Interview with JAKIM on Malaysia’s Halal Certification for Cosmetics

Malaysian Halal Certification serves as an official endorsement verifying the Halal status of products and services, covering a wide range of categories such as consumer goods, cosmetics, food, beverages, and dietary supplements. While certification is mandatory for all animal-derived products (excluding pork), it remains strongly encouraged—but not compulsory—for other product types, including cosmetics. Applications for halal certification are managed through Malaysia’s MYeHALAL system.

To gain deeper insights into the certification process, ChemLinked spoke with Mr. Muhyidin bin Aziz @ Saari, Director of the Halal Management Division at JAKIM, who shared valuable perspectives on ingredient requirements, certification requirements, halal labeling, and key compliance recommendations for applicants.

Q1. What is JAKIM’s role in Malaysia’s halal certification system?

A1: JAKIM is the competent authority for halal certification in Malaysia. To guide industry stakeholders, JAKIM has developed procedures and guidelines, namely the Malaysia Halal Certification Procedure Manual (MPPHM) 2020 and the Malaysia Halal Management System (MHMS) 2020. JAKIM also conducts thorough on-site inspections and audits of production facilities, supply chains, and premises to ensure compliance with halal standards. JAKIM has the authority to monitor compliance, conduct surveillance audits, seize non-compliant products, and impose penalties on those who violate the Trade Description (Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011.

Q2. Do you see Malaysia’s halal certification as having a synergistic effect for brands seeking to enter other Muslim-majority markets, such as Indonesia or countries in the Middle East?

A2: Yes, JAKIM's halal logo is widely recognized worldwide and creates a synergistic effect for brands seeking to export their products. JAKIM's halal certification is highly recognized as one of the most stringent and credible in the world. This high standard and established reputation foster significant trust among Muslim consumers globally, including in Indonesia and the Middle East. When a product bears the JAKIM halal logo, it immediately conveys a strong assurance of compliance with Islamic dietary laws.

Q3. What are the key requirements for cosmetic products to obtain halal certification in Malaysia?

A3: To obtain halal certification in Malaysia, local cosmetic companies must first be officially registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and possess all necessary licenses from local authorities.

Secondly, cosmetic manufacturers are required to adhere to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards set by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). Furthermore, every cosmetic product must be notified to the NPRA before it can be marketed.

Finally, applicants must also meet the additional requirements detailed in the Malaysia Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020, the Malaysia Halal Management System (MHMS) 2020, Malaysian Standard MS 2634:2019 (Halal Cosmetics—General Requirements, First Revision), the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, the Guideline for Control of Cosmetics Product in Malaysia 2022, and other current laws and regulations enforced by the relevant authorities.

Q4. Is it mandatory for all individual ingredients in a cosmetic product to have their own halal certificate?

A4: For animal-derived ingredients, it is mandatory to possess a halal certificate, either from Malaysia's halal authority or from recognized foreign halal certification bodies. Ingredients that are not halal-certified must be accompanied by supporting documents consisting of material composition, sources, and production processes.

Q5. What are the typical timeline, key procedures, and associated costs involved in applying for halal certification for cosmetics?

A5: The timeline and costs involved vary depending on the details of each application. More information can be found by referring to the Malaysia Halal Portal website and the Malaysia Halal Certification Procedure Manual (MPPHM) 2020.

Q6. What types of documents or supporting materials must applicants submit to JAKIM?

A6: The list of documents can be found within JAKIM's halal system called System MyeHalal. Applicants must first register an account. Once approved, they can begin their halal application based on the relevant product scheme.

Q7. If there are changes in a cosmetic product’s formulation or manufacturing process, is re-certification or a new audit required?

A7: Applicants are required to inform the Halal Management Division under JAKIM of any changes to their certified halal products, and JAKIM will provide consultation accordingly.

Q8. Once a product is certified, what are the proper requirements for using the halal logo? Is a separate application required?

A8: Regarding labelling, the Malaysia Halal Certification Procedure Manual (MPPHM) 2020 provides the relevant requirements. It is important to note that only one application is required, and the halal logo must be labeled on cosmetic products.

Q9. Should imported cosmetics obtain halal certification in the country of origin? If a company holds a certificate from a recognized overseas halal certification agency, are any additional procedures required upon entry into Malaysia?

A9: Applicants for halal certification can either obtain it in their country of origin or apply for Malaysia's halal certificate. However, for international applications, the applicant must appoint a Malaysian representative company. While imported cosmetic products require notification to the NPRA, obtaining a Malaysian halal certificate for these products is voluntary. For regulations concerning imported products to Malaysia, please consult the relevant authorities.

Q10. What key advice or recommendations would you offer to overseas cosmetic brands seeking to obtain halal certification in Malaysia? Are there any best practices or common pitfalls they should be aware of?

A10: The applicant company must fulfill the international application requirements as outlined in our official portal, including valid registration with the SSM, Halal Executive certification, and compliance with Halal Assurance System (HAS) principles. All products must be demonstrably safe for consumption and strictly free from harmful substances and non-halal derivatives. Preference is given to ingredients sourced from non-animal and non-alcohol origins to ensure halal integrity.

We understand the difficulties companies face in sourcing halal registered raw materials. While the use of halal-certified raw materials is highly advisable, if no such option exists, companies must provide comprehensive supporting documentation such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), product specifications, detailed flowcharts, and a complete breakdown of ingredient composition.

Other common pitfalls include incomplete documentation—which may delay the application process due to unclear raw material sources—insufficient Halal Assurance System (HAS) records and procedures, and inadequate product labeling. Lastly, most factories outside Malaysia may combine non-halal and halal-certified production. Therefore, clear segregation and dedicated facilities are crucial for companies seeking halal certification.

Interview with JAKIM on Malaysia’s Halal Certification for Cosmetics

Further Reading