Animal-Based: Halal Certification

Halal Certification for Animal-Based Ingredients in KSA:

Compliance & Approval Guide

How can food businesses ensure Halal compliance for gelatin, dairy, and meat products in Saudi Arabia?

If your business deals with animal-derived food ingredients, obtaining Halal certification is mandatory for regulatory approval and consumer trust.

In this guide, you'll find:

• What is Halal certification for animal-based ingredients?

• Why is Halal approval required for gelatin, dairy, and meat?

• How do you get Halal certification in Saudi Arabia?

• What causes Halal certification rejection, and how can businesses avoid it?

• How much does Halal certification cost, and how long does it take?

What is Halal Certification for Animal-Based Ingredients?

Halal certification ensures that animal-based food ingredients comply with Islamic dietary laws under SFDA (Saudi Food & Drug Authority) and GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) regulations.

This certification verifies that products are:

• Free from non-Halal substances such as pork, alcohol, and cross-contaminated materials.

• Sourced from Halal-certified animals and processed according to Islamic slaughtering standards.

• Manufactured in facilities that prevent Halal contamination.

Why is Halal Certification Mandatory for Animal-Based Ingredients?

Saudi Arabia enforces strict Halal regulations on any product derived from animal sources to ensure compliance with Shariah law. Halal certification is essential for:

• Food Manufacturers – Any business producing meat, dairy, gelatin-based confectionery, or processed foods.

• Exporters & Importers – Companies bringing animal-based food ingredients into Saudi Arabia.

• Dairy & Meat Processing Plants – Businesses involved in the handling, slaughtering, and processing of Halal-approved livestock.

• Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Manufacturers – Any capsules, skincare, or supplements containing gelatin or animal derivatives.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Halal Certification for Animal-Based Ingredients

Step 1: Source Halal-Certified Raw Materials

• Verify that all animal-based ingredients are from Halal-approved suppliers.

• Ensure livestock is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

• Confirm no cross-contamination with non-Halal ingredients.

Step 2: Apply for Halal Certification

• Register with an SFDA-recognized Halal certification body.

• Submit ingredient lists, supplier details, and manufacturing process reports.

• Provide documentation on enzyme sources, gelatin origin, and animal derivatives.

Step 3: Factory Inspection & Audit

• A Halal auditor inspects processing plants for compliance.

• Facilities must prevent cross-contamination between Halal and non-Halal materials.

• Sanitation procedures and production lines must align with Halal requirements.

Step 4: Product Testing & Laboratory Analysis

• Products undergo scientific testing for alcohol content, animal-derived additives, and contamination risks.

• Gelatin-based products require special verification of sourcing and processing.

Step 5: Certification Approval & Labeling Compliance

• Once approved, the product receives the official Halal certification mark.

• Businesses must comply with Halal labeling laws to sell in Saudi Arabia & the GCC.

Common Halal Certification Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

Incomplete Documentation

• Ensure ingredient declarations, supplier certificates, and processing details are complete before submission.

Cross-Contamination in Processing Facilities

• Maintain strict segregation between Halal and non-Halal production lines.

Imported Ingredients Without Verified Halal Status

• Source raw materials from SFDA-approved Halal suppliers and obtain official supplier certificates.

Improper Slaughtering Procedures

• Ensure Islamic slaughtering verification for all meat-based ingredients.

How Much Does Halal Certification for Animal-Based Ingredients Cost?

Halal certification costs depend on product type, business size, and certification complexity.

• Small businesses: SAR 15,000 - 25,000

• Mid-sized manufacturers: SAR 30,000 - 50,000

• Large processing facilities: SAR 50,000+ (varies based on product range & supply chain complexity)

Certification timeline:

• Initial application & supplier verification – 2-4 weeks

• Factory inspection & audits – 4-6 weeks

• Final approval & certification issuance – 6-12 weeks

How Saudi Food Registration Can Help

Navigating Halal certification can be complex, but Saudi Food Registration provides:

• Halal supplier verification – Assessing raw material sources for compliance.

• Audit preparation & document review – Ensuring SFDA approval without delays.

• Labeling compliance support – Helping businesses meet Saudi Halal labeling regulations.

• Ongoing compliance monitoring – Supporting businesses with renewals and regulatory updates.

📌 Need help with Halal certification? Contact our specialists today or use our chatbot for instant support!

Related Reads:

• GSO 2055-2 Halal Certification in Saudi Arabia – Understanding GCC-wide Halal regulations for food & beverages.

• Registering Alternative Proteins in Saudi Arabia – How Halal certification impacts plant-based and novel protein approvals.

• Food Labeling & Compliance in Saudi Arabia – Ensuring SFDA-compliant labeling for Halal-certified products.

• Discover how Halal logistics certification ensures compliance in food storage & transportation under SFDA regulations.

• Halal certification for processing aids guarantees SFDA compliance and food safety in KSA.

Why Halal Certification is Essential for Animal-Based Ingredients

If your business deals with gelatin, dairy, or meat-derived ingredients, obtaining Halal certification is a mandatory requirement for selling in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

• Ensures compliance with SFDA & GSO Halal laws

• Prevents shipment rejections & regulatory penalties

• Builds consumer trust & increases sales in Halal markets

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