What is Halal? A Basic Guide for Non-Muslims

The global Muslim population continues to grow, projected to reach approximately 30% of the total world population by 2030.

Simultaneously, in Japan, the diversification of inbound tourists and the expansion of food exports have led to increased opportunities to hear the term "Halal."

Many restaurants and food manufacturers are now being asked to implement Halal compliance.

However, if asked "What exactly is Halal?" or "How should my company get involved?", many might still find it difficult to answer.

This article summarizes the basics of Halal from a business perspective, making it understandable for even non-Muslims in the shortest possible time.

What exactly is Halal?

Halal is an Arabic word meaning "permissible." Generally, it refers to food and products that Muslims can consume or use with peace of mind.

For example, pork and alcohol are classified as "Haram" (forbidden). What's important is that "whether something is Halal" is judged not just by the ingredients, but also by its production, processing, manufacturing, logistics, and labeling.

In other words, Halal is a system that proves safety and trustworthiness for Muslims.

"Halal Certification" as a Business Key

The method by which companies certify that "this product is Halal" is "Halal certification." By undergoing assessment by a third-party organization and obtaining certification, companies can demonstrate trustworthiness to Muslims both domestically and internationally.

• For food manufacturers, it's a passport for export.
• For the tourism and food service industries, it's proof of Muslim-friendly services.

Two Main Types of Certification

• Outbound (for export): Requires mutual recognition according to the standards of the importing country.
• Inbound (for tourism): Based on domestic standards, mainly focusing on "no pork, no alcohol" compliance for restaurants and accommodations.

The necessary certification varies depending on whether the target market is domestic or international.

No "Universally Valid Certification" Exists

There is no single global Halal certification. However, if certification is obtained from a domestic organization that has mutual recognition with the importing country, it can be valid as Halal certification in that country.

Confirming partnerships with major countries (such as the Middle East, Malaysia, Indonesia) is key to successful export.

Types of Certification in Japan

• A. Authorized Halal Certification (International Mutual Recognition Bodies)
  Used across a wide range of fields including general export-related businesses, meat processing and distribution, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, restaurants, and accommodation facilities.
• B. Local Certification
  Aimed at manufacturers of food, cosmetics, and daily necessities for domestic distribution, as well as restaurants and accommodation facilities.
• C. Mosque Certification / Private Certification
  Utilized for general businesses of Muslims residing in Japan. However, businesses requiring formal certification are excluded.
• D. Muslim-Friendly / Muslim-Welcome (No Certification)
  A style of providing "no pork, no alcohol" compliance based on Japan Tourism Agency standards, with information disclosure.

Halal is also Connected to Food Safety

Halal certification is not sufficient by simply meeting religious rules. In practice, it also requires meeting food hygiene management standards such as HACCP.

In other words, Halal certification is a double mark of trust: "religion + food safety." It not only gives consumers peace of mind but can also be a condition for transactions with business partners.

Overseas Market for Japanese Food is Expanding

• Consumption by foreign visitors to Japan exceeded 8 trillion yen in 2024 (preliminary figures from Japan Tourism Agency).
• The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced a target to triple "food"-related consumption to 4.5 trillion yen by 2030.
• Halal products originating from Japan, such as Wagyu beef and seasonings, are gaining popularity in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

As domestic demand shrinks, Halal compliance is attracting attention as a "weapon for overseas expansion."

Three Experiences Regarding Halal

Example ①: Case of an Inbound Restaurant

Recently, a friend who works part-time at an izakaya in Tokyo told me, "Muslim customers came and ordered fried chicken, but I was troubled because I didn't know if the chicken was Halal-compliant." This illustrates the difficulties faced by staff without specialized knowledge.

Example ②: Case at an Export Site

"Although the taste and quality were praised, the negotiation didn't progress simply because there was no certification"—there's an example of a food manufacturer failing to secure a contract when exporting seasonings to Southeast Asia because they lacked certification. Since then, that company has been mindful of Halal from the development stage.

Example ③: From a Traveler's Perspective

Some time ago at Kuala Lumpur Airport, when I tried to give a Muslim acquaintance a snack I brought from Japan, they refused, saying, "I can't eat it if I don't know if it's Halal." I realized that even common snacks in Japan internationally require "proof of safety."

Summary

Halal has transcended the framework of rules for Muslims and become a theme directly linked to Japanese business.

• "Halal = Permissible" is a "proof of safety" that includes processing, logistics, and labeling.
• Certification is a passport for export for food manufacturers and proof of trust for the food service and tourism industries.
• In Japan, certification types A to D are used depending on the context.
• Halal certification, combined with food safety standards like HACCP, is a double mark of trust: "religion + food safety."
• The market is expanding. Inbound consumption exceeded 8 trillion yen in 2024, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries aims for 4.5 trillion yen in food-related consumption by 2030.

Specific examples from the field, such as handling fried chicken at an izakaya, failure of export contracts, and travelers unable to eat Japanese snacks, show how the presence or absence of Halal compliance affects opportunities and trust.

Therefore, considering "what kind of Halal compliance is necessary for our company" is the first step towards entering this market.