Halal Certification Malaysia: How To Apply and Requirements (2025 Guide)

Have you ever heard of “Halal certification?” Usually, this term appears in industries like food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.

In today's competitive market, businesses in Malaysia must stay ahead by meeting consumer expectations.

One key certification that enhances business credibility is Halal certification.

If your company operates in these industries in Malaysia, obtaining Halal certification can open doors to new markets and increase consumer trust.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Halal Certification in Malaysia, from what it is to how your business can apply for it.

What is Halal Certification?

Halal certification is an official recognition that a product, service, or process complies with Islamic dietary laws.

The certification is issued by authorized bodies like Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which carefully examines ingredients, production processes, and handling methods to verify compliance with Islamic principles.

The primary goal of Halal certification is to give Muslim consumers peace of mind.

According to the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011, a law in Malaysia, food described as “halal” means it:

Does not contain any part of an animal that Muslims are not allowed to eat or an animal not slaughtered according to Islamic rules.
Does not have anything impure in it.
Has not touched, mixed with, or been near any impure or non-halal food during making, storing, or processing.
Was not made with tools that were contaminated with impure things.
Does not cause intoxication and is safe to eat.

Why Halal Certification is Important for Businesses

Halal certification importance isn’t just for companies targeting Muslim customers. It’s a strategic move that can benefit businesses in several ways:

Expand market reach

In 2020, Malaysia has 63.5% Muslim population, and Halal certification opens the door to this vast market.

It also helps businesses tap into international markets where Halal products are in high demand.

Builds consumer trust

A Halal logo on your product signals quality, cleanliness, and ethical sourcing, which appeals to both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.

Regulatory compliance

In some cases, Halal certification is a legal requirement, especially for food-related businesses. Having it ensures your business stays compliant with local and international regulations.

Who can apply to Halal Certificate?

It’s not just restaurants that can apply for a halal certificate in Malaysia.

Under the “food premises” category, you can apply if you run a place where food is prepared and sold, such as a restaurant, cafe, food court, bakery, cake and pastry shop, canteen, fast food restaurant, franchise restaurant, kiosk, hotel kitchen, catering service, or food truck.

In addition, businesses in these eight other categories can also apply for a halal certificate:

Food and beverage products
Cosmetic products
Pharmaceutical products
Goods
Logistic services
Abattoirs or slaughterhouses
Original equipment manufacturers (OEM)
Medical devices

Who can apply for a halal certificate in Malaysia?

Can apply	Not eligible / cannot apply if
Valid business registrations/licenses	Have non-halal products/menu
Operated for at least 3 months before applying	Company’s name/product/menu/ingredients/brand uses the word 'halal' or describes it in a way that suggests it’s consumable by Muslims
Operated for at least 1 month at new premises if relocated	Company’s name/brand/menu uses words related to non-halal products (e.g. ham, bak kut teh, bacon, beer, rum, hot dog, char siew)
Only produces/handles halal products	Product/food premise gives negative religious/social implications (e.g. shisha, cigarettes, hair dye, nail polish, karaoke centres, entertainment centres)
Products that don’t need halal certification or can cause confusion if certified halal (e.g. fertiliser, paper, cement, tiles, pesticides, carpets)	Natural products that are unprocessed, unmodified, with no packaging/labeling (e.g. fresh fish, vegetables, eggs)
Apply for halal certification for all food items on the menu

How much does getting a halal certificate in Malaysia cost?

While the application and annual renewal fee for a halal certificate for a restaurant is relatively affordable at RM100 per premises, other costs may apply for a business to meet the conditions for halal certification.

Costs for halal certification in Malaysia:

Fee Type	Amount
Processing Fee (per application)	RM20
Annual Fee (for halal certification or renewal)
- Food premises (restaurant, cafe, canteen, bakery, franchise, food court, kiosk)	RM100 per premises each year
- Central kitchen	RM100 - RM1,000 per year (depending on annual earnings)
- Hotels with 3 stars or less	RM200 per kitchen/restaurant per year
- Hotels with 4 stars or more	RM500 per kitchen/restaurant per year
- Catering/convention centre kitchen	RM100 - RM700 per year (depending on annual earnings)

Other Costs:

Fee Type	Amount
Fee to add menu (including promotion menu)	RM200 per application for 2 years
Printing of halal logo poster	RM50 per poster
Reprinting of halal certificate	RM50 per piece

Source: Jakim's halal portal; 2020 manual on procedure for halal certification in Malaysia
Note: These fees are for businesses in Malaysia only. Companies involved in international trade may be subject to different fees.

What is Included in the Halal Certification Process?

Jakim’s manual outlines 17 general conditions for halal certification, mainly focusing on hygiene and covering the following areas:

Raw Ingredients (e.g., halal or halal certified ingredients)
Product, Menu, and Services
Processing (e.g., no worship elements or tools allowed in the processing area)
Tools and Equipment (must be used only for halal ingredients, cannot be rusty or have toxic materials)
Packaging, Labelling, and Advertising
Transportation and Distribution
Storage, Premises, and Sanitisation (e.g., regular pest control)
Workers (e.g., workers' welfare, including providing space and time for Muslim workers to pray)
Training (e.g., halal awareness training, halal competency training, funds and facilities for training)
Malaysian Halal Management System (MHMS) (documentation and compliance with laws and regulations)
Contract Manufacturing and OEM

The manual also includes specific conditions for different business categories. For the “food premises” category, the conditions include:

Food Handlers: Must have anti-typhoid vaccinations and food handling training from a Health Ministry-recognized institution.
Central Kitchen: Obtain halal certification for the central kitchen first.
Restaurant Chains: Each outlet must apply for a halal certificate; all applications must be handled centrally.
Menu Display: The menu displayed must be the same as the one declared during the application process; if there are changes, apply to add items to the menu.
For Restaurants, Cafes, Canteens, and Bakeries:
- Must have at least one Malaysian Muslim full-time worker working throughout each shift.
- A halal supervisor must be appointed, and an internal halal control system (IHCS) must be implemented.
- Food and drinks must be prepared in a halal-certified kitchen.

When Is Halal Certification Required for Employers?

Halal certification is mandatory for businesses in specific industries, particularly those that directly cater to Muslim consumers:

Food and Beverage: Restaurants, food manufacturers, caterers, food trucks, and other places serving food must obtain Halal certification.
Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: These products must be free from Haram substances, especially if they are ingested or applied to the body.
Logistics and Supply Chain: Companies involved in the storage and transportation of Halal products must have certification to ensure no contamination with non-Halal items.
Medical Devices and OEM: Manufacturers producing goods like medical devices or OEM products must comply with Halal standards to cater to Muslim consumers.

How to Apply for Halal Certification in Malaysia

Applying for Halal certification may seem complicated, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable:

1. Preparation

Before applying, make sure your business is ready:

Review your products, processes, and supply chains to confirm they meet Halal requirements.
Gather all necessary documents like ingredient lists, supplier certifications, and hygiene protocols.

2. Submission

Head over to the Halal Malaysia Portal to register your business. Your account will be verified after 24 hours (1 day).

Fill out the application form and submit the required documents within five working days after applying online.

You can check and download official application form here.

3. Payment of Fees

After submitting your documents, you’ll receive a charge letter detailing the fees.

Payments must be made within 14 working days to keep your application active.

The fees vary depending on the type of business. For example, food premises like restaurants usually pay around RM100 annually.

4. Audit

JAKIM will schedule an audit of your premises. This is a critical step where inspectors verify that your operations align with Halal standards.

5. Certification

If the audit is successful, JAKIM will issue your Halal certificate. If not, you’ll be given the chance to correct any issues and reapply.

How long does it take to obtain a halal certificate?

Before, it could take anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. Now, Jakim’s Halal Malaysia Portal says it aims to issue the certificate within 30 days if all the steps are followed.

Here’s how the process time has been shortened:

23 days: On September 6, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said Jakim reduced the time to 23 days.
15 days: On September 12, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Jakim further shortened it to 15 working days.
30 days: On September 18, Jakim introduced a program called ISPHM, where 96% of applications from January to July were processed in 30 days.

So, if all conditions are met, getting the halal certificate now usually takes between 15 to 30 working days.

How long is the halal certificate valid for?

For food premises (including restaurants) and food and beverage products, the halal certificate is valid for two years.

For abattoirs, the halal certificate is valid for one year.

For other categories such as logistics, OEM, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products, the certificate is valid for three years.

Jakim may also offer a five-year validity period if certain conditions are met.

These conditions include having held a halal certificate for at least five years and maintaining compliance with halal requirements, including hygiene standards.

You can choose whether to accept or decline the five-year offer.

Website Recommendations for Halal Certification Malaysia

If you’re planning to apply for Halal certification in Malaysia, these websites can help you through the process by providing important information, guidelines, and support:

JAKIM Halal Malaysia Official Portal

This is the official platform for submitting Halal certification applications. It also offers detailed guidelines, application procedures, and the latest updates on Halal standards in Malaysia.

Halal Development Corporation (HDC)

HDC plays a key role in supporting businesses, especially when navigating the complexities of the Halal industry.

They provide resources and training to help companies meet Halal requirements and expand into global Halal markets.

SME Corporation Malaysia

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this organization offers programs, funding opportunities, and advisory services to support businesses seeking Halal certification.

They help make the process more accessible for growing companies.

ASEAN Briefing – Halal Certification Guide

This platform provides a comprehensive guide to obtaining Halal certification in Malaysia.

It’s particularly useful for businesses looking for region-specific insights, including cross-border Halal trade information within ASEAN countries.

FAQ

What is the process to obtain Halal certification in Malaysia?

It involves applying through the Halal Malaysia Portal, submitting required documents, undergoing an audit by JAKIM, and receiving certification if all standards are met.

How long does it take to get Halal certification in Malaysia?

The process can take around 15 to 30 working days if all conditions are met and the application is complete.

What are the benefits of having Halal certification for businesses in Malaysia?

It enhances market reach, builds consumer trust, ensures regulatory compliance, and boosts business credibility both locally and internationally.

If your business is ready to expand and reach new heights, Halal certification could be the next step.

It’s an investment that pays off through increased consumer trust, compliance with industry standards, and access to growing global markets.

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