The Kingdom of Bahrain has adopted an integrated national system for Halal products that aligns with the Gulf requirements governing slaughtering and production processes in accordance with Islamic Sharia principles. The system also covers the technical and regulatory requirements related to facilities and personnel engaged in Halal activities, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of quality and reliability.
The national Halal system in Bahrain is established under Cabinet Decision No. (61) of 2024 concerning Halal Products, which serves as the legislative framework regulating this vital sector. The decision aims to strengthen consumer confidence in Halal products and ensure their compliance with the Sharia and technical standards approved at the local and Gulf levels.
In this context, Bahrain implements the requirements of its Halal system in line with the technical arrangements established with the GCC Accreditation Center (GAC), which serves as the technical partner responsible for the evaluation and accreditation of Halal certification bodies from around the world. The Center is internationally recognized and holds memberships and accreditations from relevant international organizations and forums, reinforcing the credibility and global alignment of Bahrain’s Halal framework.
The Halal system in Bahrain is consistent with international best practices in conformity assessment, supply chain management, and product traceability, ensuring sustainability and supporting the national quality infrastructure. It also contributes to the implementation of the Government Action Plan, which aims to strengthen national regulatory systems and enhance the competitiveness of Bahraini products in regional and global markets.
This system reflects Bahrain’s commitment to promoting quality, safety, and Sharia compliance throughout all stages of production and supply, and to building a national Halal ecosystem that supports the economy, attracts investment, and reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a trusted regional hub for Halal products.
Legislation and Decisions
Link to Cabinet Decision No. 61 from the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission.
Standards and Technical Regulations for the Halal System in Bahrain
Click here to enlarge the specification image.
To contact the Halal Department via email: halal@mun.gov.bh
Service Procedures and Steps
2. Pay the registration fees and processing the request.
3. The Ministry’s Halal Section processes the request.
4. Pay the conformity Assessment fees (inspection and auditing).
5. The Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC ) processes the request.
6. Pay the approval fees for accrediting the conformity assessment body.
7. Pay the final fees to designate the body as an authorized issuer of the Bahraini Halal certificate.
8. Issue the final authorization
The required documents
2- Chamber of Commerce registration.
3- Social insurance certificate with nationalization details.
4- Insurance policy (general and professional liability) or bank guarantee.
5- Declaration of no liability on the National Authority.
6- Commitment to comply with relevant regulations and standards.
7- For foreign entities: home country registration and local representation agreement.
8- Accreditation certificate with scope from the Gulf Accreditation Center(GAC).
9- Proof of fee payment.
Service fee
2- New Branch registration request 250BD
3- Request to add a new scope 200BD
4- Technical review of documents 250 BD
5- Issuance of the appointment decision for a period of 4 years 250BD
Terms and Conditions
1- Register with the National Authority following the conditions and procedures in the Executive Program Document.
2- Obtain relevant national, Gulf, and international standards and regulations.
3- Protect intellectual property of used standards and important information.
4- Notify the National Authority of any changes as they occur.
5- Follow general registration principles outlined in the Executive Program Document.
6- Maintain professional performance and technical competence in services provided.
7- Handle complaints, objections, and disputes, and report recommendations to the National Authority.
8- Do not issue reports for goods, services, or processes prohibited by national laws.
9- Assume full legal responsibility for inaccurate reports, with the right to object.
10- Pay all fees related to registration, accreditation, and designation.
11- Provide necessary facilities for registration, accreditation, on-site visits, and document reviews.
12- Obtain written approval from the National Authority before subcontracting any registration tasks.
FAQs
The products currently available in the market are diverse; some already carry halal slaughtering certificates issued by different Islamic authorities. However, the new Halal System aims to unify the standards and technical procedures to ensure a reliable and recognized level of compliance for all food products and services in the Bahraini market.
2. When will the Bahraini Halal System come into actual effect?
The system will officially come into effect on December 13, 2025.
3. What is the purpose of establishing the Bahraini Halal System?
The system aims to enhance consumer confidence, ensure that all food products comply with Sharia, technical, and health specifications, support exports, improve the quality of food products, and facilitate compliance monitoring by relevant authorities.
4. What is the registration process for entities seeking the Bahraini Halal Certificate?
The registration process begins with submitting an official application through the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture website and providing the required documents. The application is then evaluated according to Bahraini Halal standards, and a designation decision is issued for entities that meet all the requirements.
5. Why is this system needed now?
The Halal System provides greater clarity and credibility for consumers and ensures that companies (conformity assessment bodies) adhere to the highest technical and Sharia quality standards in accordance with approved national standards and technical regulations. This strengthens the reputation of the Bahraini market and promotes economic growth.
6. What added value does the system provide for consumers and companies compared to the current situation?
For consumers, the system ensures access to food products that comply with Sharia, technical, and health standards.
For companies, it provides a unified framework that facilitates import and export processes and strengthens trust among local and international clients, as the Bahraini system aligns with Gulf and international counterparts in the same field.
7. What will happen to non-compliant products once the mandatory implementation begins?
The competent authorities will take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with standards, directing companies to correct or adjust non-compliant products in accordance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
8. Who is responsible for issuing certificates and ensuring compliance?
Accredited conformity assessment bodies, designated by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, are responsible for issuing Halal certificates after directly supervising registered factories and slaughterhouses in the food sector, in coordination with the Gulf Accreditation Center, to ensure full compliance with approved standards.
9. How will violations or complaints be handled?
A clear mechanism will be available for receiving complaints and examining violations, with appropriate corrective actions taken — including guidance, awareness measures, or penalties — in accordance with approved technical regulations and guidelines.
10. What is the cost of obtaining a Halal certificate?
The cost will be determined based on the scale of activity and type of products, ensuring that fees are fair and proportionate to the services provided within the system.
11. Will the system cover imported products or only local ones?
The system will cover all products available in the Bahraini market, whether locally produced or imported, to ensure their compliance with approved standards and technical regulations.
12. Will the implementation of the system affect product prices in the market?
The system aims to organize the market and ensure the quality and reliability of food products, while maintaining price stability and preserving the competitiveness of products in the Bahraini market.