What Is Halal Certification and How to Obtain a Halal License in Nigeria?
Venture your business in the global Halal marketplace! Know how Halal Certification in Nigeria and a valid Halal License in Nigeria opens trust and export opportunities and how Maxicert streamlines your branding concerns.
Introduction – The Nigerian Food Company That Needed a Halal License
Naija Delights Ltd is a mid-size food manufacturer in Nigeria. Straddling Lagos and the country’s busiest metropolis, the company was excitedly preparing for its first export venture of Nigeria’s famous snacks and drinks to the Middle East. The management was optimistic about the reception, but orders couldn’t be shipped out due to the fact that buyers were asking for a Halal certification and a Halal license, fully compliant with the country’s and Islamic regulations.
Bordering Nigeria’s economic hub, the company is excited in preparing to export its famous snacks and drinks to the Middle East. Internationally, the Middle East is famous for its snacks and drinks. Compliance to regulations is a must and the management is asking questions. The company was asking for ISO Halal certification for the first time. ISO certification guarantees compliance with Islamic laws and also transcends economic boundaries and builds trust with Halal compliant consumers.
What Is Halal Certification and Halal License?
This scenario resonates with numerous businesses in Nigeria today. As the scope of faith-based and international trade demands increases, the understanding of Halal Certification and the acquisition of a Halal License is no longer optional but a strategic imperative for market expansion and credibility. In this blog, we analyze the fundamentals of Halal Certification and the significance of a Halal License, and we explain how businesses can acquire it seamlessly through Maxicert.
Halal Certification is often misunderstood as a mere religious obligation, but it encompasses a far wider scope.
Halal Certification involves the comprehensive examination of the products, ingredients, manufacturing processes, and overall supply chain to ensure adherence to Islamic guidelines. This involves the ethically responsible sourcing of materials, hygienic manufacturing, and complete and verifiable production systems at all levels of the supply chain.
A Halal License is the document issued by a recognized Halal certifying agency, and it empowers a company to legally manufacture, package, and market Halal-compliant commodities. Thus, a Halal License is proof of all the efforts a company has made to attain Halal Certification.
Halal Certification and License is useful for various sectors:
- Food and drinks
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products
- Cosmetic and personal hygiene products
- For packaging and logistics companies handling halal items.
Attaining both halal certification and obtaining a halal license accurately depicts your products. This is important to gain recognition from consumers and global trade partners which expands your credibility and market reach.
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Why Halal Certification and Halal License Matter for Nigerian Businesses
Nigeria is home to over 90 million Muslims which makes Halal compliance an important market factor on the domestic front. However, Nigerian business owners seek to capture the global Halal market which includes the Gulf countries, Southeast Asia and Europe, on the other end.
Data-backed projection: The Halal market is expected to reach over 3 trillion USD by 2025. This reinforces the importance of Halal certification and obtaining a Halal license to Nigerian exporters, especially those looking to expand on an international level.
Best benefits that come with obtaining Halal certification and a halal license are:
- Trust from consumers: There is an increase from both Muslims and non-Muslims for halal certified products.
- Export readiness: International buyers and distributors require a valid halal license before engaging with suppliers.
- Brand credibility: Complying with halal certification shows that you run ethical, hygienic, and transparent operations.
- Food safety assurance: Compliance with ISO standards ensures highest levels of hygiene and traceability.
Naija Delights Ltd. gained access to supermarkets in the UAE after getting its Halal License. This illustrates the value certificates can bring.
ISO Halal Certification Standards – Making Your Halal License Recognized
Getting a Halal License in Nigeria can be done with the standards registration ISO Halal Certification. ISO standards integrate traditional Halal principles with quality and food safety systems recognized worldwide.
Important aspects of ISO Halal Certification include:
- MS 1500:2019 – provides guidelines on the production, preparation, handling, and storage of Halal food.
- Integration with ISO 22000 – ensures the principles of Halal food safety management can be integrated.
- Traceable supply chains – all Halal-compliant supply chains as to the ingredients and raw materials.
- Hygiene and ethical compliance – protects the consumer, and the reputation of the brand gets stronger.
Integration of Halal principles is more efficient for already ISO 9001 or ISO 22000 certified companies, and makes the Halal License much more reliable.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Halal License in Nigeria
We can see how Naija Delights Ltd. obtains their Halal License.
Application & Documentation:
Naija Delights Ltd. submits lists of products, production practices, and suppliers to a Halal certifying body.
Internal Assessment:
A self-audit is performed to ensure all ingredients, suppliers, and production practices align with the Halal standards.
On-Site Audit & Inspection:
Conducted by qualified auditors, a full compliance check is performed that includes inspection of the production, storage, and labeling facilities.
Corrective Actions & Staff Training:
Discrepancy corrective actions are followed by Halal standards training of personnel to ensure segregation to Halal and non-Halal products.
Approval & Halal License Issuance:
Finally, the company receives Halal License that gives them the legal rights to manufacture and sell products that are Halal.
Post-Certification Monitoring:
Audits are done to check compliance and are necessary for the renewal of the Halal License.
Challenges in Obtaining Halal Certification and Halal License in Nigeria
Having the right support makes the process clear and easy, but businesses still encounter the following issues:
- Limited knowledge of the necessary paperwork and audits.
- Identifying and procuring Halal-compliant products and suppliers.
- Having limited qualified personnel for Halal compliance.
- Unorganized quality management systems concerning Halal standards.
By understanding Halal requirements and ISO standards, their partner experts enable Halal licensing at Naija Delights Ltd. There is a partnership and understanding of what is required, and things fall into place.
How Maxicert Helps You Obtain Halal Certification and Halal License in Nigeria
Halal Certification and Halal licensing procedures for Nigerian Companies are easy with Maxicert, which is a reliable partner.
Maxicert services include:
- Gap Analysis: Adjustments needed for compliance with Halal requirements.
- Documentation & Staff Training: Preparing necessary manuals, SOPs, and compliance-related employee training.
- Pre-Certification Audit: Internal assessments to verify that the entity is ready for audits.
- Coordination with Certification Bodies: Handling arrangements, assessments, and complete approvals needed for Halal licensing.
Maxicert works with organizations to merge Halal principles and ISO quality standards, easing the certification process.
Initially, Naija Delights Ltd. unlocked export opportunities in over ten countries and earned both local and international customer trust after receiving the ISO Halal Certification and Halal License, thanks to the expertise provided by Maxicert.
Conclusion – Halal Certification and Halal License: Keys to Global Success
For Nigerian exporters, acquiring Halal certification and a valid Halal License is a combination of faith-based trust and international recognition, not a mere formality.
The exponential growth of the Halal industry, which is set to surpass 3 trillion dollars in 2025, means businesses acquiring the certification and license will have to expand both internationally and domestically.
Obtaining a Halal License is easier with specialists such as Maxicert, as companies are able to build trust, access international markets, and keep long-term compliance.
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FAQ
What is the difference between Halal Certification and Halal License?
Halal Certification verifies that products comply with Islamic law, while a Halal License is the official approval to legally sell those products.
How long does it take to get a Halal License in Nigeria?
Obtaining ISO Halal Certification and a valid Halal License typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on business readiness and audits.
Which industries require a Halal License in Nigeria?
Food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and logistics companies all need a Halal License if they produce Halal-compliant products.
Can non-Muslim-owned businesses get Halal Certification and Halal License?
Yes. Any company committed to Halal-compliant production can obtain both Halal Certification and Halal License.