Practical guides and regulatory updates on Halal certification, written by the team at HQC Italia — the first Halal certification body in Europe, operating since 1983 and recognised in over 50 Islamic countries.
Vietnam has announced a strategy to capture share in the global Halal market, focusing on rice, coffee, cashews, seafood and processed foods. For Italian agri-food companies, this opens a competitive window: understanding Vietnam's challenges also reveals where Italy can differentiate itself. Here is what this news means in practical terms for companies that export or wish to export to Islamic markets.
Almarai, the Gulf's largest dairy group, is entering the beef segment with the Haboor brand, backed by approximately SR 500 million in investment. For an Italian company that exports or intends to export meat or agri-food products to Saudi Arabia, this move reshapes the competitive landscape and makes Halal certification recognised by SASO and SFDA even more pressing.
The United Arab Emirates has withdrawn recognition from a New Zealand halal certification body, blocking meat exports worth approximately NZD 60 million per year. The case demonstrates that gaining access to a market is not enough: a valid certification issued by a body recognised by the importing country's authorities must be maintained over time. Here is what Italian companies need to know to avoid the same outcome.
On 16 October 2026 five South Korean institutions signed an MOU to speed up Halal exports. Competition is organising: how Italian food companies should respond.
Indonesia has moved the mandatory Halal deadline to 2028 for some categories under PP 42/2024. Why Italian food companies should use the time to get ahead, not wait.
Singapore and Brunei have signed an MOU for mutual recognition of Halal certificates. What it means for Italian exporters certified by a MUIS-recognised body.
With Budget 2027 Malaysia backs Halal SMEs and targets RM 80 billion in exports by 2030. What it means for Italian food companies and JAKIM-recognised certification.
From 18 October 2026 Indonesia expands mandatory Halal rules for imported beef and all food and drink: segregation, labelling and BPJPH certification become entry conditions.
MIHAS 2026 closed with USD 1.66 billion in sales and launched the Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council. What food exporters targeting South-East Asia should do now.
Halal mutual recognition agreements are multiplying, but fragmentation creates real risks for exporters. Choosing the wrong body can mean re-certifying market by market.
From 18 October 2026 cosmetics sold in Indonesia must be Halal certified. The HQC online course explains the law, the new rules and BPJPH requirements.
Oman's designated-body rule from July 2027, the Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council and a USD 5 trillion Halal economy: three signals for Italian food exporters.
Korean cosmetics brands are winning Muslim consumers with Halal certification. Why Halal certification for cosmetics is a real commercial lever for Italian beauty companies.
From 1 July 2027 Oman's Food Safety and Quality Center will only accept Halal certificates from designated bodies. What food exporters need to check now.
Malaysia and Indonesia announce a bilateral Halal Council to harmonise requirements. What it means for food companies exporting to both JAKIM and BPJPH markets.
From 17 October 2026 Halal certification is an entry requirement for food exporters to Indonesia. Why Halal is shifting from marketing tool to regulatory precondition.
Controversy over religious slaughter in France shifted part of the Halal supply chain to Poland. The lesson for Italian food exporters: trust, continuity, recognised certification.
From October 2026 Indonesia extends mandatory Halal certification to textiles and leather goods, including bags and accessories. What Italian manufacturers must do.
Product Halal certification is not enough: if logistics are not compliant, the certificate loses value once goods leave the plant. What exporters must check before shipping.
BPJPH has extended HQC Italia's accreditation to the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. What it means for Italian exporters to Indonesia and how to prepare for the 17 October 2026 deadline.
Oman has set a 7% annual growth target for its Halal products and services sector. What Gulf market requirements mean for Italian food exporters.
Nigeria's National Halal Economy Strategy aims to mobilise USD 12 billion in investment. Why Africa's most populous market matters for Italian food exporters.
MIHAS 2026, the world's leading Halal trade fair, runs in Kuala Lumpur on 23–26 September 2026. What exporters need in place to turn a visit into results.
Global Islamic finance assets hit $5.98 trillion in 2024, up 21% in a year. Much of that wealth is flowing into Halal consumer goods: an opening for Italian food.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards is building a national Halal certification ecosystem with continental ambitions. What it means for Italian food exporters.
Indonesia has named the Middle East a priority market for its Halal food exports. What this growing competition on Gulf shelves means for Italian food companies.
'Enzymes' on a cheese or bread label is one of the most scrutinised ingredients in Halal certification. Why enzyme origin matters and how exporters should manage it.
Muslim pitmasters in Texas are winning over customers with halal barbecue. Why mainstream halal demand matters for Italian meat producers and which certification counts.
MBRF posted BRL 40.7bn in Q2 2026 net revenue, driven by BRF poultry and Sadia Halal. Why a Halal unit is a margin driver and what Italian meat exporters should do.
The UAE has suspended all trade with Iran after a missile attack. What it means for Italian food exporters to the Gulf: supply chains, GAC/EIAC certification, opportunities.
Qatar's Ministry of Public Health has added KazStandart to its authorised Halal bodies list. Why the certifier you choose decides access to Gulf markets.
Not every Islamic market accepts the same Halal slaughter method. Manual vs mechanical slaughter: what changes for a meat plant exporting to JAKIM, BPJPH, SASO markets.
On 7 August 2026 BPJPH and Scandinavian Halal Certification signed an MRA. How recognition lets Italian food companies sell in Indonesia without re-certifying.
Brazil exported $33.3bn of food to OIC countries in 2024 and the Halal market is heading for $2 trillion by 2029. Why Italian food companies still have room to grow.
The stages of Halal certification: application, ingredient review, on-site audit, certificate issuance and surveillance. A practical guide for exporters.
The Halal food market is worth USD 2.64 trillion and growing by more than 10% a year. What it means for the Italian meat industry and for exports.
From 18 October 2026 Indonesia requires Halal certification for all businesses selling food and cosmetics, whatever their size. What Italian exporters must do now.
Indonesia enforces mandatory Halal certification through the state agency BPJPH. How foreign certificates are recognised and what exporters need to do.
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