India has expanded the basket of countries requiring mandatory halal certification for the export of specified meat and meat products.The move, notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, amends an old October 1, 2024, order by adding 20 more countries to the list where compliance with halal certification under the India Conformity Assessment Scheme is mandatory.These newly included countries span regions across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and others.Halal certification implies proof that a particular product being exported to the country in question conforms with the Islamic dietary codes outlined in the holy Quran and other Islamic texts. Halal is defined as permissible in Arabic. Halal certified products across segments such as food, beverages, pharma, personal care and hygiene, meet Islamic standards.India’s latest expansion reflects strategic efforts to align its export standards with the regulatory and cultural requirements of importing nations, particularly those where halal certification is essential for market access.Compliance requirements under the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (halal) will come into effect after a transition period. For most of the newly added countries, the rules will be effective in two weeks from the date of notification — April 7.But for Egypt, a longer transition period of six months has been granted. This extended timeline will aid the system readiness and onboard certification bodies to meet the required standards.The government has clarified that all other policy conditions remain unchanged. This includes the requirement that certification must be carried out by bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies, along with adherence to the regulations of importing countries.Officials said the move was expected to enhance transparency and improve global acceptance.It is likely to have a direct impact on exporters dealing in meat and meat products, as adherence to Halal certification norms will now be mandatory for a larger number of destinations.Industry experts believe this step will strengthen India’s position in global meat exports by ensuring higher compliance with international standards and facilitating smoother trade flows.