Malaysia halal rules for imports: JAKIM-recognised foreign certification
In Malaysia, imported goods may be described as halal only if they meet the Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011 or are certified by a foreign halal certification body recognised by JAKIM, Malaysia's Islamic affairs agency. Certification is mandatory for meat, poultry and other animal products, whose plants must also be approved by JAKIM and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS); for other goods it is voluntary but strongly recommended.
Checked against official sources: 2026-10
At a glance
When halal certification is needed
The Trade Descriptions (Definition of Halal) Order 2011 sets the criteria: the product must not contain parts of forbidden animals, najis, intoxicants or human parts, must not be toxic and must not be contaminated during processing. Under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, imported goods may not be described as halal unless they meet the requirements or hold a certificate from a JAKIM-recognised foreign halal certification body.
Halal certification is generally voluntary, but it is mandatory for animal products other than pork and their derivatives before they are exported to Malaysia. For other products it is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended if the product will be sold as halal.
Meat, poultry and other animal products
- The product must be halal certified by a foreign halal certification body recognised by JAKIM.
- The exporting country, the facility and the commodity must be registered with DVS before the first import.
- Plants must pass DVS and JAKIM audits and follow MS 1500:2009 and the Malaysian Protocol for Halal Meat and Poultry Productions.
- DVS requires a recognised halal certificate for poultry and poultry products, beef, mutton, venison and bovine gelatin.
- Meat and milk need an import permit issued by or for the MAQIS Director General under Act 728, and animal products a DVS permit under the Animal Act 1953 and the Animal (Importation) Order 1962.
Recognised foreign certification bodies and labels
JAKIM recognises foreign halal certification bodies after assessing whether they can meet Malaysian procedures and guidelines. Recognition lasts two years, the body is listed on JAKIM's website as a Recognised Foreign Halal Certification Body, it reports to JAKIM every year and it is audited again when the appointment expires.
The Malaysian halal logo is set out in Schedule 1 of the Certification and Marking Order 2011, and the recognised foreign bodies in Schedule 2. Importers or manufacturers of goods certified by a recognised foreign body must mark that body's name on the product.
Step by step
- Decide whether the product will be sold as halal in Malaysia, and whether it is an animal product for which certification is mandatory.
- Choose a halal certification body in your country that is on JAKIM's list of recognised foreign bodies.
- For meat, poultry or other animal products, get the plant registered with DVS and approved by JAKIM and DVS, following MS 1500:2009.
- Make sure the Malaysian importer has the MAQIS or DVS import permit the product needs.
- Put the certification body's name on the label and keep the halal certificate with the shipping documents.
Documents you usually need
- Halal certificate from a JAKIM-recognised foreign halal certification body
- DVS registration of the country, facility and commodity (animal products)
- MAQIS or DVS import permit
- Veterinary or health certificates required for the product
- Label showing the certification body's name
Common problems and how to avoid them
What to do: Use a foreign halal certification body on JAKIM's recognised list; otherwise the goods cannot be described as halal.
What to do: Meat plants must be registered with DVS and approved after JAKIM and DVS audits.
What to do: Goods certified by a recognised foreign body must show that body's name.
What to do: Recognition lasts two years; check JAKIM's current list before shipping.
Sources
- JAKIM Recognition of Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (Embassy in Santiago)
- Decoding the Regulatory Framework for Imported Halal Foods in Malaysia ChemLinked
Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.
Port codes by country
Trade notes
Common questions
Is halal certification mandatory for exports to Malaysia?
It is mandatory for animal products other than pork and their derivatives; for other goods it is voluntary, but a product can only be sold as halal if it meets the rules or has a recognised certificate.
Who can certify halal for products made outside Malaysia?
A foreign halal certification body recognised by JAKIM, listed on JAKIM's website.
How long does JAKIM recognition of a foreign body last?
Two years, with an annual report and a review audit when it expires.
Which standard applies to meat plants?
MS 1500:2009 and the Malaysian Protocol for Halal Meat and Poultry Productions, with JAKIM and DVS audits.
What must the label show?
For goods certified by a recognised foreign body, the name of that certification body.
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