Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

HQC certificates are accepted in several Asian countries for market access, depending on the country, product category, and applicable national regulations. HQC supports companies in applying the correct form of certification. 

This varies by country.

In some countries, such as Indonesia, halal certification is mandatory for selected product categories. In other countries, halal certification is not legally required but is essential for commercial acceptance or import. 

Yes.

HQC supports companies in navigating Indonesian halal requirements, including preparation, documentation, and process guidance for market access, in accordance with applicable regulations. 

Malaysia applies specific halal requirements. HQC supports companies in complying with applicable Malaysian regulations and export conditions, taking into account product scope and target market. It is also important that the halal certificate is issued by HQC Netherlands, which is authorized to certify throughout Europe for Malaysia. 

Indonesia applies specific halal requirements. HQC supports companies in complying with applicable Indonesian regulations and export conditions, taking into account product scope and target market. It is also important that the halal certificate is issued from the country of origin of the manufacturing facility and that HQC is approved by the Indonesian authority BPJPH.

A list of recognized certification bodies can be found here.

Not always.

Although the core principles of halal certification are similar, many countries apply additional national requirements. HQC assesses per country whether an existing certificate is sufficient or if additional documentation or shipment certification is required. 

A general halal certificate is usually valid for at least one year and is issued to companies that continuously comply with HQC requirements.

A halal shipment certificate follows the same halal procedures but is issued per shipment or when specifically required by a country or import authority. 

Yes.

HQC certification is used to support exports to countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Pakistan. The exact requirements vary depending on the market and product type. 

Absolutely.

HQC advises companies at an early stage on feasibility, requirements, and certification structure to prevent delays and rejections during export. 

Yes.

In several Asian countries, halal requirements also apply to ingredients, additives, cosmetics, and certain chemical products, depending on national regulations. 

HQC assesses this per application. Based on the product type, production location, destination country, and applicable regulations, HQC advises on the appropriate certification structure. 

HQC certificates are used to support market access to several Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Morocco, and Algeria. Acceptance always depends on national regulations and product scope. In some cases, a certificate may only be issued by an HQC office recognized in the country where the export takes place.

See HQC Global Accreditation Overview for more information (found in the Support Documents tab).

Halal certification is a requirement for imports into the Middle East for many product categories.
The exact requirements vary by country, product type, and authority. HQC guides companies in correctly applying the applicable requirements.

Yes.

Exports to Saudi Arabia require additional procedures, registrations, and approvals.
HQC supports companies in complying with these requirements and preparing the correct documentation for export.

Not always.
While many countries apply similar halal principles, additional national requirements may apply.

In some cases, a general halal certificate is sufficient, while in others, additional shipment certification is required.

A shipment certificate is usually required for products containing meat or meat scraps.

There are special regulations for Saudi Arabia, which you can apply for by clicking “Discover More” and registering. You can also email saudi@halalqualitycontrol.com or call +31 70 346 97 95 for more information.

A general halal certificate is issued to companies that consistently comply with HQC regulations and is generally valid for at least one year.
A halal shipment certificate is requested per shipment and is often required for exports to specific countries or for specific product categories.

Yes.

When you apply for a halal shipment certificate, the importer must be located in the country from which the export actually takes place.
The shipment certificate is linked to the physical export shipment and the accompanying trade documents from the exporting country.

Example:
For an export from the Netherlands to the United Arab Emirates, the importer must be linked to the export from the Netherlands to the UAE.

This depends on the type of product.
For products containing meat or meat derivatives—including gelatin, collagen, and similar ingredients—a halal shipment certificate is required for export to the Middle East.

For other product categories, a general halal certificate may suffice in some cases, depending on the applicable national regulations and import requirements of the destination country.

HQC assesses which certification type is required for each product and export destination.

Yes.

In certain countries, halal shipment certificates are considered official export documents and may require legalization or additional verification steps. HQC assists companies with this where applicable.

Yes.

In the Middle East, halal requirements may also apply to ingredients, additives, cosmetics, and other product categories, depending on national regulations.

Absolutely.

HQC advises companies in advance on feasibility, requirements, certification structure, and potential risks to prevent delays and rejections during export.

Absolutely.

HQC advises companies early on regarding feasibility, requirements, and certification structures, preventing delays and rejections during export.

Yes.

In several Asian countries, halal requirements also apply to ingredients, additives, cosmetics, and certain chemical products, depending on national regulations.

HQC assesses this on a per-application basis. Based on the product type, production location, destination country, and applicable regulations, HQC advises on the appropriate certification structure.