For businesses operating Halal food in the Philippines, holding legally recognized certification and the national Halal mark directly affects whether products can be sold legally, participate in government projects, or be exported to Halal markets such as the Middle East and Malaysia.
To standardize procedures and enhance international recognition, the Philippines established a Halal certification system in 2016 and officially launched the “Halal Philippines” national mark in 2019.
This article clarifies key questions for foreign enterprises in the Philippines: what the Halal mark is, who regulates it, which companies must apply, how to obtain it, and critical compliance points.
01
Legal and Regulatory Framework for Halal Certification in the Philippines
Legal Basis
The Halal system is established under the Halal Export Development and Promotion Act (RA 10817, 2016). It aims to unify national standards, improve international competitiveness, and protect Muslim consumer rights.
Regulatory Agencies
The system is led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), with the Halal Export Development and Promotion Committee coordinating multiple agencies including Agriculture, Health, Science & Technology, and Tourism. Key entities:
NHIDO (National Halal Industry Development Office): strategic coordination
PAB (Philippine Accreditation Bureau): the only authorized body for reviewing and issuing Halal certification through Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs)
NCMF (National Commission on Muslim Filipinos): provides religious review advice
National Halal Mark
To ensure uniform recognition and facilitate international trade, the Halal Philippines mark was launched in 2019. Available in color and monochrome, it applies to exports, government procurement, Halal tourism, and domestic sales. Any product marketed as “Halal” must have certification and display the national mark to be considered legally Halal.
02
Halal Certification Process in the Philippines (Latest Version)
The general certification path applies to food, cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and service industries:
Select a certified HCB: Choose a PAB-authorized body such as IDCP, HDIP, Prime Asia Pacific (suitable for Middle East exports).
Submit application and documents: Includes letter of intent, business license, formula/ingredients, manufacturing flowcharts, facility photos, GMP/HACCP certificates (if available).
Audit and on-site inspection: Technical and religious inspectors check:
Prohibited ingredients (pork, alcohol)
Cross-contamination (equipment, process, storage)
Employee training and hygiene systems
Certificate issuance + national mark authorization: Valid 1–2 years; some HCBs provide traceable verification systems (QR codes, barcodes).
Ongoing monitoring and renewal: Annual or irregular audits; product/formula/facility changes require re-application.
Key Note – On-Site Halal Inspection
The strictest part is the onsite inspection. HCBs (e.g., IDCP or MUIS-recognized) send inspectors to verify:
Ingredients are 100% Halal (meat from Shariah-compliant slaughter)
Equipment is not contaminated with non-Halal products
Supply chain traceability (suppliers must have valid Halal certificates)
Non-compliance requires corrective action before re-application.
📌 Common HCBs: (image reference)
03
Which Businesses Must Apply for Halal Certification?
Any product using the “Halal” label, whether for export or local sale, must be certified and display the national mark. Key categories:
Exports to Halal countries (Middle East, Malaysia, Indonesia): Halal certification is an import requirement. Products without PAB-authorized certification + national mark may be blocked at customs.
Local Halal product sales: Includes food, beverages, restaurant chains, meat processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and supplements. Using “Halal” without authorization may constitute false advertising, leading to fines or product removal.
Participation in government procurement or Halal tourism projects: Many LGUs, schools, airports, and tourism developments require legally certified Halal products to enter Muslim service areas or procurement lists.
Expanding into Mindanao’s Muslim market: With ~12 million Muslims, especially in BARMM, demand for certified Halal products is high. Supermarkets, schools, and government agencies generally only accept PAB-certified, marked products.
04
Necessity of Halal Certification
Since 2019, the Philippine government requires that exported Halal products bear the national mark. Without it, even products approved by HCBs may face difficulties entering strict Halal markets in the Middle East, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
In the local market, using “Halal” without certification may violate the Consumer Protection Act. Unauthorized or expired marks can result in false labeling, removal from shelves, disqualification from projects, and legal liability.
Conclusion:
For foreign Halal food businesses in the Philippines, Halal certification is both a compliance requirement and a market access gate. Professional guidance can reduce risks of document errors, process delays, certification setbacks, and export barriers. For companies with frequent product changes or intensive export plans, integrating certification application + compliance management is key to expanding in Halal markets.
📥 For flowcharts, export guides, training materials, or professional consulting, please contact us.
services1 