Halal Certification: Regulation Follow-up

Presented by Bryant Christie Inc.,

This seminar is designed for Western U.S. exporters, particularly growers, packers, processors, and food marketers, who are targeting Middle Eastern markets and need an updated understanding of halal certification requirements. Building on questions raised in previous WUSATA seminars, this follow-up session will address certification bodies, documentation, and common compliance pitfalls that affect market access.

The presentation will provide a practical update on the halal certification landscape, helping exporters confirm they are working with the right certifying bodies, assembling the correct documentation, and avoiding the mistakes that most often delay or derail certification. Attendees will leave with clear next steps for keeping certifications current ahead of upcoming Middle East trade activity.

Detailed Webinar Overview:

1. Welcome & Objectives

• Session goals: revisiting halal certification requirements for Middle East-bound exports
• Why halal certification remains a core market access requirement
• Addressing questions raised in previous WUSATA seminars

2. Halal Certification Landscape: What Has Changed

• Overview of certification bodies recognized across key Middle Eastern markets
• Recent updates to certification standards and accreditation requirements
• Differences in requirements across GCC countries

3. Documentation and the Application Process

• Required documentation for certification applications
• Certification timelines and renewal considerations
• Coordinating certification requirements with suppliers and processors

4. Common Compliance Pitfalls

• Frequent errors in documentation and labeling
• Missteps in certification body selection
• Consequences of non-compliance at port of entry

5. Selecting the Right Certification Partner

• How accreditation influences market access
• Matching certifying bodies to product category and destination market
• Questions to ask before engaging a certification body

6. Q&A

• Interactive discussion addressing exporter-specific questions

Participants will be able to:

• Identify current halal certification requirements for exporters targeting Middle Eastern markets
• Distinguish between certification bodies and accreditation standards across GCC countries
• Compile the documentation needed for a successful certification application
• Recognize and avoid common compliance pitfalls in the certification process
• Apply updated certification guidance ahead of the Oman and UAE outbound mission (Sep 12-22, 2026)

**The meeting link will be sent to registered companies the day before the meeting via email**