Halal Certification in Malaysia: Application and Renewal Guide
Businesses seeking Halal certification in Malaysia should first identify the certification scheme and authority relevant to their activities.
Official Malaysian Halal certification is administered through JAKIM and the relevant state Islamic religious authorities, JAIN/MAIN. The Sijil Pengesahan Halal Malaysia, or SPHM, should be distinguished from certificates issued under other certification arrangements.
Identify the correct scheme
Begin by defining what you want certified: products, food premises, manufacturing activities or another eligible service.
Check the applicable requirements through the official Halal Malaysia portal. Refer to the Malaysian Halal certification procedures, relevant standards and any applicable updates or circulars.
Prepare your business information
Before applying, review your business registration, premises information, products or menus, ingredient lists and supplier evidence.
Use the checklist provided for your scheme and reviewing authority. Keep information consistent across your application and supporting documents. Requirements should be confirmed for your particular business rather than copied from another company’s application.
Apply through the official system
The MYeHALAL system provides company registration for Malaysian Halal certification applications.
Follow the current instructions for submitting the application and supporting evidence. Respond promptly to requests for clarification.
Understand assessment and testing
The certification process includes assessment of supporting information and the relevant operations. Any identified nonconformities should be addressed as instructed by the responsible authority.
Laboratory sampling may be requested where necessary. It should not be described as an automatic product-sample submission requirement for every applicant.
Check validity and plan renewal
Certification is not universally renewed every year.
The 2020 domestic certification manual specifies different validity periods by scheme, including one year for slaughterhouses, two years for food and beverage products and food premises, and three years for several other schemes. Other provisions and subsequent instructions may apply.
Use the validity stated on your certificate and confirm the current renewal requirements with the issuing authority. Plan ahead of expiry rather than assuming that renewal is automatic.
See the officially hosted Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual, particularly the sections on renewal, certificate validity and sampling.
How MHCT can support your organisation
MHCT provides Halal audits, training and assurance system support. Its services and certification arrangements should be described according to their actual scope.
An MHCT-issued certificate should not be described as a JAKIM-issued SPHM. Where official Malaysian certification is required, confirm the appropriate application route with JAKIM or the relevant state authority.
To discuss MHCT’s services, email info@halalmalaysia.net with your business activity, location and certification objective.
