Introduction
The International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) is the world’s only platform regulating and unifying platform for Halal. Our membership comprises of 38 accreditation and bodies from over 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Americas. Through its members, IHAF represents the Halal Industry around the world who service a global Halal consumer market containing more than 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.
Based in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates, IHAF represents the interests of the Halal industry in international platforms and wherever Halal interests are at stake.
IHAF was established on the 4th of May 2016 in Dubai as a joint initiative from the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center (DIEDC) and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) and attended by its constituent members.
IHAF is empowered as an independent and non-government network of accreditation bodies to construct a solid foundation for the global industry and to harmonize accreditation practices in halal filed worldwide, that in turn, will lead to gain its ultimate goal of facilitating halal trade worldwide and will consequently impact countries economy.
IHAF Constituent Members
The ten constituent members are who attended the establishment meeting of IHAF on 04th of May 2016 to establish the “International Halal Accreditation Forum” are:
- American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
- International Emirates Accreditation Center (EIAC)
- National Council for Accreditation Egypt (EGAC).
- Entidad Nacional de Accreditation -Spain (ENAC)
- Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS)
- GCC Accreditation Center (GAC)
- Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ),
- Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC)
- Saudi Accreditation Committee (SAC)
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
In the first two years of its establishment, IHAF attracted more than 27 international accreditation bodies who operate in the OIC member countries. Our members are accreditation and bodies operating in Islamic and Non-Islamic countries who play a leading trade role in the Halal Industry.
These bodies work together under the framework established by IHAF to ensure a homogeneous application of the requirements and criteria for accreditation and conformity assessment of halal, and following unified mechanisms that guarantee the efficiency of these bodies.
Our Mission
Developing and Operating system(s) for member accreditation bodies to accept each other’s halal conformity results in order to finish halal trade barriers.
Our Vision
Globally recognized as the Halal Accreditation platform.
IHAF Aims
IHAF’s aims are to harmonize conformity assessment practices in the halal sector by removing all the trade barriers for halal products all over the world; since its inception, IHAF has further aimed to support the Halal industry by:
- Our aim includes constructing a solid foundation and platform for the global Halal accreditation;
- Making sure the halal conformity assessment practices of each country reaching an acceptable and common international agreement.
- Our aim is being the voice to support and secure manufacturers and producers worldwide by connecting them with our members (Accreditation Bodies) to gain a more significant market share in the Halal market.
- Facilitating Halal trade worldwide to contribute to world economies according to the free trade system adopted by the World Trade Organization
IHAF is a non-government network of accreditation bodies to establish Multilateral Recognition Agreements between member bodies that will facilitate halal trade globally
Our Objectives
International Halal Accreditation Forum Contact Address
Office Number 514, Business Avenue Building, Port Saeed Area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
+971 4 2084444 | info-ihaf@ihaf.org.ae
FAQ’s
IHAF is committed to addressing the most critical challenges facing the halal industry by fostering collaboration and providing advanced solutions to drive the sector forward. These FAQs are a dynamic resource, and IHAF plans to engage in ongoing dialogue with key partners and stakeholders to enhance halal awareness, promote global trade, and encourage conformity and standardization across the industry.
1. What is halal?
The term “halal” is an Arabic word meaning “permissible” and is rooted in the core principles and teachings of Islam. Its opposite, “haram,” refers to what is “not permissible.” While many associate halal primarily with food, its scope extends far beyond.
Halal represents a holistic way of life. It encompasses one’s relationship with God, respect for parents, honoring the sanctity of life, upholding ethical values, and fulfilling promises. Choosing halal means embracing a path of integrity and righteousness.
2. Are halal products limited to food?
No, halal products are not limited to food. Many everyday items, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, may or may not be halal, especially if they contain ingredients derived from animals.
For more details, you can refer to lists of haram animal sources and halal/non-halal non-food products.
3. Are halal products exclusively for Muslims?
No, halal products are available to everyone. In fact, an increasing number of non-Muslims prefer halal products due to the rigorous testing, safety measures, and quality control they undergo before reaching the market.
4. Can halal food manufacturers become IHAF members?
No, individual food manufacturers cannot join IHAF as members, as membership is primarily reserved for accreditation bodies. However, associations representing halal food manufacturers are considered Interested Parties. For more information, please visit our website.
5. If a certification body is accredited in an IHAF member country, is its certification recognized in other IHAF member countries?
Yes, this is one of the ways IHAF supports Interested Parties and facilitates business within the halal industry.
6. What is IHAF?
The International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) is an independent, non-governmental network of accreditation entities dedicated to harmonizing halal standards globally. IHAF’s mission is to protect halal consumers and facilitate international trade by aligning accreditation and conformity assessment practices in the halal industry.
IHAF believes that greater cooperation among regional and international organizations is essential to building a strong, stable, and reliable halal industry that meets the needs of consumers and businesses worldwide.
7. Where is IHAF headquartered?
IHAF is headquartered in Dubai, UAE.
8. Why is IHAF located in the UAE?
IHAF is hosted by the UAE and supported by the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center (DIEDC) and the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).
9. Does IHAF membership lead to higher prices in the global halal market?
On the contrary, IHAF’s efforts to standardize requirements, streamline operations, and harmonize halal criteria and practices can reduce operational costs for halal products in the global market.
IHAF aims to restore confidence in the halal market, ensuring that products certified under its network meet both Shariah principles and international safety and quality standards.
Note: IHAF does not interfere with the fees or financial matters of accreditation bodies or conformity assessment bodies.
IHAF remains dedicated to fostering a transparent, efficient, and globally integrated halal industry that benefits all stakeholders. For further inquiries, please contact us.