Verification
The halal certification body will perform an audit to assess your facility, production practices, ingredient controls, and documentation. This step ensures that your processes meet halal certification requirements and that your operational systems document and apply procedures consistently.
4. Receive Halal Certificate
The certifier issues a halal certificate for export to the UAE after successfully completing the audit and verification.At this stage, it’s important to confirm whether the certificate needs additional local registration or translation for customs authorities.
5. Ensure Labelling & Customs Preparedness
Before shipment, make sure you comply with UAE halal labelling requirements and prepare all export documentation, including halal certificates, for customs clearance. This preparation helps reduce delays and facilitates smoother entry into the UAE market.
How NHASA Can Help You in Australia?
NHASA provides expert halal certification services for UAE export in Australia, guiding businesses through recognised certifiers, documentation, labelling, and audit preparation. We help reduce compliance risks, avoid customs delays, and ensure your products meet UAE halal requirements with confidence. Our team streamlines the entire process from start to finish. This allows Australian exporters to enter the UAE market smoothly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Exporting halal products to the UAE requires careful planning, adherence to local halal standards, and a thorough understanding of regulatory expectations. By working with accredited halal certification bodies, meeting ingredient and supply chain controls, and ensuring clear labelling and documentation, Australian exporters can access one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and highly regulated halal markets. With proper preparation and trusted support, halal compliance becomes a strategic advantage that builds consumer confidence and drives market success.
FAQs
Is halal certification mandatory for all products entering the UAE?
Halal certification is mandatory for food and halal-labelled products. Other consumables may require certification depending on their ingredients and intended use.
What halal standards does the UAE enforce?
The UAE enforces standards such as UAE.S 2055-1 for halal products and requires certification bodies to comply with UAE.S 2055-2 and GSO standards.
Can foreign halal certificates be used in the UAE?
Yes — if issued by internationally recognised certification bodies that are accredited or otherwise accepted under the UAE halal certification framework.
Does the UAE issue a national halal logo?
Yes — the UAE Halal National Mark may be used to signal conformity and enhance consumer trust in halal products.
What happens if a product is not halal-certified?
If a product lacks approved halal certification, customs authorities may delay clearing it, reject it, or prevent it from being marketed as halal in the UAE.