Tatarstan is expanding the geography of countries that recognize certificates issued in the republic confirming that products are halal. Work is currently underway with 17 countries.

The Halal Standard Committee under the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Tatarstan (DUM RT) is currently undergoing certification in 17 countries around the world. This was announced today by the head of the Republic’s Investment Development Agency, Taliya Minullina.

In the near future, the Halal Standard Committee is expected to receive a certificate from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). The award ceremony is scheduled to take place during the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,” which will be held in Kazan from May 13 to 18.

Minullina explained that accreditation of Tatarstan’s Halal Standard Committee in Malaysia means that halal product manufacturers from the republic, certified by this body, will be able to enter the Malaysian market.

In an interview with RBC Tatarstan, Minullina noted that not all countries currently recognize certificates issued in Tatarstan confirming compliance with Sharia standards. According to her, this is the main obstacle to the development of halal product exports.

As of now, the Halal Standard Committee under DUM RT holds accreditation from the Gulf Accreditation Center (GAC), which confirms its recognition as a competent certification body in the Gulf countries, said Rais, the Mufti’s adviser on Islamic finance in Tatarstan. He noted that the work on international recognition of Tatarstan’s certificates is progressing step by step according to an approved “roadmap.”

In 2024, the volume of halal product exports from Tatarstan reached $14 million, which is $2.5 million more than the previous year, RBC Tatarstan was told by the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic. Meat and dairy products, as well as confectionery, are being exported to Islamic countries.

According to the strategy for the development of Tatarstan’s agro-industrial complex until 2030, adopted last year, there are over 100 halal product manufacturers in the republic. Every fifth company is export-oriented.