This post is a quick overview of the internationally recognised document and code on the Brunei Darussalam Guidelines for Manufacturing and Handling of Halal Medical Products, Traditional Medicines and Health Supplements. The aim of the guideline is to clarify the requirements which must be complied with in order to obtain an internationally recognised Halal Certificate and Halal Permit. The key part of this statement within the guide is that the ENTIRE PROCESS has to be deemed as Halal otherwise it is not considered Halal. This makes you wonder and question procedures around the world of companies who only claim to have Halal ingredients but not Halal procedures, yet then have “Certified Halal” stamped all over on their products, websites, leaflets, patient information leaflets, advertisements and so on. The certification process includes adequacy, compliance and any follow-up audits by appointed certified auditors. The Halal certificate will then be valid for one year from date of issue and renewal of the certification should be done not less than 30 days prior to the expiration date. The Halal label should be used on every relevant package/box after the Halal Permit has been issued. One of the key declarations in the guideline includes making sure every “manufacturer/place/place of business should produce/prepare only Halal product” in their production line. Every company that applies for the Halal certificate and label must ensure that “all raw ingredients used are Halal” and suppliers or sub-contractors who supply only Halal materials or have Halal certification are selected. Another key declaration within the guideline is “The use of equipment or appliances at the premises must be clean and free from filth according to Hukum Syara’ and not hazardous to health,” as well as making sure there is a good practice for a good code of work ethics with good hygiene practices and making sure all employees are trained on the Halal Principles. The full document will make you aware of, application procedures for Halal certificate and Halal label, discuss fees, expenditure, auditing, evaluation, maintenance, renewal as well as much more.

You can read and make yourself aware of the entire internationally recognised Brunei Darussalam Guidelines for Manufacturing and Handling of Halal Medical Products, Traditional Medicine and Health Supplements by clicking the link below: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s18036en/s18036en.pdf