Halal Certification by Globalization: Packaging Variance, Enhancing Efficiency and Lowering Compliance Barriers

In various sectors such as food, drink, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, halal certification is crucial for ensuring compliance with Islamic law (Shariah). While the international demand for halal-certified products is increasing, motivated by the fact that an ever-growing proportion of consumers, among both Muslims and non-Muslims, are actively searching for ethical and religion-compliant products, the halal certification process has come under immense strain because of its complex and heterogeneous nature across several markets and certification authorities. Halal certification processes need to be standardized and harmonized significantly so that barriers to market access can be eliminated, product credibility can be guaranteed and certification procedures can be simplified. While halal certification gains importance among consumers and businesses, research analysing the efficiency of the certification process, the barriers businesses face, and possible global harmonization of regulations lacks. The proposed study utilizes qualitative research, conducting interviews with halal certifying authorities, businesses and industry experts, and analysis of certification processes in different countries to explore these issues. However, cultural and religion differences are problematic for harmonization. The research also highlights inefficiencies in the certification process, such as prohibitive costs and long wait times — especially in non-Muslim-majority countries. The study concludes with recommendations on how to facilitate a global halal certification platform, through digitalisation, and capacity building for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help mitigate barriers to halal certification and market access.