SRINAGAR: India has emerged as a major player in the global Halal meat export market, with its exports valued at an impressive US $4.4 billion in 2022. The surge in demand for Halal-certified products, particularly from countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Southeast Asia, and North Africa, has placed India at the forefront of the global Halal industry. Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, and the GCC nations are among the largest importers of Halal meat, making compliance with Halal standards crucial for Indian exporters.
To meet the stringent requirements of importing countries, India introduced the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) for Halal certification. This certification ensures that products, processes, or services adhere to Islamic Shariah law, which is mandatory for meat exports to many of these nations. The i-CAS for Halal is designed in line with international best practices, facilitating smoother export operations while maintaining high standards of quality.
The rise in India’s Halal exports is also supported by the government’s focus on improving the certification process. Since October 2023, the government has implemented a one per cent interest rebate for timely loan repayments and increased the loan limit for exporters. These measures are expected to further encourage Indian exporters to meet global Halal standards and increase their market share in the international arena.
In addition to Halal meat, India also exports other food products like Basmati rice, fish, honey, and milk products, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ensuring that all products meet the necessary quality and safety standards. To bolster exports, India has concluded 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), with Halal products being a significant focus in ongoing trade discussions with the UK, EU, and other trading blocs.
The global Halal food market is worth over US $2 trillion, and India’s role in this growing industry is poised to expand further. With its competitive pricing, quality, and compliance with Halal certification, India is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for Halal-certified products worldwide.
