Introduction: Demand Grows, So Do the Standards
In 2025, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—remains one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for Halal-certified products. However, successfully exporting to these markets requires more than just a Halal label. Each country enforces its own strict standards for Halal certification, documentation, labeling, and shelf-life control.
This guide outlines everything you need to know to export Halal food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to the GCC, with specific attention to compliance requirements in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
What Qualifies as “Halal” in the GCC?
While definitions are rooted in Islamic law (Shariah), Halal compliance for exports is governed by specific regulatory frameworks, including:
- GSO 993/2015 – GCC-wide Halal food regulation
- GSO 2055-1 – General Halal requirements
- UAE ESMA Halal Certification – For food, beverages, cosmetics
- Saudi SFDA Halal Approval – For food, meat, poultry, and ingredients
These standards regulate not only the origin of ingredients but also the production environment, slaughter practices, packaging, and documentation.
Required Certifications for Halal Exports (Per Country)
| Country | Authority | Required Halal Documentation |
| EAU | ESMA | Emirates Halal Certificate (valid 3 years) |
| Saudi Arabia | SFDA + SASO | SFDA Halal Certificate + Product Registration |
| Qatar | Qatar General Authority for Standards | GSO-compliant Halal certificate |
Who Can Issue Certificates?
Certificates must be issued by approved Halal certification bodies recognized by each importing country. For example:
- UAE accepts bodies approved by ESMA
- Saudi Arabia only accepts certification from bodies listed on the SFDA-approved list
- Each consignment must include an original stamped certificate
Halal Labeling Requirements
GCC countries require strict product labeling compliance. Key rules include:
- Product name, ingredients, and “Halal” claim must be in Arabic and English
- No alcohol, pork-derived ingredients, or non-Halal additives allowed
- Clear expiry/manufacture date (in Hijri and Gregorian formats for Saudi)
- Country of origin must be clearly stated
- Batch code / Lot number must match invoice and packing list
Incorrect or missing labels are a top reason for customs rejections in Dubai, Dammam, and Doha.
Documentation Required for Halal Shipments
- Factura comercial
- Lista de embalaje
- Certificado de origen (con sello de la Cámara)
- Halal Certificate (Original + Stamped)
- Product Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- SFDA or ESMA Approval Letter (for registered brands)
- Health Certificate (from the exporting country’s food authority)
Each document must be bilingual (English + Arabic) and must match the shipment precisely.
Shelf Life, Temperature & Handling Rules
GCC customs authorities are highly strict on shelf life controls:
- Products with less than 50% shelf life remaining are often denied entry
- Cold chain products must include temperature logs and container seals
- Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals must show PAO (period after opening) date and usage limits
For meat exports, Halal slaughter video verification may also be requested.
How Syrmex Ensures Halal Export Compliance
Syrmex offers specialized services for Halal-compliant export operations:
- We work with recognized Halal certifiers across Turkey and Europe
- Review your product formulas for ingredient compliance
- Support with ESMA and SFDA product registration
- Translate and format labels and packaging according to GCC rules
- Coordinate full documentation preparation and freight logistics
- Pre-clear customs entries with our GCC partner agents
Explore Our Food & Cosmetic Export Services →
Country-Specific Notes
Saudi Arabia (SFDA)
- Mandatory SFDA registration for prepackaged food, cosmetics, and supplements
- SFDA barcode and approval needed before shipment
- Labels must follow Arabic-first format and include Hijri date if applicable
UAE (ESMA)
- Obligatorio Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) for many food items
- All Halal claims must be certified by an ESMA-recognized body
- Cosmetic products must undergo ingredient compliance review
Qatar
- No alcohol, pork, or gelatin-based ingredients permitted
- Halal certificates must be approved by Qatar’s Standards Authority
- Arabic-only labeling is permitted, but English is recommended
Common Pitfalls and Rejections
- Certificates from non-approved Halal bodies
- Missing Arabic on product packaging
- Inclusion of haram preservatives (e.g., E120, gelatin)
- Expired product registration with SFDA
- Unregistered exporters trying to ship directly
Conclusion: Compliance = Market Access
Halal certification is no longer a soft requirement—it’s a regulatory standard in the Gulf. Exporters who prepare thoroughly can access one of the world’s most valuable and loyal consumer bases.
Syrmex helps you navigate this complexity with confidence, compliance, and commercial efficiency.
