INTERPRETATION OF THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

This interpretation is related to the recent Official Announcement of the Withdrawal of Recognition of Foreign Halal Certification Body in Belgium which was published on 20^th October 2023. The interpretation refers to the items 3(b) and (c) as follows:

3(b). The products that are already on route to Malaysia with halal certificates issued

         by HFCE before or on 12^th April 2024.

Interpretation:

“The products that are already on route to Malaysia” refers to the products manufactured or produced before 13^th October 2023 with a valid halal certificate and in the process of shipping to Malaysia before or on 12^th April 2024.

3(c). The product that is being processed before or on 12^th April 2024 will be accepted

with a supporting document that related to production date.

Interpretation:

The product that is being processed before or on 12^th April 2024 as stated in 3(b) above with a valid halal certificate will be accepted. 

Thank you.

Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)

Putrajaya

27^th October 2023

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WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN HALAL CERTIFICATION BODY  IN BELGIUM

1. Please be informed that The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), has withdrawn the HALAL FOOD COUNCIL OF EUROPE (HFCE) from the list of Recognised Foreign Halal Certification Body (FHCB) effective from 13^th October 2023.

2. Companies that produce products with a halal certification from HFCE are given a grace period until 12^th April 2024 to obtain halal certification from other halal certification bodies recognised by JAKIM.

3. Due to the withdrawal of HFCE, all products certified and marked with halal by HFCE will not be accepted to be exported to Malaysia except for the following circumstances:

1. The products that have been in Malaysia before the withdrawal of HFCE recognition;
2. The products that are already on route to Malaysia with halal certificates issued by HFCE before or on 12^th April 2024; and
3. The product that is being processed before or on 12^th April 2024 will be accepted with a supporting document that related to production date.

4. However, the manufacturer or plant that has been affected due to the withdrawal of recognition on HFCE may continue to export their product to Malaysia after obtaining a halal certification from other recognised FHCB in Belgium or from the nearest FHCB nearby the country.

5. For further information, kindly refer to the website www.halal.gov.my or contact our secretariat by email at zuraiza@islam.gov.my and mahfudzah@islam.gov.my.

Thank you.

Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM)

Putrajaya

20^th October 2023