In this first Inside Kuwait edition, you will get insights on the latest updates on Kuwait and its latest imposed Halal certification requirements. Is a new Halal accreditation Body coming soon?
Important Update: New Halal Certification
Requirements in Kuwait Impacting Exports
Recent developments in Kuwait have introduced stricter regulations for Halal certification on products entering the country.
According to sources, hundreds of containers are reportedly being held due to compliance issues with the updated Halal certification standards.
These changes impact Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs) that issue certifications for products intended for the Kuwaiti market.
Key Changes in Kuwait’s Halal Certification
Requirements
Mandatory GCC Accreditation: According to recent updates, any Halal Certification Body issuing Halal certificates for products shipped to Kuwait must now hold accreditation from at least two accreditation bodies based in the GCC region.
Domicile Requirement: In addition to the GCC accreditation requirement, Kuwait has imposed a regulation that restricts certification acceptance to HCBs that are domiciled in the country where the products are manufactured. This means that a Halal certificate issued by a certification body outside the product’s country of origin may no longer be recognized by Kuwaiti authorities.
Limitations on Cross-Country Certifications: For instance, even though an HCB may be accredited by multiple GCC authorities, it may only certify products originating from its domicile country. This restriction underscores Kuwait’s focus on ensuring that only locally domiciled and regionally accredited HCBs handle Halal certification for products intended for their market.
Implications for Exporters and Certification Bodies
These newly implemented requirements are already causing significant logistical challenges at Kuwaiti ports, leading to potential delay.
Companies exporting to Kuwait are advised to review their certification arrangements to ensure compliance with these updated standards.
HQC currently has 9 offices accredited by their respective domicile countries, with several of these offices already holding additional accreditations from other GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This multi-regional accreditation allows HQC to comply with the new Kuwaiti requirements by default, ensuring smoother processing for exports destined for Kuwait.
A New Halal Accreditation Body?
On the 9th of May 2024, the Board of Directors of the State of Kuwait’s Public Authority for Food and Nutrition reached a milestone decision at their 13th meeting of the year to establish a Halal Accreditation Center.
This new center will play a crucial role in overseeing the accreditation of halal certificates issued by certification bodies, ensuring enhanced transparency and authenticity in halal certification processes.
Until the center is fully operational, the above remains applicable.
See Decision Letter (Arabic, original)
See Decision Letter (English, unofficial)
Next Steps and Recommendations
Review Accreditation Status: Exporters and HCBs should verify that their Halal certification is issued by a body accredited by at least two GCC countries.
Domicile Compliance: Ensure that the certification body used for Kuwait-bound exports is domiciled in the same country where the products are manufactured.
Stay Informed: Given the unanticipated nature of these changes, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for further regulatory shifts in the region.