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Gelatin Export to the Middle East: Halal Certification, Logistics & Market Access

21 June 2026

A buyer from Dubai asks whether your gelatin is halal-certified. A procurement manager in Jakarta wants to know your BPJPH status before October 2026. A confectionery manufacturer in Riyadh needs a Certificate of Analysis alongside a halal certificate from an SFDA-recognised body.

These are not edge cases. They are standard questions for any gelatin supplier reaching into the Middle East or Southeast Asia. The halal gelatin market stood at approximately $509 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 5–6% through the early 2030s, driven by expanding Muslim-majority consumer markets and a regulatory environment that is becoming both stricter and more specific about what documentation is required.

This article addresses those questions directly — including the one that requires the most transparency: what the status of porcine gelatin actually is on halal markets, and what the practical alternatives are for buyers in these regions.

The Halal Gelatin Market: Scale, Growth, and What Is Driving Demand

The halal gelatin market is part of a much larger ecosystem. The MENA halal food market alone is projected by BCC Research to reach $380 billion by 2030, growing at 7.1% annually. The Asia-Pacific region, led by Indonesia and Malaysia — the world's two largest Muslim-majority countries by population — holds the dominant share of global halal food consumption.

For ingredient suppliers, this creates a specific B2B opportunity: food manufacturers in these markets require gelatin that is not only fit for technical purpose but also compliant with the religious requirements of their end markets. Halal certification has evolved from a consumer-facing label into a mandatory supply chain requirement in an increasing number of jurisdictions.

Key importing regions

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. These markets require halal certification for all food products containing animal-derived ingredients, including gelatin used as a food additive or excipient. Saudi Arabia's SFDA mandates halal certification for gelatin imports. The UAE does not make it universally mandatory for all imports but expects halal certificates for animal-derived ingredients, and most UAE importers require them as a commercial condition.

Indonesia: Approximately 285 million people (UN estimate, 2025), the world's largest Muslim-majority country. Mandatory halal certification under Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Law (UU 33/2014) is now entering its final enforcement phase. For imported food and beverage products — including food additives such as gelatin — the hard compliance deadline is 17 October 2026 (extended from October 2024 under Government Regulation No. 42/2024). After that date, imported products must be halal-certified by a body recognised by BPJPH (Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency) or be explicitly labelled non-halal.

Malaysia: A well-established halal infrastructure, with JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) serving as the government-mandated certification authority for all halal product approvals.

Halal certification as a trade standard

It is worth noting for European exporters that halal certification in these markets is increasingly a commercial threshold, not only a religious one. Major retailers in GCC countries, large-scale food manufacturers in Southeast Asia, and pharma companies exporting nutraceuticals to Muslim-majority markets all require halal status as a condition of supplier listing — independently of the personal beliefs of their procurement teams.

What Makes Gelatin Halal-Compliant?

Halal compliance for gelatin rests on two pillars, both of which must be satisfied simultaneously.

Source animal requirements

The source animal must be permissible (halal) under Islamic law — primarily cattle, sheep, or goat — and must have been slaughtered according to Islamic requirements: by a Muslim, with the basmala recited, with a sharp blade to the jugular vein, and with complete drainage of blood. Fish are inherently permissible and do not require the ritual slaughter requirement.

Pork and its derivatives are categorically prohibited (haram). Blood, animals that died before slaughter, and carnivorous animals are also prohibited.

Production and supply chain integrity

Sourcing the right animal is necessary but not sufficient. The entire production process — from raw material intake through extraction, filtration, drying, milling, and packaging — must be free from any cross-contamination with prohibited substances. A bovine gelatin line that shares extraction equipment with a porcine line cannot be halal-certified, regardless of the source documentation.

This is the practical reason why not every gelatin producer can obtain halal certification simply by switching raw material source. Dedicated production lines, segregated storage, validated cleaning procedures, and an auditable supply chain are the minimum prerequisites. Halal certification bodies conduct on-site facility inspections before issuing any certificate.

Major Halal Certification Bodies — and Why the Differences Matter

There is no single global halal standard. Certificates issued by one body are not automatically recognised by another, and buyers in different markets may require different certifications. Understanding the landscape is essential for any supplier planning market entry.

BPJPH / MUI — Indonesia

As of October 2024, Indonesia's official halal certification authority is BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal — Halal Product Assurance Agency), operating under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) now serves as the shariah auditor within the process, issuing the fatwa that underpins the certificate, but the official certificate and logo are issued by BPJPH.

This is an important distinction for exporters: the old MUI-branded certificate no longer suffices as a standalone credential for Indonesian regulatory compliance. Foreign halal certification bodies must be registered and recognised by BPJPH before their certificates can be used to support Indonesian market access. BPJPH signed mutual recognition agreements with bodies from 24 countries at its Global Halal Forum in October 2024.

JAKIM — Malaysia

JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia) is the Malaysian government authority responsible for halal certification. JAKIM certification is required for products sold in Malaysia bearing a halal claim. It is one of the more demanding certification standards globally, with rigorous facility audits, supply chain traceability requirements, and restrictions on shared production lines.

JAKIM and BPJPH operate mutual recognition agreements, meaning JAKIM-certified products can generally access the Indonesian market through the BPJPH registration pathway — and vice versa — without full re-certification.

IFANCA — GCC and North America

IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America) is a US-based certification body with broad international recognition. It is widely accepted by GCC importers and by buyers in North America and Europe. IFANCA operates an ingredient approval database, which can streamline the certification process for manufacturers using pre-approved suppliers.

GCC country-specific bodies

For Saudi Arabia, the relevant regulatory authority is the SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority), which maintains a list of approved halal certification bodies. For UAE, ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology) oversees halal standards. Exporters targeting GCC markets should verify which bodies their specific importer or Saudi/UAE customs authority will accept, as accepted body lists are updated periodically.

Porcine Gelatin and Halal Markets — An Honest Assessment

Brodnica Gelatin produces porcine gelatin. This is the appropriate point in this article to address that directly.

Porcine gelatin is classified as haram by all major halal certification bodies, including BPJPH/MUI, JAKIM, IFANCA, HMC (UK), and the European Council for Fatwa and Research. This has been the consistent position of these bodies for decades — JAKIM's 2020 Halal Certification Procedure Manual (MPHHM) reaffirms it within updated certification procedures. No accredited halal certification body issues a halal certificate for pork-derived gelatin under any standard.

A minority scholarly opinion — based on the concept of istihalah (complete transformation) — argues that porcine collagen is so thoroughly chemically changed during gelatin manufacturing that the resulting substance should be considered permissible. The mainstream contemporary position, held by all named bodies above, rejects this argument on the basis that gelatin retains porcine DNA markers detectable by testing, and that the acid-alkali hydrolysis of collagen does not constitute a complete transformation (istihalah tammah) of the kind recognised in classical Islamic jurisprudence.

The practical consequence for B2B buyers is clear: porcine gelatin cannot be used in halal-certified products in any market where JAKIM, BPJPH, IFANCA, ESMA, or SFDA standards apply. This is a market-access reality, not a quality issue.

For buyers sourcing gelatin for halal-compliant formulations, the viable pathways are bovine gelatin, fish gelatin, or plant-derived hydrocolloids.

Halal-Suitable Alternatives: Bovine, Fish, and Plant-Based Options

Bovine gelatin — the primary alternative

Gelatin derived from cattle hide or bones is the most widely used halal alternative. The condition is that the source cattle must have been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic requirements, and the entire production chain must be auditable. Bovine gelatin is available across the same Bloom strength range as porcine gelatin (typically 80–280 Bloom) and performs comparably in most food and pharmaceutical applications.

The main practical challenge is supply chain documentation: halal-certified bovine gelatin requires a continuous chain of certificates from the abattoir through the gelatin plant. Buyers should request both the gelatin manufacturer's halal certificate and, where required by their certification body, supporting documentation from the raw material supplier.

Fish gelatin — gaining ground in pharma and confectionery

Fish gelatin is considered halal by all four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence when derived from scaled fish, and it does not require a ritual slaughter certificate. This makes its certification pathway simpler than bovine gelatin. Fish gelatin is particularly relevant for the pharmaceutical sector, where it also addresses kosher requirements simultaneously — a useful property for suppliers targeting multiple regulated markets.

The functional note buyers should be aware of: fish gelatin from cold-water species (such as cod) has a lower gelling temperature than porcine or bovine gelatin, which affects processing conditions and shelf stability. Fish gelatin from warm-water species (tilapia, Nile perch) more closely approximates porcine gelatin in its Bloom and viscosity profile. For more detail on the technical characteristics of fish gelatin, see our article on what fish gelatin is and how it is made.

Plant-derived hydrocolloids

For applications where gelatin can be substituted — primarily gelling and stabilisation functions — plant-derived hydrocolloids such as carrageenan (from red algae), agar (from seaweed), and pectin (from citrus or apple) are inherently halal and require no certification of animal origin. These are not gelatin in a technical sense and differ in their gelling behaviour, texture profile, and temperature stability, but they are used as functional substitutes in a number of product categories.

Exporting Gelatin to the Middle East: Logistics and Documentation

Technical compliance is necessary; operational execution is what makes an export relationship sustainable. For gelatin shipments to MENA markets, the following practical considerations apply.

Required export documents

A standard gelatin export consignment to GCC or MENA markets will require:

  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — batch-specific, specifying Bloom strength, viscosity, pH, moisture content, microbiological results, and source species
  • Certificate of Origin — issued by the relevant Chamber of Commerce; EU origin documentation for European suppliers
  • Halal certificate — from a body recognised by the importing country's authority; must be current and cover the specific batch or production period
  • Health certificate — issued by the competent veterinary or food safety authority in the exporting country (for EU exporters, this typically means the local veterinary inspectorate)
  • Phytosanitary certificate — may be required depending on the destination country and customs authority interpretation
  • Commercial invoice and packing list — standard trade documentation

For pharmaceutical-grade gelatin, additional documentation including a Certificate of Suitability (CEP) issued under the European Pharmacopoeia, or equivalent, will be required. Our pharmaceutical gelatin page outlines the full documentation standards we operate to.

Packaging and moisture control

Gelatin is hygroscopic — it absorbs ambient moisture, which degrades both Bloom strength and microbiological stability. For shipments to MENA, where ambient temperatures at major ports (Jebel Ali, UAE; Dammam and Jeddah, KSA) can exceed 40 °C during summer months, packaging specification is a quality-critical decision.

Standard food-grade gelatin for export is packed in multi-layer bags (polypropylene outer with PE moisture barrier liner), palletised, and stretch-wrapped. Containers should be dry (moisture below 65% RH) and cargo should not be loaded in direct sunlight at origin. Port dwell time in GCC ports can extend beyond planned schedules during peak periods — moisture-barrier packaging provides the margin of safety needed.

Incoterms and port considerations

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) to the destination port is the conventional incoterm for GCC shipments, with Jebel Ali (UAE) serving as the main redistribution hub for the broader Gulf market. For Saudi Arabia, Dammam (King Abdul Aziz Port) and Jeddah Islamic Port are the primary entry points. Sea freight from Central European ports via Hamburg or Rotterdam to Jebel Ali typically takes several weeks, depending on the carrier, routing, and season — confirm current transit times directly with your freight forwarder when planning shipments.

For time-sensitive pharmaceutical gelatin, air freight via Dubai (DXB) or Riyadh (RUH) is the standard alternative, though at significantly higher cost per kilogram.

FAQ

Can porcine gelatin be halal certified?

No. All major halal certification bodies — including BPJPH/MUI (Indonesia), JAKIM (Malaysia), IFANCA (USA), HMC (UK), and the European Council for Fatwa and Research — classify porcine gelatin as haram. The minority scholarly argument based on istihalah (complete transformation) is rejected by every mainstream certifier on the basis that gelatin retains porcine DNA markers and that the manufacturing process does not constitute a complete transformation. No accredited body certifies pork gelatin under any standard.

What is the difference between BPJPH, MUI, and JAKIM?

BPJPH is Indonesia's government authority responsible for halal product certification since 2019, with MUI now serving as the shariah auditor within that process (not the certificate issuer). The official Indonesian halal certificate and logo are issued by BPJPH. JAKIM is Malaysia's government halal certification body. The two have a mutual recognition agreement — JAKIM certificates can support Indonesian market access via the BPJPH registration pathway, and vice versa. IFANCA is a US-based certifier recognised in North America and by many GCC importers, but it does not substitute for BPJPH or JAKIM in their respective domestic markets.

What documentation is required to export gelatin to the UAE or Saudi Arabia?

For gelatin exports to GCC markets: a batch Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Origin (EU), halal certificate from a body recognised by ESMA (UAE) or SFDA (KSA), and a health certificate from the competent authority in the exporting country. Pharmaceutical gelatin additionally requires a CEP or equivalent. Documentation requirements can change — verify current accepted certification bodies with your local importer before shipping.

Is fish gelatin halal?

Yes. Fish gelatin derived from scaled fish species is considered halal by all four major Sunni schools of jurisprudence and is accepted by JAKIM, BPJPH/MUI, and IFANCA without requiring a ritual slaughter certificate. Fish gelatin from non-scaled species may receive different treatment depending on the importing country's standards. It is also accepted under kosher standards, making it a dual-market ingredient for suppliers serving both halal and Jewish dietary markets.

What is the deadline for halal certification compliance for exports to Indonesia?

Under Government Regulation No. 42/2024, the hard deadline for mandatory halal certification of imported food and beverage products (including food additives) entering Indonesia is 17 October 2026. Foreign halal certification bodies must be registered with BPJPH to issue certificates valid for the Indonesian market. Exporters should begin the certification process well in advance, as BPJPH-accredited Halal Inspection Agencies (Lembaga Pemeriksa Halal, LPH) are reporting 4–8 week booking lead times.

Working With Brodnica Gelatin

Brodnica Gelatin has produced porcine gelatin at our facility in northern Poland since 1937. We export to 19 countries across four continents and hold ISO 9001, ISO 22000, BRC, and HACCP certification.

We produce porcine gelatin. We do not hold halal certification, and we will not misrepresent our product's status.

What we can do: provide technically consistent, well-documented, food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade porcine gelatin to buyers for whom source origin is not a barrier — and engage openly with buyers in markets where it is, to help clarify the regulatory landscape and, where relevant, point toward the correct sourcing channels for their needs.

If you are a food manufacturer, distributor, or procurement team working on supply for markets with specific halal requirements and want to discuss what documentation we provide and what our capabilities are, contact our team.

Learn more about our edible gelatin range, pharmaceutical gelatin, our quality certifications, and our company and export history.

Sources

  1. Market Growth Reports — Halal Gelatin Market (2025). Global halal gelatin market value of $509.58M in 2025; projected growth to $857.87M by 2035 at ~5.4% CAGR. https://www.marketgrowthreports.com/market-reports/halal-gelatin-market-107777

  2. BCC Research — Halal Food Industry in MENA Region (2025). MENA halal food market projected to reach $380B by 2030 at 7.1% CAGR. https://www.bccresearch.com/pressroom/fod/halal-food-industry-in-mena-region

  3. HalalSpy — Is Pork Halal? (2026). Mainstream scholarly and certification body position on porcine gelatin; rejection of istihalah argument; bodies classifying pork gelatin as haram: Fiqh Council of North America, JAKIM, HMC, IFANCA, European Council for Fatwa and Research. https://halalspy.com/halal-knowledge/ingredients/is-pork-halal/

  4. HalalFocus — Gelatin Transformation (Istihalah) in Science and Fiqh (2022). Academic analysis of the istihalah argument applied to gelatin extraction; mainstream juristic rejection. https://halalfocus.com/opinion-gelatin-transformation-istihala-in-science-and-fiqh/

  5. HalalSpy — How Halal Certification Works (2026). Overview of BPJPH, JAKIM, MUI, IFANCA, ESMA roles; audit process; gelatin as recurring point of scrutiny. https://halalspy.com/halal-knowledge/certification/how-halal-certification-works/

  6. ChemLinked — Indonesia Enforces Mandatory Halal Certification (2024). BPJPH enforcement from October 2024; two-year extension for imported F&B to October 2026 under Government Regulation No. 42/2024. https://food.chemlinked.com/news/food-news/indonesia-enforces-mandatory-halal-certification-with-imported-foods-postponed-by-2026

  7. USDA FAS / American Halal Foundation — Indonesia Halal Certification Update (2024). Confirmation of October 2026 extension for imported food and beverage products; BPJPH mutual recognition agreements signed with 24 countries. https://halalfoundation.org/indonesia-grants-two-year-extension-for-mandatory-halal-certification-of-food-and-beverage-products/

  8. Halal Packaging Labeling Requirements — Confetti Design (2026). Accepted certifiers by market; ESMA for UAE, SFDA for KSA, BPJPH for Indonesia, JAKIM for Malaysia. https://confetti.design/blog/halal-packaging-labeling-requirements

  9. Gerudo Logistics — Frozen Food Shipping to the Middle East (2026). SFDA halal certificate requirement for animal-derived food products including gelatin; UAE import practices; port temperature conditions. https://www.gerudologistics.com/shipping-guides/frozen-food-shipping-from-china-to-the-middle-east-2026-cold-chain-guide

  10. Brodnica Gelatin — What Is Fish Gelatin and How Is It Made? (2025). Fish gelatin technical characteristics; comparison with porcine and bovine gelatin; lower gelling temperature for cold-water species. https://brodnicagelatin.com/what-is-fish-gelatin-and-how-is-it-made

  11. Brodnica Gelatin — Is Gelatin Still Irreplaceable? (2026). Ph. Eur./USP compliance context for pharmaceutical gelatin in regulated export markets. https://brodnicagelatin.com/news/is-gelatin-still-irreplaceable-what-industry-data-says-about-plant-based-alternatives

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