GuideJAKIM halal certification
Can an imported product carry Malaysia's JAKIM halal logo?
By MNS Modulaz Sdn. Bhd.Updated
The short answer
Only if the product holds a Malaysian halal certificate. Under JAKIM's procedure manual, the Malaysia Halal logo is used by a holder of a valid Malaysian halal certificate with the authority's permission. An imported product certified by a foreign halal body that JAKIM recognises may be described as halal in Malaysia, and the importer or manufacturer marks it with that body's name.
From JAKIM's own documents; each rule below carries its clause.
A product made outside Malaysia can reach Malaysian shelves as halal in two ways: with the Malaysia Halal logo, if it holds a Malaysian halal certificate, or with a foreign halal certificate from a body that JAKIM recognises. This guide sets out what each route allows on the label, from JAKIM's own documents. Confirm any specific product with JAKIM.
Key takeaways
- The Malaysia Halal logo is used by holders of a valid Malaysian halal certificate (SPHM), with the authority's permission.
- Imported food and goods may be described as halal if they comply with the requirements or are certified by a foreign body JAKIM recognises.
- Such a product is marked with the name of the foreign certification body.
- JAKIM's list of recognised foreign bodies, effective 21 August 2026, covers 49 countries and regions.
- Imported meat and poultry also need plants inspected and approved by JAKIM and DVS.
On this page9
Who may use the Malaysia Halal logo?
A holder of a valid Malaysian halal certificate. JAKIM's procedure manual, the Manual Procedure for Malaysia Halal Certification (MPPHM) 2020, says in Procedure 41(1) that the Malaysia Halal logo is used by a holder of a valid Malaysian halal certificate (SPHM, Sijil Pengesahan Halal Malaysia) who has the competent authority's permission.
MPPHM 2020, Procedure 41(1): "Logo Halal Malaysia hendaklah digunakan oleh pemegang SPHM yang masih sah tempoh dan mendapatkan kebenaran daripada pihak berkuasa berwibawa"
The holder may print the logo in a suitable colour, as long as the logo's specification is not changed (Procedure 40(2)). A holder whose certificate is suspended may not use the logo on products made during the suspension (Procedure 41(13)).
MPPHM 2020, Procedures 40(2) and 41(13)
Can a product made abroad get a Malaysian halal certificate?
Yes, through JAKIM's procedure for international manufacturing, in force from 1 January 2024. The applicant is a company registered in Malaysia, such as a branch, subsidiary, importer, distributor or trader, or agent, and JAKIM audits the manufacturing plant abroad. JAKIM offers five schemes for international manufacturing: food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and medical devices.
JAKIM, Malaysian Halal Certifications Procedure for International Manufacturing: "Application is opened for companies registered in Malaysia"; "JAKIM offers five (5) schemes of halal certification for international manufacturing"
How that audit runs is in how JAKIM audits a factory outside Malaysia, and the documents in the documents an overseas manufacturer needs.
Can an imported product be sold as halal without the Malaysian logo?
Yes, under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011. JAKIM's list of recognised foreign bodies sets out its paragraph 5(1) and (2): imported food and goods marketed in Malaysia shall not be described as halal unless they comply with the requirements or are certified as halal by a foreign halal certification body recognised by JAKIM, and the importer or manufacturer marks the product with the name of that certification body.
Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, paragraph 5(1) and (2), as set out in JAKIM's Recognized Foreign Halal Certification Bodies & Authorities list (effective 21 August 2026), page 67
| Malaysian halal certificate (SPHM) | Recognised foreign halal certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Who certifies | JAKIM | A foreign body on JAKIM's recognised list |
| On the label in Malaysia | The Malaysia Halal logo, with permission | The name of the foreign certification body |
| Rule | MPPHM 2020, Procedure 41(1) | 2011 Order, paragraph 5 |
Which foreign halal bodies does JAKIM recognise?
The ones on JAKIM's published list: The Recognized Foreign Halal Certification Bodies & Authorities, effective from 21 August 2026 and gazetted under the 2011 Order. It lists the bodies by country or region, 49 of them from Argentina to Vietnam, with each body's contact details and halal logo.
JAKIM, Recognized Foreign Halal Certification Bodies & Authorities, effective 21 August 2026: title page and table of contents
JAKIM's list explains the reason: JAKIM needs reputable and credible foreign halal certification bodies as its representatives to monitor and verify the halal status of raw materials and products, and recognition is based on a body's capability to comply with the Malaysian procedures and guidelines. Each recognised body submits an annual report to JAKIM, and JAKIM carries out a review audit when the appointment ends.
JAKIM recognised-bodies list, Appendix (page 66): recognition and "VALIDITY OF THE RECOGNITION" a-d
What about imported meat and poultry?
Meat has a stricter rule. JAKIM's list says all meat and meat-based products, poultry included, intended to be imported into Malaysia must be halal certified by a recognised foreign body, and the plants must be inspected and approved by JAKIM and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), in compliance with the Malaysian Protocol for Halal Meat and Poultry Productions and MS 1500:2009.
JAKIM recognised-bodies list, Appendix: "THE IMPORTATION OF HALAL MEAT"
JAKIM's notice for international manufacturing also says that for an abattoir or a meat-based product application, the company should contact DVS for more information.
JAKIM international manufacturing notice, Note 1
What else limits the logo?
MPPHM 2020 sets more conditions in Procedure 41. A holder certified under the contract-manufacturing (OEM) scheme may not use the logo on the products it makes unless those products hold their own certificate under a product scheme (41(6)). The logo may not be used in advertising except together with the certified product or service (41(8)), and neither the logo nor the word halal may be used in an advertisement in a way that misleads consumers (41(9)).
MPPHM 2020, Procedure 41(6), 41(8), 41(9)
Where does MNS Modulaz fit?
JAKIM deals with the applicant directly. MNS Modulaz Sdn. Bhd., entry 18 on JAKIM's Strategic Partner list, prepares companies for JAKIM's process: gap analysis against JAKIM's requirements, documents, SOPs, internal halal control and training. Every route for a company outside Malaysia is on JAKIM halal certification for overseas companies.
JAKIM Rakan Strategik (RS MIHA) list, 18 June 2026, entry 18
Frequently asked questions
Can an imported product carry the JAKIM halal logo?
Only if it holds a Malaysian halal certificate. MPPHM 2020, Procedure 41(1), says the Malaysia Halal logo is used by a holder of a valid Malaysian halal certificate (SPHM) with permission from the competent authority. For a factory abroad, that certificate comes through JAKIM's procedure for international manufacturing.
Can imported food be sold as halal in Malaysia without JAKIM's logo?
Yes, if it complies with the requirements or is certified halal by a foreign halal certification body recognised by JAKIM. Under paragraph 5 of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011, as JAKIM's list sets it out, the importer or manufacturer marks the product with the name of that body.
How do I check whether a foreign halal body is recognised by JAKIM?
JAKIM publishes the list: The Recognized Foreign Halal Certification Bodies & Authorities, the edition effective from 21 August 2026, gazetted under the 2011 Order. It lists the bodies country by country, with each body's halal logo.
Are the rules different for imported meat?
Yes. JAKIM's list says all meat and meat-based products, poultry included, imported into Malaysia must be halal certified by a recognised foreign body, and the plants must be inspected and approved by JAKIM and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
Does MNS Modulaz apply to JAKIM for the company?
No. JAKIM deals with the applicant directly. MNS Modulaz Sdn. Bhd., entry 18 on JAKIM's Strategic Partner list, prepares companies for JAKIM's process: gap analysis against JAKIM's requirements, documents, SOPs, internal halal control and training.
Sources
- JAKIM, The Recognized Foreign Halal Certification Bodies & Authorities, effective 21 August 2026: the list, the Appendix (recognition, annual report and review audit, imported meat) and paragraph 5 of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.
- JAKIM, Manual Prosedur Pensijilan Halal Malaysia (Domestik) 2020: Procedures 40 and 41 (the Malaysia Halal logo).
- JAKIM, Malaysian Halal Certifications Procedure for International Manufacturing (from 1 January 2024): applicants, schemes, DVS note.
- JAKIM, Rakan Strategik MIHA list, 18 June 2026.