New Halal checks in Bahrain aim to ensure sharia compliance and boost exports
New halal rules in Bahrain will see ministry inspectors test products and audit companies to ensure sharia compliance, as the kingdom moves to position itself as an export hub for certified goods.
The plan includes a full set of legal and inspection measures, with Bahrain aiming to enter a growing global market for halal food and services.
'The Kingdom is building a thorough national system for halal production, shaped by international knowledge and sound practice,' said Minister if Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak, in a written reply to MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom. 'This will open the door for Bahraini-made goods to reach wider markets.'
Under Decision No. 61 of 2024, halal goods must meet Islamic rules from start to finish, across all stages of preparation and sale. They must also match Bahraini product standards, which draw on rules agreed across GCC states.
'These legal rules fit with the religious guidance issued by Bahrain's authorised bodies,' Al Mubarak said.
System
The Ministry has put in place a system to check that companies follow the rules.
This includes site visits, sample testing, and checks on how products are made and moved. Inspectors from the Ministry will visit firms to see that each stage meets halal terms.
Producers must have a halal certificate, issued by the Ministry or by a recognised body.
They are also expected to carry out regular checks inside their own firms.
'These certificates are proof that the company has followed the rules we've set,' the minister said.
Requests
The Ministry also handles requests for halal checks and oversees the groups that do the work.
Bodies that wish to issue halal certificates must be approved and must show they are up to the task.
Article 6 of the same law spells out the duties of these groups, including making sure that those they endorse can do the work and work with the Ministry as needed.
Rules
Halal audit teams are tasked with checking that food and services meet the rules.
Their job is to inspect, test, and follow up on firms to make sure they do what the law asks. The law also allows for measures to be taken against companies that fail to meet the terms.
These include penalties laid out in Article 13 of Decision No. 76 of 2024.
New online platform
Work is in progress to set up a new online platform, the Bahrain Halal Platform, where people and companies can check whether a product is truly certified.
'We're building a central system where buyers can look up halal certificates and check if they were issued by a trusted source,' Al Mubarak said.
Certified goods will carry an official mark along with a date or number for checking.
Proof
People can also ask sellers for proof or details of the certification process. Companies are expected to share this when asked.
Bahrain is in talks with global halal groups and takes part in events where new standards are shaped.
The aim is to ensure Bahraini rules match those used abroad, and that goods made here are accepted in places like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Europe and Australia.
Training
Inspectors and auditors are being trained in new methods and requirements.
The Ministry is also looking at deals with accreditation centres in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia to share expertise and support future cooperation.
'We are working closely with Parliament to move this forward,' Al Mubarak added.
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