How the halal assurance system works
The halal assurance system ensures that halal products exported from New Zealand are produced using a consistent programme. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) standards are for export only and do not apply to domestic halal.
Companies that produce halal products can have their products labelled and certified as halal compliant. They do this by following a halal programme which is audited by an approved halal organisation (AHO). An AHO is an independent organisation that the New Zealand government has approved to assess and certify halal programmes.
Products covered by the halal assurance system
Halal products in New Zealand include any animal products that have come from an halal species. This could be meat, poultry, or dairy. Halal species include:
• bovine (beef)
• ovine (sheep)
• caprine (goat)
• cervine (deer)
• poultry.
Mixed foods containing other ingredients can still be covered by the halal assurance system, so long as the meat, dairy, or poultry component is certified halal and all components are halal.
To meet halal standards, the animals must pass examinations before and after death. They must be identified and labelled as halal for export.
How AHOs meet standards to certify and approve halal products
AHOs must employ Muslim staff who have been trained and qualified to audit the halal programme. These include:
- auditors
- issuing officers.
Auditors review and approve the halal programme for the premises. Issuing officers issue halal certificates.
Halal export scheme
The requirements for accredited AHOs are in the New Zealand export halal scheme.
New Zealand export halal scheme [PDF, 343 KB]
Lists of approved halal organisations
Organisations that have a compliant halal programme are on these lists.
Approved halal organisations [PDF, 196 KB]
Premises approved for export of halal animal products (excluding dairy)
Premises approved for export of halal dairy products
Who to contact
If you have questions about exporting halal products, email exporterhelp@mpi.govt.nz
