THE government has reaffirmed that Malaysia’s halal certification standards will not be compromised under the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) with the United States, despite measures to streamline import processes.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Liew Chin Tong told the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday that the existing approval procedure for halal imports from the United States remains unchanged, requiring full compliance with Malaysian halal standards and the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 for products entering the domestic market.
“The government emphasises that there will be no compromise on halal standards set by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM),” Liew stated in a written reply in Parliament on Thursday.
It added that only halal products certified by recognised US halal certification bodies approved by JAKIM, and meeting Malaysia’s halal requirements, will be authorised for export to the country.
“JAKIM’s recognition of any halal certification body in the United States is based on a stringent audit and verification process that evaluates the body’s capability and adherence to Malaysia’s halal standards,” he said.
All imported products claiming to be halal for the Malaysian market must comply fully with JAKIM’s certification or that of a body accredited by JAKIM.
To strengthen public confidence and regulatory oversight, MITI, JAKIM and other relevant agencies will continue to: tighten procedures for recognising and monitoring importers claiming halal certification; coordinate diplomatic and technical discussions with US authorities to ensure all trade facilitation measures comply with Syariah and JAKIM standards; issue immediate guidance to importers, industry players and consumers regarding any procedural changes; and enforce action against any party attempting to market non-compliant products in Malaysia.
The ministry said these measures underscore Malaysia’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its halal industry while maintaining its position as a global leader in halal certification and trade. - October 30, 2025
