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Editorial note: Market figures cited in this article are estimates based on publicly available industry reports and may vary by source. HalalExpo.com aims to present the most current data available but readers should verify figures for business decisions. Sources include the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, DinarStandard, and national halal authority publications.
Many food manufacturers assume that once their ingredients are halal-certified, the job is done. In practice, the packaging phase introduces several new compliance risks. Packaging materials can contain animal-derived additives. Printing inks and adhesives may use prohibited substances. Shared production lines can introduce cross-contamination. Halal certification bodies scrutinise all of these, and exporters targeting GCC and Southeast Asian markets increasingly find that packaging compliance is as closely examined as ingredient compliance.
In 2026, as major halal markets — particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia — tighten import verification procedures, manufacturers who have not addressed their packaging supply chain are at growing risk of certification delays or market access issues.
Most rigid plastics (PET, HDPE, PP) are considered inert and do not raise halal concerns. However, certain flexible packaging materials can contain additives derived from animal tallow — particularly stearic acid used as a slip agent in polyethylene films. Manufacturers should request material disclosure statements from their packaging suppliers confirming that no animal-derived additives are present, or confirming that any animal-derived additives come from halal-slaughtered animals.
Gelatin-based coatings — sometimes used in pharmaceutical packaging — are an obvious concern. Carmine (E120) and other insect-derived colorants occasionally appear in printing inks used on packaging materials, though this is rare in food-grade applications.
Food-contact printing inks must comply with food safety regulations in the target market regardless of halal status. For halal compliance, the concern is animal-derived resins or carriers. Shellac (E904), derived from lac insects, is occasionally used as a coating or in inks. Gelatin and casein (milk protein) appear in some adhesive formulations. Request ingredient declarations from your ink and adhesive suppliers.
Halal certification bodies conduct factory audits that assess not just what goes into the product but how the production environment is managed. A packaging line that processes both halal and non-halal products must demonstrate adequate cleaning and changeover procedures. Some certification bodies require dedicated lines or defined sequencing to maintain halal integrity.
Halal labelling requirements vary significantly by market. In Malaysia, the JAKIM halal logo must appear on the primary packaging panel and may only be used by companies holding a valid JAKIM certificate. In the UAE, ESMA and MOCCAE set labelling rules for halal claims. In Indonesia, the BPJPH Halal label became mandatory for food products in 2024. Exporting to multiple markets often means managing multiple label variants — plan your packaging artwork accordingly.
Most major halal certification bodies now include a packaging review as part of their audit process. JAKIM, MUI, and ESMA all require disclosure of packaging materials when issuing or renewing certificates. The Halal Food Council of Europe (HFCE) has published specific guidance on packaging compliance for European manufacturers.
If you are applying for halal certification for the first time, gather the following documentation from your packaging suppliers before your audit: material safety data sheets, ingredient disclosure statements, and confirmation that any animal-derived inputs are from halal-slaughtered animals or are from non-animal sources.
Begin with a packaging audit — a systematic review of all packaging materials, inks, and adhesives used in your production process. Most packaging suppliers will provide ingredient disclosure on request. Where animal-derived inputs are identified, work with your supplier to source halal-compliant alternatives or obtain documentation of halal slaughter compliance.
For exporters to Indonesia, the BPJPH mandatory certification requirement that came into effect in 2024 covers packaging materials used for food products — ensure your packaging suppliers are aware of this requirement if you supply the Indonesian market.
Review our halal certifier directory to identify certification bodies active in your target markets and contact them early in your packaging audit process — most provide pre-assessment guidance.
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