Australian Export Council has expressed its dismay on the absence of an internationally recognised Halal certification body in Australia as their absence is causing huge losses to Australian exporters.
Council in a statement issued today has acknowledged that Halal certification is an important standard for many food and beverage businesses. When exporting, this certification is vital to enter some markets.
“Within Australia there are a number of Islamic Bodies that are authorised to issue Halal certificates for companies wishing to be certified. However, there is no consistent acknowledgement of these organisations across all export markets”, the statement read.
Council cited an example on an Australian exporter who had its certification approved by the Western Australian Halal Authority (a recognized certifier by the Australian Department of Agriculture). Before they began to export their produce to Singapore, they ensured that their plants in WA were accredited.
Despite possessing a Halal certification, this exporter found itself unable to sell its beef in Malaysia since the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) did not acknowledge that particular Halal certification.
This has been an ongoing barrier that has barred them from conducting business in Malaysia, costing the business more than $20,000 AUD.
Emphasising for an internationally recognised Central Halal certification body in Australia, Australian Export Council acknowledged that main barrier that has emerged is that there is not one internationally recognized Halal certification in Australia. In order for this exporter to sell its produce in Malaysia, they must apply for an alternative Halal certification that is recognized by JAKIM.
