Exporting Halal Products to Malaysia
Malaysia has one of the world's most established halal certification frameworks — JAKIM has been setting the standard since 1997. Foreign manufacturers need two things to access this market: a certifying body on JAKIM's recognised list, and products compliant with MS 1500:2019. This hub covers both.
19M+
Muslim consumers
61% of Malaysia's population
JAKIM
Sole halal authority
Issues the official Malaysian halal logo
80+
Recognised foreign bodies
From 50+ countries globally
MS 1500
The halal standard
Current version: MS 1500:2019
Why Malaysia?
A mature, predictable market with one of the most respected halal frameworks in the world.
Established since 1997
JAKIM's framework is nearly 30 years old. The process is well-documented, the recognised body list covers 80+ bodies across 50+ countries, and Malaysian importers know exactly what certificates they need to see.
19M high-spend consumers
Malaysia's Muslim population carries a GDP per capita significantly higher than neighbouring Indonesia. Retail infrastructure, average basket values, and halal category breadth are all more developed.
Gateway to wider markets
JAKIM recognition carries weight beyond Malaysia — across GCC countries and parts of Africa. Manufacturers certified through a JAKIM-recognised body often find doors open in connected halal trade markets.
Mature, enforced rules
Unlike Indonesia — where mandatory SHLN registration arrives in October 2026 — Malaysia's halal import requirements are already in force and well-enforced. A clear pathway, no deadline pressure.
How halal certification works for exporters
Foreign manufacturers cannot apply to JAKIM directly — you must work through a JAKIM-recognised body in your country.
Check your certification body
JAKIM maintains a list of over 80 recognised foreign halal certification bodies across 50+ countries. If your current certifier is on the list, you're already partway there. If not, you'll need to switch to a recognised body or obtain dual certification.
Apply through your recognised body
Your JAKIM-recognised certifier conducts the audit against the MS 1500:2019 standard. They assess your ingredients, production process, facility hygiene, and supply chain. Products involving slaughter are subject to additional requirements.
Receive your certificate
Your certifier issues a halal certificate that JAKIM endorses. This certificate is what Malaysian importers and customs will check. It must reference the recognised body, the specific products, and the facility address.
Renew annually
JAKIM-compliant certificates require annual renewal, which includes an updated audit. Product changes, new ingredients, or facility changes must be reported to your certifying body and may trigger a re-audit.
Malaysia market-access guides
Five in-depth articles covering every aspect of halal compliance for the Malaysian market. Read in order or jump to what you need.
What Is JAKIM?
Malaysia's official halal authority explained — its role, how it issues the Malaysian halal logo, and why your certification body must be on its recognised list.
Exporting Halal Products to Malaysia
Step-by-step guide for foreign food manufacturers — documents, timeline, recognised body requirement, and what the import process actually looks like.
Foreign Certification Bodies Recognised by JAKIM
Which international halal bodies are on JAKIM's approved list, how to check, and what to do if yours isn't recognised.
Malaysia Halal Certification Guide (MS 1500:2019)
The Malaysian halal standard in plain language — what JAKIM audits, what MS 1500:2019 requires, and how annual renewal works.
Malaysia vs Indonesia Halal Requirements
Side-by-side comparison of JAKIM and BPJPH/MUI — different standards, different processes, and which market to prioritise first.
Find a certification body
Browse our directory for JAKIM, Southeast Asia cert bodies, and the halal certification hub for general guidance.
Halal Directory
JAKIM & Southeast Asia cert bodies
Browse certification bodies in the Southeast Asia section of our directory, including JAKIM and MUI.
Browse directoryCertification Hub
General halal certification guide
Not sure where to start with halal certification? Our hub covers the process, costs, and how to choose a body.
Read guideAbout this guide
Primary sources
Based on JAKIM's published standards, MS 1500:2019, and halal.gov.my official documentation.
No referral fees
We do not earn commission or referral fees from any certification body we mention.
Kept current
The recognised body list and standard references are checked against the 2026 versions from JAKIM.
The guidance here is built for practical decision-making by food manufacturers, exporters, and compliance teams. Always verify current recognised body status at halal.gov.my before committing to a certification pathway.
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Next Step
Ready to enter the Malaysian market?
Start with the JAKIM explainer, then move into the full export process guide. The two articles together give you everything you need to plan your certification approach.