IFHAB’s Drive to Standardize Halal Accreditation Boosts Global Economic Opportunities

The Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies (IFHAB) has taken significant strides in establishing a transparent and standardized system for halal products and services. This initiative, grounded in Sharia principles and technical prerequisites, is in sync with global practices. The forum’s efforts are particularly evident in member nations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where they’ve been instrumental in integrating with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC). This collaboration aims to perpetually refine IFHAB’s operations by analyzing best practices across member states and relevant committees.

IFHAB’s mission is multifaceted. Beyond ensuring representation from diverse stakeholders like accreditation bodies, legislators, and consumers, the forum is keen on unlocking new economic avenues. These opportunities, ranging from enhancing international trade to creating specialized job roles, are pivotal in an era where innovation and knowledge development are paramount.

A landmark decision was made during the 21st meeting of the SMIIC Board of Directors on June 1st, 2021. The board greenlit the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Halal Quality Global Infrastructure (OHAQ) through resolution number (03/2021). This unanimous decision was further bolstered by the board’s directive to the General Secretariat to present the approved “Global Halal Quality Infrastructure of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation” to the OIC General Secretariat for subsequent endorsement.

The OIC’s 49th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Nouakchott, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, in March 2023, was another pivotal moment. During this session, the OIC conferred the status of an OIC Affiliated institution upon IFHAB. This recognition is a testament to the OIC’s commitment to fostering mutual respect, cooperation, and socio-economic development among its member states.

The Halal industry’s significance cannot be overstated. Beyond religious adherence, Halal products and services are synonymous with quality, leading to their widespread acceptance even outside the Muslim community. Recognizing this, IFHAB is dedicated to creating a transparent system for Halal products and services that align with Sharia regulations, technical requirements, and international best practices.

IFHAB’s objectives are clear and ambitious:

• Trust & Credibility: Ensuring products and services bearing the Halal logo are trusted and credible in both local and global markets.
• Standardization: Developing global Halal requirements, unifying accreditation procedures, and linking them to the international system.
• Economic Growth: Facilitating international recognition of accredited Halal certificates and fostering cooperation with regional and international forums.
• Capacity Building: Providing specialized training, forming a broad base of expert evaluators, and enhancing the skills of OIC member countries in Halal certification.

The economic potential of the Halal industry is immense. As per the Global Islamic Economy Report 2019/2020, the global Muslim consumer base stands at 1.8 billion. In 2018, their expenditure on Halal food, pharmaceuticals, and Sharia-compliant lifestyle products was a staggering $2.2 trillion. With an annual growth rate of 5.2%, this figure is projected to touch $3.2 trillion by 2024.

In conclusion, IFHAB’s role is not just pivotal but also timely. As the Halal industry continues to grow, forums like IFHAB will be instrumental in ensuring that the sector remains standardized, transparent, and economically beneficial for all stakeholders involved.