Oman to reject halal certificates from non-designated bodies starting July 2027

Muscat: The Food Safety and Quality Center (FSQC) has announced that, effective July 1, 2027, Halal certificates accompanying imported food consignments will not be accepted if they are issued by Halal certification bodies that have not been designated by the Center.The announcement is part of the Center’s efforts to regulate the acceptance of Halal certificates accompanying imported food consignments into the Sultanate of Oman. The Center urged food importers whose products require a Halal certificate for importation to coordinate in advance with their suppliers and Halal certification bodies in the countries of origin. Importers are also required to ensure that the certification body they deal with has completed the designation procedures with the Food Safety and Quality Center before the effective date.Halal certification bodies seeking designation by the Center may submit their applications or inquire about the designation requirements and procedures via [email protected].The Center further clarified that it will not be responsible for any financial or contractual consequences arising from importers contracting with Halal certification bodies that have not been designated by the Center.It stressed that importers are responsible for verifying that the Halal certification body they intend to contract with has been officially designated by the Food Safety and Quality Center before entering into any contract.