Uzbekistan introduces official 'Halal' certification system

From May 1, 2025, Uzbekistan will officially permit labeling of products and services that meet the certification requirements of the Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries (SMIIC) with the “Halal” mark. This is stated in the resolution “On Approval of the Regulation on the Procedure for Certification of Products and Services by the Requirements of ‘Halal’”, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on February 1.

By the resolution, the following were approved:

• The procedure for certification of products and services in compliance with “Halal” requirements.
• Periodic assessment of certified products and services.
• Additionally, the Agency for Technical Regulation of Uzbekistan and the Committee for Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers proposed new regulations for “Halal” certification, which have also been approved. These include:
• Establishment of certification bodies for “Halal” products and services.
• Adoption of international standards, prioritizing those set by the Standards and Metrology Institute of Islamic Countries (SMIIC).
• From May 1, 2025, products and services that meet these standards will be eligible to bear the “Halal” label.

To implement this regulation, the Technical Regulation Agency, in cooperation with the Committee for Religious Affairs, will accredit a state-run certification body within six months. This process will involve internationally recognized organizations to ensure compliance with global standards.

Additionally, a standard design for the “Halal” mark, specifying its shape and size, will be developed and approved.

The resolution will take effect three months after its official publication.