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The Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan has been included in the KazanForum 2026 Organizing Committee

A meeting of the Organizing Committee for the International Economic Forum was held yesterday. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Marat Khusnullin, was held via videoconference, with the participation of Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. The Mufti of Tatarstan, Kamil hazrat Samigullin, and his First Deputy, Ilfar hazrat Khasanov, also participated.

During the meeting, a decision was made to include the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Organizing Committee of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.”

During the meeting, the leaders discussed the organization and preparation of the Forum, including the guest visit, the business and cultural program, security, and other matters.

The 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum 2026” is the main platform for economic cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. The Forum aims to strengthen trade, economic, scientific, technical, social, and cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This year, the Forum will be held from May 12 to 17.

Press Service of the Halal Standard Committee 

The Republic of Indonesia: Features of Eastern Culture, Business Nuances, and Halal Products

The Republic of Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia with a population of over 270 million. Almost 90% of the country’s population is Muslim, making it the fourth-largest country in the world by population.

Despite being home to the world’s largest Muslim community, Indonesia is not constitutionally designated as a Muslim state. Indonesia is a multi-religious country, officially recognizing six religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. Therefore, public holidays are unusually wide-ranging, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Easter, Christmas, the New Year, Chinese New Year, and other holidays.

Negotiating and Doing Business in Indonesia

Indonesia’s business culture has been shaped by the local mentality and ethnic diversity—the country is home to approximately 300 ethnic groups. Islam, the dominant religion, also largely determines business practices. The country’s official language is Indonesian, but most international negotiations are conducted in English.

Indonesians highly value politeness and a relaxed pace of communication. Open criticism—even of competitors—is frowned upon and can be perceived as extremely negative.

Interesting features of business communication:

• Introductions are a ritual. They are unhurried, and when meeting with a large group, it is important to greet everyone. Handshakes are usually avoided at first contact.
• Punctuality is important… but not for everyone. Local entrepreneurs may be late even for important meetings, but foreign guests are expected to be precise and organized.
• Decision-making is collegial. Indonesian companies often base their policies on group consensus, but the leader always has the final say. Personal connections are of great importance. Successful collaboration is built on trust, and career advancement often depends on family and personal relationships.
• Greetings have a social connotation. Muslims often place their hand on their heart and bow their heads slightly. If there are several people in a group, the most senior person—by age or status—is greeted first. The first name is stated, followed by the title or rank.

Halal Certification System

Since the majority of Indonesia’s population is Muslim, the country has a strict halal certification system. All legal documents governing this area are posted on the official website of the Halal Product Certification Agency (BPJPH). According to the Indonesian government, goods imported, produced, or sold in the country must be halal certified.

An exception is made for products containing “haram” (prohibited) ingredients. These may not be certified, but their packaging must be clearly labeled indicating the presence of such ingredients.

Products that meet halal requirements receive the official BPJPH logo—”Halal Indonesia”—and a unique certification number.

Products containing ingredients derived from pork or pork-based products must be marked with the special “MENGANDUNG BABI” (“contains pork”) label.

Export and Import of Goods in Indonesia

Indonesia actively exports halal products, yet is not one of the world’s largest importers in this segment. Nevertheless, the country’s halal import volume remains significant: in 2023, imports were estimated at approximately US$11 billion.

The main suppliers of halal imports to Indonesia are Australia, a key exporter of meat and livestock, including beef and cattle; Brazil and Argentina, suppliers of frozen and processed meat, as well as various food products; the United States supplies ingredients for specialized food components and finished halal products; and Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey primarily export certified halal products, including finished goods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Trade between Russia and Indonesia

According to the Russian federal center Agroexport, Russia exported approximately 1.4 million tons of agricultural products to Indonesia in 2024. Grains (primarily wheat) accounted for the bulk of these exports. Coriander seeds (approximately 2.6%) and frozen fish (approximately 2.2%) also accounted for significant volumes.

Indonesia, in turn, exported approximately 800,000 tons of agricultural products to Russia, a 17% increase compared to 2023. These exports included potentially halal products, such as palm and babassu oil, coffee, and cocoa products.

Halal Trade Development Potential

Many Indonesian exports to Russia already meet halal requirements or can be certified. Countries are actively working to simplify procedures, standardize, and mutually recognize certificates, opening up additional opportunities for growing bilateral trade.

Accreditation of the Indonesian Agency BPJPH to the Halal Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan

In October of this year, an official delegation from the Republic of Indonesia—representatives of the Halal Product Assurance Agency under the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (BPJPH)—visited the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan.

BPJPH representatives highly praised the Committee’s organization, the transparency of procedures, the professionalism of its staff, and the compliance of the certification system with international requirements.

Accreditation by one of the largest and most reputable global halal certification centers is an important step in strengthening international cooperation, global recognition of the halal standards of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, and expanding interaction with Muslim countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. The Committee is currently awaiting a final decision from the Indonesian side on this matter.

The article was written based on materials from the website of the Russian federal center “Agroexport”, the Interfax news agency, and the Indonesian news agency Antara

Photo: freepik.com

The Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan at the World Halal Summit 2025 in Istanbul: general provisions

The 11th World Halal Summit 2025 was held in Istanbul in November, concurrently with the 10th OIC Halal Expo. A delegation from the Republic of Tatarstan, led by Taliya Minullina, Head of the Islamic Development Agency, participated in the event. The delegation also included Rustem Gainullov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Abbas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov, Chairman of the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The delegation held talks with Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, and Ibistam Ahmed Saeed Al Farooqi, Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman. Meetings were also held with international organizations, including The Saudi Halal Center, The Halal Assessment Council (HAC), and SMIIC.

The Chairman of the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan also held several meetings with international partners:
— a meeting with colleagues from Singapore;
— talks with Zafer Soylu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Helal Akreditasyon Kurumu (HAK), Turkey;
— discussions on developing cooperation with Yusif Salem Alharbi, Director of The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the summit, also at the official invitation of the Turkish side, Abbas hazrat Shlyaposhnikov presented to an international audience 25 years of experience in developing the halal standardization and certification system in Russia, using the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan as an example.

In his speech, he explained that the Committee’s work began in 1999, and in 2009, it was created and registered with Rosstandart – the country’s first voluntary certification system for halal products and services. The Committee also participated in the development of the first national GOST standards for halal products, ensuring their practical applicability.

Abbyas Hazrat emphasized that the Committee’s activities are aimed at developing a comprehensive halal ecosystem: “Our strategic goals are comprehensive and future-oriented. They extend far beyond basic certification and encompass the development of the entire halal ecosystem.”

This ecosystem includes promoting halal infrastructure, active public engagement, organizing specialized training courses for industry professionals, and, crucially, promoting the holistic concept of Halal Lifestyle. This concept extends beyond food to key sectors such as Islamic finance, halal tourism, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and hospitality, recognizing the growing demand for a comprehensive halal lifestyle.

Special attention was paid to international cooperation. “We are an active member of the World Halal Council and its Executive Committee, as well as a member of the Association of Halal Certification Authorities (AHAC) at SMIIC. Our certification system has achieved recognition from some of the most reputable bodies in the world, including JAKIM (Malaysia), Oman, Qatar, SANHA (South Africa), Thailand, and China. This extensive network of mutual recognition agreements opens the necessary doors for Russian halal exports to key international markets, from the Gulf to Southeast Asia,” shared Abbyas Hazrat.

Abbyas Hazrat also noted the importance of the annual international economic forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” in Kazan, which is a key venue not only for showcasing products but also for uniting Muslim producers and consumers, promoting the Halal Lifestyle, and making a tangible contribution to the development of the Muslim economy.

“Over the past 25 years, the Halal Standards Committee has evolved into a rigorous, scientifically sound, and internationally recognized organization. We strive to continue this path, building trust and strengthening the global halal industry. We are confident that sharing and adapting these core principles can benefit our joint efforts worldwide,” concluded Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov.

Press Service of the Halal Standards Committee

Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov presented the experience of the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan at the World Halal Summit 2025 in Istanbul

At the 11th World Halal Summit 2025, at the official invitation of Turkey, Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov presented to an international audience 25 years of experience in developing the halal standardization and certification system in Russia, using the example of the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan.

In his speech, he explained that the Committee’s work began in 1999, and in 2009, the country’s first voluntary certification system for halal products and services was created and registered with Rosstandart. The Committee also participated in the development of the first national GOST standards for halal products, ensuring their practical applicability.

Abbas Hazrat emphasized that the Committee’s activities are aimed at developing a comprehensive halal ecosystem: “Our strategic goals are comprehensive and future-oriented. They extend far beyond basic certification and encompass the development of the entire halal ecosystem.”

This ecosystem includes promoting halal infrastructure, actively engaging with the public, organizing specialized training courses for industry professionals, and, crucially, promoting the holistic concept of Halal Lifestyle. This concept extends beyond food to such important sectors as Islamic finance, halal tourism, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and hospitality, recognizing the growing demand for a comprehensive halal lifestyle.

Particular attention was paid to international cooperation. “We are an active member of the World Halal Council and its Executive Committee, as well as a member of the Association of Halal Certification Authorities (AHAC) at SMIIC.” “Our certification system has achieved recognition from some of the most reputable bodies in the world, including Malaysia’s JAKIM, Oman, Qatar, South Africa’s SANHA, Thailand, and China. This extensive network of mutual recognition agreements opens the necessary doors for Russian halal exports to key international markets, from the Gulf to Southeast Asia,” Abbyas Hazrat shared.

Abbyas Hazrat also noted the importance of the annual international economic forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” in Kazan, which has become a key platform not only for showcasing products but also for uniting Muslim producers and consumers, promoting the Halal Lifestyle, and making a tangible contribution to the development of the Muslim economy.

Concluding his speech, Abbyas Hazrat presented the Committee’s best practices for adaptation in other countries: the integration of science and Sharia, proactive engagement with the government and national standardization, the development of a broad halal ecosystem, and investments in human capital and technical resources.

“Over the past 25 years, the Halal Standards Committee has evolved into a rigorous, scientifically sound, and internationally recognized organization. We strive to continue this path, building trust and strengthening the global halal industry. We are confident that sharing and adapting these core principles can benefit our joint efforts worldwide,” concluded Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov.

Press Service of the Halal Standards Committee

As part of the World Halal Summit 2025, the Committee Chairman held a number of business meetings

Today, November 27, in Istanbul, on the sidelines of the 11th World Halal Summit 2025, Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov, Chairman of the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, held several meetings with international partners:

— a meeting with colleagues from Singapore;

— talks with Zafer Soylu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Helal Akreditasyon Kurumu (HAK), Turkey;

— talks on building collaboration with Yusif Salem Alharbi, Director of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Abbyas Hazrat invited his international colleagues to participate in the international economic forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,” which will be held in Kazan from May 12-17, 2026. years.

As a reminder, the day before, talks were held with Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Turkey, and Ibistam Ahmed Saeed Al Farooji, Deputy Minister for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman. Meetings were also held with international organizations, including The Saudi Halal Center, The Halal Assessment Council (HAC), and SMIIC.

Press Service of the Halal Standards Committee

The Chairman of the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan is participating in the World Halal Summit 2025

The 11th World Halal Summit 2025 opened today, November 26, in Istanbul. It is being held concurrently with the 10th OIC Halal Expo. A delegation from the Republic of Tatarstan, led by Taliya Minullina, Head of the Islamic Development Agency (IDA), is participating in the event. The delegation includes Rustem Gaynullov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Abbas hazrat Shlyaposhnikov, Chairman of the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The delegation held talks with Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, and Ibistam Ahmed Saeed Al Farooqi, Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman. Meetings were also held with international organizations, including The Saudi Halal Center, The Halal Assessment Council (HAC), and SMIIC.

The Tatarstan side invited partners to the international economic forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,” which will be held in Kazan from May 12-17, 2026.

It is worth mentioning that, at the official invitation of the Turkish side, Abbyas hazrat Shlyaposhnikov will soon speak as an expert at a session of the World Halal Summit.

Press service of the Halal Standard Committee

The Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan is the first Russian body recognized in Taiwan

A memorandum of mutual recognition was signed between the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THIDA). This step can be seen as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen trade ties between Russia and Taiwan in the growing halal industry.

It is worth noting that the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan has become the first halal certification organization recognized in Taiwan. The recognition of the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan in Taiwan reflects Russia’s growing importance as a partner in the emerging halal ecosystem in East Asia.

Despite the relatively small Muslim population in Taiwan, the halal market in the region is growing due to its export potential and the influx of Muslim tourists from Southeast Asia.

Food and beverages dominate the main halal production sectors, with interest also emerging in halal cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism infrastructure.

Press Service of the Halal Standards Committee

China Recognizes the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan: New Memorandum Signed

An agreement was signed between the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Chinese certification body Shandong Halal Certification Service (SHC). The organization’s director is Ibrahim Liu Chuan.

The parties agreed to mutually recognize halal certificates issued by each other, cooperate in halal standardization and certification, and exchange information on halal products.

It is worth noting that SHC became the third Chinese organization to recognize certificates issued by the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Approximately 23 million Muslims live in China, representing approximately 1.8% of the country’s total population. The halal food market in China is experiencing significant growth and holds great promise. Industry analysts estimate its volume to be in the tens of billions of dollars. Specifically, according to Fortune Business Insights, the halal food and beverage market in China will reach approximately $77.7 billion in 2024, up from approximately $68 billion in 2023. The projected CAGR is approximately 10.8 percent through 2034.

Press Service of the Halal Standards Committee

The Halal Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan (Ministry of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan) is undergoing accreditation by the BPJPH Agency (Indonesia).

Last week, an official delegation from the Republic of Indonesia visited the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of the Republic of Tatarstan (Ministry of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan) – representatives of the BPJPH (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Produk Halal) – the Halal Product Assurance Agency under the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

The BPJPH is responsible for the development and implementation of the national halal certification system, the accreditation of foreign halal bodies, the registration of auditors, and the oversight of compliance with halal requirements at all stages of production and product distribution.

The Indonesian delegation’s visit follows on from the agreements reached by the Committee’s Chairman, Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov, during his working visit to Southeast Asia.

During the visit, the BPJPH launched the accreditation process for the Halal Standards Committee of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan (SAM RT). This process included on-site inspections, audits of internal processes, assessment of quality management systems, and monitoring of the operations of facilities certified by the Halal Standards Committee of the SAM RT.

BPJPH representatives highly praised the Committee’s organization, the transparency of procedures, the level of professionalism of its staff, and the compliance of the certification system with international requirements.

Accreditation by one of the largest and most reputable global halal certification centers will be an important step in strengthening international cooperation, global recognition of the SAM RT’s halal standards, and expanding interaction with Muslim countries, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The Halal Standard Committee of the Muslim Religious Board of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Mutual Recognition

As part of the business program of the Golden Autumn exhibition, a Memorandum on Mutual Recognition of Halal Certificates was signed between the Halal Standard Committee of the Muslim Religious Board of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) on October 8 in Moscow.

A New Stage of International Cooperation

The document was signed by Abbyas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov, Chairman of the Halal Standard Committee of the Muslim Religious Board of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Abana Waziri Abba, Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Main Provisions of the Memorandum

According to the signed document, the parties agreed:
• on the mutual recognition of Halal certificates;
• on cooperation in the field of standardization, including the exchange of standard structures, rules, specifications, and application procedures;
• on the mutual exchange of information on standards, technical regulations, and professional activity plans;
• Joint training and research programs;

Nigeria’s Market Potential

Nigeria is the largest food importer in Africa, with wheat accounting for approximately 25% of agricultural imports. Russia consistently ranks among the top suppliers, accounting for up to 18%. Against this backdrop, recognition by the Halal Standard Committee of the Muslim Religious Board of the Republic of Tatarstan creates favorable conditions for expanding Russian exports to African markets.

New Impetus for Export Development

The signing of the Memorandum with Nigeria marks another step in the Halal Standard Committee of the Muslim Religious Board of the Republic of Tatarstan’s strategic efforts to strengthen international cooperation and expand the geographic reach of countries recognizing our certificates. The Committee is consistently building a system of trust in the Halal standard, opening up new opportunities for exporting certified products to countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the CIS.

Press service of the Halal Standard Committee

Highlights of the Global Halal Summit at World Halal Week!

September 19, 2025

Abbas Hazrat Shlyaposhnikov participated in the grand opening ceremony of the Global Halal Summit as part of World Halal Week!

The event, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), featured a speech by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted the significance of the KazanForum as a key international platform for the halal industry.

We express our gratitude to Anwar Ibrahim for recognizing Tatarstan’s valuable contribution!

#WorldHalalWeek #MIHAS2025 #HalalTatarstan

Indonesia: DUM RT Halal Standards Committee Aims to Become the First Russian Body Recognized by BPJPH